Vine and Dine Express 22

Relax this Auckland Anniversary weekend in good company with your family and friends - hop on the train from Waiuku or Pukekohe and choose from one of three fun activities with us today. Whether it be a special dinner and sampling some wine at the renowned Vilagrad winery, spending an evening at The Base, or enjoying a rail cruise to Te Kuiti with the option of a three course dinner served on the train. A great option for the family is to browse the shops, catch a movie, then find something tasty for dinner. Perhaps you might just want to stay on the train and go a little further to Te Kuiti with a chance to watch the locomotive be turned on the turntable. Either way, weÔÇÖre sure this will be a very relaxing, boutique and enjoyable experience not to be missed!

Join us at Waiuku or Pukekohe where one of our friendly staff will be waiting to welcome you onboard. Once we are away from Pukekohe, settle in as our staff pass through serving your complimentary light refreshments. Enjoy the rural views as we make our way towards Hamilton where we arrive at the new and modern Hamilton ÔÇô Rotokauri station at approximately 4.55pm, right next to The Base to embark on one of your chosen options:


Option 1 - Buffet Dinner at Vilagrad winery

For those choosing the exclusive dinner at the Vilagrad winery, your bus transfer will be waiting and our staff will be on hand to assist you. Exclusively ours for this special dinner, the Vilagrad winery will be serving up a sumptuous buffet dinner for you to enjoy. While there, take the chance to sample one or two of VilagradÔÇÖs wines!

This option also includes a welcome drink* and complimentary light refreshments on the return journey. At-seat purchase of non-alcoholic and alcoholic* beverages will also be available.

Adult $129 - Child (2-14) $85
LAST SEATS ADDED - BOOK NOW
Timetable (Train Waiuku/Pukekohe to Rotokauri, Bus Rotokauri to Vilagrad)

Outward

Waiuku
dep. 2.10pm
Pukekohe dep. 3.05pm
Rotokauri (The Base) arr. 4.55pm
Vilagrad Winery
arr. 5.25pm
Inward

Vilagrad Winery dep. 8.25pm
Rotokauri (The Base) dep. 9.05pm
Pukekohe arr. 10.45pm
Waiuku arr. 11.40pm


Option 2 - An Evening at Te Awa/The Base Shopping Centre

If you have chosen an evening at Te Awa/The Base, then just head up and over the footbridge to The Base complex. There will be time to browse the shops, or perhaps check out the movies then find something delicious for dinner or just do all three!

This option includes complimentary light refreshments on the outbound and return journey. At-seat purchase of non-alcoholic and alcoholic* beverages will also be available.

Standard shopping hours are until 6pm with the food court, some stores, restaurants and the cinema open until at least 9pm. For more information on The Base, please see their website.

Adult $45 - Child (2-14) $30 - Family (2A + 2C) $135

Timetable (Train Waiuku/Pukekohe to Rotokauri)

Outward

Waiuku
dep. 2.10pm
Pukekohe dep. 3.05pm
Rotokauri (The Base)
arr. 4.55pm
Inward

Rotokauri (The Base)
dep. 9.05pm
Pukekohe
arr. 10.45pm
Waiuku arr. 11.40pm


[SOLD OUT] Option 3 - An Evening Rail Cruise to Te Kuiti and return - Optional Onboard Dinner

With this option you can choose to continue on the train to Te Kuiti and enjoy an optional three-course dinner onboard the train. The journey through to Te Kuiti passes through pleasant farmlands and rolling hills. If you choose the optional onboard dinner, your welcome drink*, entr├®e and mains will be served at your seat on the journey south from Hamilton to Te Kuiti, and your dessert will be served on the return journey.

This option includes complimentary light refreshments on the outbound and return journey. At-seat purchase of non-alcoholic and alcoholic* beverages will also be available.

At Te Kuiti the locomotive will be detached from the train and turned on the turntable. There is time to stretch your legs here at the heritage Te Kuiti station before the train departs for the journey back north to Auckland.

