The Spirit of the Antipodes Rail Tour — March 2027
An extraordinary private rail journey across New Zealand’s North Island
Travel aboard GVR’s private tour train through the Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Central Plateau, Taranaki, Whanganui, Manawatū and Hawke’s Bay, combining remarkable railway scenery with distinctive local experiences, heritage attractions and warm GVR hospitality.
The GVR Difference
A fully hosted journey, thoughtfully arranged
More than a train tour — a relaxed, personal and purpose-led way to explore the North Island.
Travel aboard GVR's Private Train
Enjoy the freedom of travelling on your own private train, over railway lines seldom used by regular passenger services — an experience inspired by the world’s great long-distance rail journeys.
Discover the North Island
Waikato, Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, Taranaki, Hawke’s Bay, Manawatu & Wellington—all in one unforgettable journey.
All Logistics Included
Enjoy a fully inclusive journey, with accommodation, meals, transfers, excursions, admissions and train travel thoughtfully arranged throughout.
Small Group, Premium Experience
Our 300+ seat train and small group size ensures a personalised, relaxed journey with expert hosts and more time for immersive experiences. We take away up to 2 groups of not more than 35 people.
Our Passionate Team
The journey is shaped as much by the people who lead it as the places you visit. GVR’s experienced tour leaders and passionate team deliver attentive, friendly service, creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere from start to finish.
Signature Experiences
Rail Tour Highlights
A selection of the memorable rail journeys, attractions and local experiences featured on this tour.
GVR’s Private Train
Travel aboard Glenbrook Vintage Railway’s exclusive private train, enjoying restored carriages, warm hospitality and access to railway lines no longer used by regular passenger services.
Steam-Hauled Grand Finale
For Auckland-return guests, conclude the tour behind steam on Day 11, travelling north from Palmerston North across the Central Plateau, through the Raurimu Spiral and onward to Hamilton and Auckland.
Māori Cultural Experience
Enjoy an immersive Māori cultural experience at Te Puia, featuring traditional performance, storytelling and a shared meal, surrounded by the geothermal wonders of Whakarewarewa.
Rotorua, Skyline & RailCruising
Experience Rotorua’s Redwoods Treewalk, ride the Skyline Gondola for lunch, and travel the former Rotorua Branch by RailCruiser before continuing to Tauranga.
Tawhiti Museum & Len Lye Centre
Discover Taranaki’s stories at Tawhiti Museum before exploring contemporary art and the work of pioneering New Zealand artist Len Lye at the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery and Len Lye Centre.
PS Waimarie
Cruise the Whanganui River aboard the Southern Hemisphere’s last coal-fired paddle steamer still in operation — a journey steeped in history.
Art Deco Napier
Explore Napier’s renowned Art Deco architecture, galleries and coastal charm — a beautifully preserved legacy of the 1930s rebuild.
The Journey
Tour Route Map
Optional Auckland Extension
3-Day Spirit of the Antipodes Pre-Tour
6–9 March 2027 | Auckland heritage, harbour and railway experiences before joining the main tour.
A memorable introduction to Auckland and GVR
Begin with an evening cruise aboard the historic 1935 steam tug William C Daldy, discover Auckland’s cultural and transport heritage at the Auckland War Memorial Museum and MOTAT, and conclude with an exclusive steam charter and High Tea at the Glenbrook Vintage Railway. The pre-tour includes two nights in central Auckland and one night in Karaka before joining the main rail journey.
Sat 6 March 2027
Arrive Auckland & William C Daldy Cruise
Make your way to our central Auckland accommodation and settle in, with time to explore the waterfront or relax after your journey. Later in the afternoon, meet your GVR hosts and travel to the wharf to board the historic William C Daldy.
Cruise the Waitematā Harbour aboard the beautifully preserved 1935 steam tug, experiencing her original steam machinery while enjoying Auckland’s waterfront, harbour bridge and city skyline. Dinner is served aboard during this exclusive group experience.
Tour Inclusions
D- Exclusive William C Daldy steam tug charter
- Dinner aboard the tug
- Group transfer to and from the wharf
Sun 7 March 2027
Auckland Museum, MOTAT & Devonport
Set out by coach for an easy-paced exploration of Auckland. Visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum, prominently positioned in the Auckland Domain, to discover stories of New Zealand, its people and its natural and military history.
