Join us as we journey into the heart of the King Country. This single day rail tour departs the city of Hamilton, stopping at the rural towns of Te Awamutu, Otorohanga and Te Kuiti to pick up passengers along the way.
Sit back and enjoy the scenic beauty of the North Island Main Trunk line as we travel deep into the King Country, crossing the 111 year old Waiteti viaduct, passing through the Poro-o-Tarao tunnel before descending to the Ongarue river valley which guides our way to Taumarunui.
Once our heritage train has arrived at Taumarunui, you have the the option to choose one of the following activities:
Option 1 - Lauren's Lavender Gardens
Board a chartered bus at Taumarunui railway station and travel a short distance to Lauren's Lavender Garden where you will be greeted by ham on the bone for lunch. After lunch, enjoy a tranquil walk around the lavender gardens and visit the lavender shop to sample the range of natural lavender products. All before returning by chartered bus, back to your train in Taumarunui for the journey home.
Or:
Option 2 - Visit Local
Take the opportunity to Support Local in Taumarunui. Stop in at one of the cafes for a coffee and lunch then visit the variety of shops, art gallery and railway museum. This is an ideal option for those just wanting to explore the town in your own time.
Price: Free
Rejoin your train again at Taumarunui for a 2pm departure. Complimentary light refreshments will be served at your seat on the homeward bound journey as we travel north through passing through the quaint rural settlements of Okahukura, Waimiha and Kopaki along the way.
As the train travels across the peatlands of Rukuhia, we are nearing the city of Hamilton, where we are scheduled to arrive at 5pm. Here we will say farewell and hope that you thoroughly enjoyed your day out on our GVR Scenic Rail service.
Timetable
| Outward | ||
|---|---|---|
| Hamilton | dep. | 8.50am |
| Te Awamutu |
dep. | 9.15am |
| Otorohanga |
dep. | 10.10am |
| Te Kuiti |
dep. | 10.30am |
| Taumarunui |
arr. | 12.05pm |
| Inward | ||
|---|---|---|
| Taumarunui | dep. | 2.00pm |
| Te Kuiti |
arr. | 3.30pm |
| Otorohanga |
arr. | 3.55pm |
| Te Awamutu |
arr. | 4.23pm |
| Hamilton |
arr. | 5.05pm |
*This rail tour is subject to Ministry of Health, Covid-19 restrictions. Please read the booking terms and conditions for more information.
**Lavender gardens may not be in bloom.
Download brochure including terms and conditions of booking
Your ticket entitles you to return train travel on GVR's heritage train including complimentary light refreshments. Lauren's Lavender Lunch includes return bus transfer to Lauren's Lavender Gardens and lunch.