Adult $69 - Child (2-14) $49 - Family (2A + 2C) $205

Plus Optional Onboard Three Course Dinner

DINNER MENU - ADULT
Entr├®e
Cheese Board - A Selection of New Zealand Cheese
w/ Seasonal Fruit, Housemade Chutney and Accompaniments

Mains
Lamb Rump w/ Mint Salsa Verde + Port Jus (GF)
or
Free Range Chicken Sauteed in a Beurre Noisette + Crispy Sage (GF)
or
Blackened Cauliflower Steak w/Romesco Penne Pasta (Vegan)

Sides
Seasonal Greens, Sauteed with Chilli + Garlic Olive Oil
and
Baby Oven Roasted Potatoes w/ Herbs + Butter

Dessert
Chocolate Fudge Brownie w/ Coulis + Cream (GF, Vegan available)

DINNER MENU - CHILD
Entr├®e
Mini Club Sandwiches w/ Fruit Kebabs

Main
Roast Chicken & Potatoes & Peas w/ Gravy

Dessert
Chocolate Fudge Brownie

Dietary substitutions are available on request

Timetable (Train Waiuku/Pukekohe to Te Kuiti)

Outward

Waiuku
dep. 2.10pm
Pukekohe dep. 3.05pm
Te Kuiti
arr. 6.50pm
Inward

Te Kuiti dep. 7.25pm
Pukekohe
arr. 10.45pm
Waiuku arr. 11.40pm

 

This relaxed evening train trip is a great treat or thank you for the special people in your life!

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COVID-19 Information

My Vaccine Pass
GVR is operating in accordance with the COVID-19 Protection Framework. This requires that we need to see a valid My Vaccine Pass 'COVID-19 passport' for every visitor over the age of 12 years 3 months.
Please present your paper or digital My Vaccine Pass when boarding at the station. All our volunteers and staff are also subject to this requirement.
If you do not have a valid My Vaccine Pass, unfortunately you will be turned away and will not be eligible for a refund.
Masks
As this is a pre-booked allocated-seating tour, face coverings are strongly encouraged except when eating or drinking.
Contact Tracing
NZ COVID Tracer QR codes are on display in each carriage for you to scan. As all passengers are pre-booked on this tour we have your name, contact details, and seating location for use in Contact Tracing.
Cancellation Policy
This tour has been planned to be able to operate under Traffic Light Orange or Green. We may be able to operate this tour in Traffic Light Red depending on the restrictions that apply - and we will communicate any changes with you as soon as possible.
In the event that the NZ Government or its agencies prevent the operation of this tour taking place due to COVID-19, refunds of fares paid (net of outgoings made from those fares) may be made by GVR upon written application being received from booked passengers.

Seating Information

We aim to seat passengers from the same booking together. You will be allocated at least one window seat for bookings of 2 or more (subject to availability). Where possible, seats will be turned to face the direction of travel (pairs and singles) or to face each other (groups). If you are traveling with people on a different booking or have another specific request then please email us as soon as possible at [email protected] and we will try and accommodate your request the best we can. Your allocated seat and carriage details will be on your boarding pass which will be emailed to you at least 2-3 days before your departure date.

Onboard Information
  • Smoking is prohibited anywhere onboard our trains, including on any viewing platform, this includes the use or charging of e-cigarettes.
  • Only alcohol served by your train crew can be consumed onboard (strictly NO BYO) - no alcohol must be taken away from the train.
  • Due to the heritage nature of our carriages there is limited accessibility for people traveling with Wheelchairs. Please contact us in advance to discuss your requirements.
  • Animals apart from seeing and hearing guide dogs may not travel onboard our trains.
  • Only the named passengers on your booking will be allocated seats. One child under 2 may sit on each adult's knee. Children under 2 seated in the manner do not require a ticket.
  • There are toilets onboard our train which can be used throughout the journey.
  • Cold food or drink may be brought and consumed onboard the train provided that this does not disturb our passengers and that you take all rubbish and food scraps with you.
*Note: Service and sale of alcohol onboard the train is subject to an applicable license being granted by Auckland Council.

Book now for the Vine and Dine Express - Saturday 29th of January 2022

Your ticket includes return train travel. Tickets for Option 1 - Buffet Dinner at Vilagrad Winery includes bus transfers and Buffet Lunch. Optional Onboard Three Course Dinner ticket includes you chosen set menu option served at your seat.