Continue to the Museum of Transport and Technology — MOTAT, with time to explore its collections of trams, trains, road transport, technology and aviation, including the award-winning aircraft display hall and heritage tram connection between museum sites.
The day also includes time in Devonport. Guests may return by coach or take the ferry across the harbour to the city, with the evening free to enjoy Auckland at leisure.
Tour Inclusions
B | L- Auckland sightseeing by coach
- Auckland War Memorial Museum admission
- MOTAT admission and heritage tram experience
- Visit to Devonport
Mon 8 March 2027
Glenbrook Vintage Railway & High Tea
Travel south to Waiuku and the Glenbrook Vintage Railway, the home railway and operational base of the team behind The Spirit of the Antipodes Rail Tour.
A specially chartered steam train carries the group over GVR’s 7.5-kilometre heritage railway through the rural Franklin countryside. The visit includes photo opportunities, a guided look behind the scenes at the workshops and an introduction to the railway’s history, restoration work and present-day operation.
Enjoy an elaborate High Tea lunch aboard GVR’s beautifully restored carriages before transferring to Karaka for the final pre-tour night.
Tour Inclusions
B | L- Coach transfer Auckland → Glenbrook → Karaka
- Exclusive GVR steam train charter
- Workshop visit and railway introduction
- Catered High Tea lunch
Day by Day
11-Day Main Tour Itinerary
Final timings and operational details will be confirmed closer to travel.
Tue 9 March 2027
Auckland/Hamilton → Rotorua
Begin The Spirit of the Antipodes Rail Tour aboard GVR’s private train, hauled by our heritage diesel locomotives 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.
Tour Inclusions
L | D- GVR heritage diesel tour train Auckland/Hamilton → Tokoroa
- Morning and afternoon tea onboard
- Lunch pack onboard
- Coach transfer Tokoroa → Rotorua
- Te Puia Māori cultural experience and dinner
Wed 10 March 2027
Rotorua → Tauranga
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.
Tour Inclusions
B | L- Redwoods Treewalk entry
- Skyline Rotorua Gondola and lunch
- RailCruising experience
- Coach transfer Rotorua → Tauranga
- Dinner at Trinity Wharf [TBC]
Thu 11 March 2027
Tauranga → Ohakune
After breakfast at Trinity Wharf, transfer to Tauranga’s railway station and rejoin GVR’s private train, hauled by our heritage diesel locomotives. Travel through kiwifruit country and the 8.9 km Kaimai Tunnel, 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.
Tour Inclusions
B | L | D- Coach transfer Trinity Wharf → Tauranga railway station
- GVR heritage diesel tour train Tauranga → Hamilton → Ohakune
- Morning and afternoon tea and lunch onboard
Fri 12 March 2027
Ohakune → Marton → New Plymouth
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.
Tour Inclusions
B | L- GVR Tour Train Ohakune → New Plymouth
- Morning & afternoon tea, and lunch onboard
Sat 13 March 2027
New Plymouth & South Taranaki
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.
Tour Inclusions
B | L- Coach touring through New Plymouth and South Taranaki
- Admission to Tawhiti Museum
- Included lunch
- Visit to the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery and Len Lye Centre
Sun 14 March 2027
New Plymouth → Palmerston North
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.
Tour Inclusions
B | L | D- GVR Tour Train New Plymouth → Palmerston North
- Morning Tea & lunch onboard.
- Whanganui River cruise and afternoon tea on PS Waimarie
Mon 15 March 2027
Palmerston North → Napier
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.
Tour Inclusions
B | L- GVR Heritage Diesel Tour Train Palmerston North → Napier
- Morning and afternoon tea onboard
- Sumptuous lunch at Oruawharo Homestead
Tue 16 March 2027
Napier → Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony & Winery
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.
Tour Inclusions
B | L- Exclusive charter with Gannet Safaris
- Morning tea & lunch
- Visit to a Hawke’s Bay winery
Wed 17 March 2027
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.
Tour Inclusions
B- Art Deco vintage car tour
- 20-minute film “The Day that Changed the Bay”
- Entry to Napier’s MTG Museum
- Afternoon at leisure
Thu 18 March 2027
Napier → Woodville → Pahiatua → Palmerston North
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.
Tour Inclusions
B | L | D- GVR Heritage Diesel Tour Train Napier → Pahiatua → Palmerston North
- Morning & afternoon tea and lunch onboard
- Lunch pack onboard
- Farewell dinner
Fri 19 March 2027
Palmerston North → Hamilton/Auckland
Conclude the tour in memorable style behind steam, 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.
