Upcoming New Zealand Rail Trips & Tours

See more, do more, and relax on one of our Day Trips or guided Rail Tours!

Multi-day Tours

28 - 31 Oct 2026 Spirit of the Antipodes – Pre Tour
Spirit of the Antipodes – 3 Day Pre-Tour
Auckland • Multi-day add-on Before SOTA Oct/Nov Tour

Add an extra layer of Auckland heritage and experiences before joining the main Spirit of the Antipodes tour.

31 Oct – 10 Nov 2026 Spirit of the Antipodes – 11 Day Rail Tour
Spirit of the Antipodes – 11 Day Rail Tour
Multi-day Tour Departs: Auckland / Hamilton

A fully escorted North Island rail adventure featuring exclusive touring, premium stays, and the hospitality & passion you expect from GVR.


Day Trips & Special Events

Sun 26 Apr 2026 The Ruapehu Scenic Daylight (April 2026)
The Spiral Express
Main Trunk • Day Trip Departs: Auckland / Waikato

Mighty viaducts, tunnels and the famed Raurimu Spiral – travel through the Central Plateau to Waiouru, with time to visit the National Army Museum or soar above the mountains on the Sky Waka gondola.

Sun 26 Apr 2026 The Ruapehu Viaduct Explorer (Mar 2026)
The Ruapehu Explorer
Central Plateau • Day Trip Waimarino-National Park/Ohakune ⇄ Waiouru

Another chance to experience the Central Plateau by heritage train – – travel through the Central Plateau to Waiouru, with time to visit the National Army Museum.

Sat 2 May 2026 The Dairyland Flyer
The Kaimai Express
Auckland / Waikato • Day Trip Departs: Waiuku / Glenbrook / Pukekohe / Hamilton

A rare day out by heritage train. Travel the East Coast Main Trunk as we take the train to Tauranga for the first time in over a decade!

Sat 2 May 2026 The Dairyland Flyer
The Mount Maunganui Express
Bay of Plenty • Day Trip Departs: Tauranga

Step aboard for a scenic rail journey from Tauranga’s waterfront to the foot of iconic Mt. Maunganui and back!

Sat 2 May 2026 The Dairyland Flyer
The Kaimai Coast Express
Bay of Plenty • Day Trip Departs: Tauranga

From harbour to hills, this memorable rail journey showcases the changing landscapes of the Bay of Plenty!

Sat 9 May 2026 Mother's Day Eve Express
Mother’s Day Eve Express
Auckland • Day Trip Departs: Waiuku / Glenbrook / Pukekohe

Treat Mum to a memorable day out by heritage train – with optional experiences including a winery lunch at Vilagrad Winery or a day out in Hamilton.

Sat 9 May 2026 The Te Kuiti Trekker
The Te Kuiti Trekker
Waikato • Day Trip Hamilton ⇄ Te Kuiti

A relaxed heritage train adventure into the King Country – great scenery, classic carriages, and an easy day out with friends.

Sat 13 Jun 2026 The Fieldays Flyer
The Fieldays Flyer
Auckland/Waikato • Day Trip Departs: Waiuku / Glenbrook / Pukekohe / Hamilton

Travel to Fieldays at Mystery Creek, or continue through to Taumarunui for either lunch at Bradley’s Garden or free time in town.


 



More trips and tours to be announced throughout the year…

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