One remarkable 11-day journey through New Zealand's North Island. Three opportunities to experience spectacular landscapes, great railway routes and regional stories - all shared with the warmth, hospitality and passion that define GVR.
New Zealand by private train
The Spirit of the Antipodes Rail Tour is more than a train trip across the North Island. For this journey, “the Antipodes” represents New Zealand; “the Spirit” is the way the country is shared - through GVR’s passion for rail travel, genuine Manaakitanga, attentive service and the warmth of the people and communities encountered along the way.
Across 11 days, the journey brings together the romance of long-distance rail travel and the freedom of a privately chartered heritage train with geothermal Rotorua, the beauty of the Bay f Plenty, the engineering drama of the Central Plateau, Taranaki, Whanganui, Manawatū and Hawke’s Bay. Spectacular scenery matters, but so do the stories, welcomes and personal moments that give each place its character.
Three departures are planned for 2027. Each follows substantially the same core itinerary, with seasonal variations and final operating details confirmed on the individual tour pages.
The journey at a glance
A private-train journey linking some of the North Island’s most distinctive regions — each with its own scenery, railway character and experiences.
The journey begins aboard GVR’s private heritage train.
Geothermal landscapes, Māori culture and distinctive rail experiences.
The Raurimu Spiral, great viaducts and volcanic scenery.
Coastal character, gardens and regional railway heritage.
River stories and High Tea aboard the PS Waimarie.
Railway country and the gateway to a steam-hauled highlight.
Art Deco Napier, Cape Kidnappers and celebrated local flavours.
Choose your journey
Select the time of year that suits you. Exact dates, fares and availability will appear on each departure page once confirmed.
Early autumn
Book Now!
9 - 19 March 2027
Enjoy the journey in early autumn, with long touring days, warm regional landscapes and the full Spirit of the Antipodes experience — private-train travel delivered with GVR hospitality and manaakitanga.
Autumn
Book Now!
16 - 26 April 2027
A second autumn opportunity to experience the private train, Central Plateau railway engineering and immersive regional touring.
Spring
Book Now!
27 October – 7 November 2027
See the North Island in spring, with fresh landscapes and seasonal experiences adding a different character to the familiar journey.
Day by day
Every 2027 departure follows this core route. Calendar dates differ by departure - view your chosen tour above for the full day-by-day programme with confirmed dates, accommodation and inclusions.
Heritage-diesel charter over the Waiuku Branch and North Island Main Trunk to Hamilton, then to Tokoroa. Coach to Rotorua for a gondola ride and buffet dinner overlooking Lake Rotorua.
RailCruising on the former Rotorua Branch, the Redwoods Treewalk and free time at leisure.
Through the Kaimai Tunnel and the King Country, ascending the Raurimu Spiral and crossing the Makatote and Hapuawhenua Viaducts.
Past Tangiwai and the Rangitīkei viaducts, diverting onto the Marton–New Plymouth Line to Taranaki’s coastal walkway.
A curated day of Taranaki Garden Festival gardens, plus a ride with the Waitara Railway Preservation Society.
High Tea aboard the coal-fired PS Waimarie on the Whanganui River, then on to Palmerston North.
Steam-hauled through the Manawatū Gorge, with lunch at historic Oruawharo Homestead.
An exclusive Gannet Safaris experience, plus a Hawke’s Bay winery visit.
A vintage-car Art Deco tour and entry to the MTG Museum, with the afternoon free.
Back through the Manawatū Gorge, visiting the Pahiatua Railcar Society, with a farewell dinner.
Choose the heritage-diesel return via the Raurimu Spiral to Auckland, or a coach relocation with the Wellington Cable Car and Te Papa Tongarewa.
Signature experiences
Railway drama, regional character and the pleasure of having the whole train as part of your travelling world.
Restored heritage carriages, warm hospitality and the freedom of travelling aboard a train reserved for the tour.
Travel through the volcanic heart of the island, across great viaducts and through celebrated railway engineering.
Combine geothermal landscapes and Māori culture with distinctive attractions and memorable hosted dining.
Step beyond the train for local stories, heritage attractions and experiences that belong to each destination.
Discover the architecture, stories and atmosphere that make Napier one of New Zealand’s most distinctive cities.
Meaningful, locally grounded experiences are woven throughout the itinerary rather than added as an afterthought.
Steam and heritage diesel operations are planned where railway access and locomotive availability allow.
A relaxed small-group atmosphere, experienced tour leaders and the warm, personal manaakitanga for which GVR is known.
The spirit behind the journey
GVR operates the train, hosts the journey and shares places we genuinely care about. Our railway passion, personal service and ability to connect people & place create the warmth and sense of belonging at the heart of The Spirit of the Antipodes Rail Tour - an experience conventional touring cannot easily reproduce.
Frequently asked questions
Three tours are planned: one in March 2027, one in April 2027 and one travelling across late October and November 2027. Exact dates will be added as each individual tour is released.
The core 11-day journey is planned to be substantially the same. Seasonal attractions, railway operations, accommodation and some inclusions may vary, so the individual tour pages will remain the definitive source for each departure.
For this rail tour, “the Antipodes” represents New Zealand, while “the Spirit” is the experience of the country itself: GVR’s passion for rail travel, genuine manaakitanga, attentive hospitality, spectacular journeys, local stories and the warmth of the people met along the way.
The Spirit of the Antipodes Rail Tour is designed as a fully escorted package, generally including private heritage train travel, accommodation, selected meals, coach transfers, excursions and admissions. Confirmed inclusions and exclusions will be listed on each departure page.
GVR’s tours are intentionally small and personal. The private train has considerably more capacity than the number of tour guests, creating a spacious and relaxed travelling environment. Generally we take away 2 groups of not more than 35 people per group.
Guests should be able to manage their own luggage, climb carriage and coach steps without assistance and comfortably walk approximately 500 metres. Detailed mobility guidance will be included with each tour.
Three journeys. Limited places.
Explore the departure cards above as each tour is released, or contact the GVR Rail Tours team to register your interest in the March, April or spring 2027 journey.