Tour Inclusions
B | L- Steam-hauled GVR Tour Train Palmerston North → Hamilton, Pukekohe & Glenbrook
- Morning and afternoon tea and lunch onboard
- Lunch pack onboard
Fri 19 March 2027
Palmerston North → Wellington
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.
Tour Inclusions
B | L- Coach travel Palmerston North → Wellington
- Wellington Cable Car experience
- Visit to Te Papa Tongarewa
- Coach transfers to Wellington Airport or central hotels
- Optional post-tour accommodation in Wellington (enquire)
Choose Your Finish Point
Tour Options & Pricing
Both packages begin in Auckland and include the full 11-day escorted tour. Prices are per person in New Zealand dollars.
Auckland → Auckland
Full 11-day / 10-night escorted package returning north aboard the GVR tour train.
Package includes:
- Travel aboard the exclusively chartered GVR tour train
- 10 nights’ accommodation on a twin-share basis
- 10 breakfasts, 11 lunches and 4 dinners
- Attractions, entries and excursions listed in the itinerary
- Coach transfers, travel and touring listed in the itinerary
- Expert GVR tour leaders and onboard hosting
Auckland → Wellington
Full 11-day / 10-night escorted package finishing with touring and transfers in Wellington.
Package includes:
- Full Spirit of the Antipodes Rail Tour itinerary through Day 10
- Coach travel Palmerston North → Wellington on Day 11
- Wellington Cable Car and Te Papa experiences
- Transfers to Wellington Airport or central hotels
- 10 nights’ accommodation on a twin-share basis
- 10 breakfasts, 11 lunches and 4 dinners
Optional Extras
Add these services to tailor the tour to your travel arrangements.
3-Day Auckland Pre-Tour
6–9 March 2027 | Begin your journey with Auckland’s harbour, heritage and railway stories before joining the main Spirit of the Antipodes Rail Tour.
A complete hosted introduction to Auckland and GVR
Includes two nights in Auckland CBD, one night in Karaka, the William C Daldy steam tug cruise, Auckland Museum, MOTAT, Devonport touring, an exclusive GVR steam charter, High Tea, transfers and the activities listed in the pre-tour itinerary.
Pre-tour package includes:
- Three nights’ accommodation
- William C Daldy charter and dinner
- Auckland Museum and MOTAT admission
- Hosted Auckland and Devonport touring
- Exclusive GVR steam charter
- High Tea at Glenbrook Vintage Railway
- Coach transfers and relocations
- Connection into Main Tour Day 1
Prices are in New Zealand dollars and are additional to the main tour fare.
Airport Transfers
Airport pickup and/or drop-off
Pre-Tour Accommodation
Night prior at Karaka Hilton with GVR transfer on Day 1
Post-Tour Wellington
Additional night following the tour
Tour Exclusions — All Packages
- Airfares, connecting travel or expenses before joining or after leaving the tour
- Meals and refreshments other than those specifically detailed
- Personal expenditure, taxis, transfers, accommodation or services not listed as included
- Travel insurance, which is recommended for all passengers
Limited Small-Group Places
Reserve Your Seat
Secure your place on one of New Zealand’s most distinctive private rail journeys.
Book NowPrices are in NZD and subject to change. A single supplement applies to single-room occupancy.
Planning Your Journey
Spirit of the Antipodes — Frequently Asked Questions
Key information about the tour format, accommodation, meals and physical requirements.
How long is the tour?
The March 2027 main tour operates for 11 days from Tuesday 9 March to Friday 19 March 2027.
Where does the tour start and finish?
The tour begins in the Auckland region. Passengers may select either the Auckland return package or the package finishing in Wellington.
Are accommodation and meals included?
Accommodation and the meals listed within the final itinerary are included. Hotel names and any meal details marked TBC will be confirmed in the final passenger documentation.
What level of mobility is required?
Passengers should be able to walk approximately 500 metres, negotiate a short flight of stairs where lifts are unavailable, and manage their own luggage during hotel and transfer movements.
Mobility & Fitness
Participants should be comfortable walking approximately 500 metres at a relaxed pace, including some uneven surfaces at stations and attractions.
You will also need to manage a short flight of stairs where lifts are unavailable and handle your own luggage during hotel check-ins and transfers. Please contact the tours team to discuss suitability or practical assistance.