An extraordinary private rail journey across New Zealand’s North Island

Begin The Spirit of the Antipodes Rail Tour aboard GVR’s private train, steam hauled over the Waiuku Branch and North Island Main Trunk to Hamilton, then along the East Coast Main Trunk to Tokoroa. Continue by coach to Rotorua, where the day concludes at Te Puia with an immersive Māori cultural experience, traditional performance, geothermal surroundings and dinner.

Begin among Rotorua’s towering redwoods with the Redwoods Treewalk. Continue to Skyline Rotorua, riding the gondola above the city for lunch with sweeping views over Lake Rotorua. This afternoon, experience RailCruising on the former Rotorua Branch before travelling by coach to Tauranga for the night at Trinity Wharf.

After breakfast at Trinity Wharf, transfer to Tauranga’s railway station and rejoin GVR’s private train, hauled by steam locomotive. Travel through kiwifruit country and the 8.9 km Kaimai Tunnel and on to Hamilton. At Hamilton our Steam Locomotive joins the train, we then head south through the Waikato and King Country. Ascend the Raurimu Spiral, cross the Makatote and Hapuawhenua Viaducts, and arrive in Ohakune for the night.

Travel south on the North Island Main Trunk, passing the Tangiwai site, Taihape, and the impressive Rangitīkei viaducts. At Marton we divert onto the Marton–New Plymouth Line, threading tunnels, river valleys, and rugged farmland. Crossing the Whanganui River, we climb the Westmere Bank and continue via Pātea and Hāwera around the Taranaki National Park to arrive on New Plymouth’s coastal walkway.

Travel by coach through Taranaki to Tawhiti Museum, where detailed displays and immersive scenes bring the region’s history, industries and people to life.

After lunch, return to New Plymouth to visit the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery and Len Lye Centre, exploring contemporary art and the distinctive work of pioneering New Zealand artist and filmmaker Len Lye.

Depart New Plymouth, rolling through Inglewood, Stratford and Hāwera past the Whareroa dairy plant and the Waipipi Wind Farm. Lunch stop in Waverley, before arriving in Whanganui for High Tea aboard the coal-fired PS Waimarie on the Whanganui River.  We then depart via Fordell and Turakina tunnels to Marton, rejoining the NIMT into Palmerston North.

Travel aboard GVR’s heritage-diesel hauled private train from Palmerston North through the rail-only Manawatū Gorge. Continue via Woodville and the six classic viaducts north of Dannevirke. Enjoy lunch at historic Oruawharo Homestead before travelling through the Pekapeka Wetlands and into Napier.

Travel to Cape Kidnappers for an exclusive Gannet Safaris experience across a working farm and wildlife sanctuary to viewing points at the plateau, up-close with the gannets—no walking required. Visit a local Hawke’s Bay winery for afternoon tea before returning to Napier.

A leisurely Napier day with a vintage car Art Deco tour and a short film on the 1931 earthquake. Entry to the MTG Museum included. Afternoon free to enjoy the Art Deco capital at your own pace.

Retrace the PNGL to Woodville, climbing Opapa Bank and passing heritage towns between Waipukurau and Dannevirke. Visit Pahiatua Railcar Society and enjoy lunch before returning through the Manawatū Gorge to Palmerston North. Farewell dinner this evening.

Conclude the tour aboard GVR’s heritage-diesel hauled private train, travelling north from Palmerston North via the Rangitīkei and Central Plateau. Pass Taihape and Turangarere, climb through Waiouru and Ohakune, and cross the Hapuawhenua Viaduct. Descend the Raurimu Spiral to Taumarunui, continue through the King Country and Waikato, and arrive in Hamilton and Auckland at the conclusion of the journey.

After breakfast, travel south by coach on a relaxed journey to Wellington. On arrival, enjoy a ride on the iconic Wellington Cable Car, with time at the summit to explore the museum and take in panoramic views across Wellington Harbour.

Following lunch in the city, spend the afternoon at Te Papa Tongarewa, New Zealand’s national museum, before our coach transfers guests to Wellington Airport for late afternoon departures, or to central hotels for those extending their stay in the capital.