Great Southern Steam Train Tour - SOUTH ISLAND RAIL TOUR - Marlborough Flyer
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Great Southern
Steam Train Tour
• SOU TH ISLAND RAIL TOUR •
D EPA RT I N G W ELLI N GT O N 2 2 A P R I L - 4 M AY 2 0 2 1
1 3 - DAY T O U R O P T I O N
Experience the adventure, the nostalgia, the romance of Steam Train travel.
Pounamu Tourism Group invites you to take a step back in time to a bygone era
for an epic steam train journey exploring the majestic South Island of Aotearoa.
GREAT SOUTHERN TOUR OPTIONS
STEAM TRAIN TOUR
TOUR OPTION 1:
Journey with us into the deep south of New Zealand 13-DAY TOUR Departing Wellington
and experience the postcard perfect vistas and from 22 April – 4 May 2021 **
dramatic alpine scenery that this part of the world
is renowned for. TOUR OPTION 2:
You will spend the first week travelling the entire 8-DAY TOUR Departing Wellington to
length of the South Island (visiting Marlborough, Invercargill from 22 April – 29 April 2021 **
Christchurch, Oamaru, Dunedin and Invercargill),
in the comfort of vintage carriages hauled by the
** option to begin tour in Blenheim on 23 April 2021
historic WW1 memorial steam locomotive Ab608
Passchendaele, (named in honour of our fallen
soldiers at The Battle of Passchendaele in 1917).
Once you have reached Invercargill at the bottom
of the mainland, we begin the traverse inland on
luxury coaches to experience the wonders of Te
Anau, Milford Sound, Queenstown and Franz
Josef, before the home stretch to Christchurch on
the iconic TranzAlpine via Arthur’s Pass.
South Island 13-Day Steam Train Tour • 22 April 2021 - 4 May 2021 2
CONTENTS DAY 1
Wellington –
13-DAY TOUR Blenheim
DEPARTING WELLINGTON page 6
DAY 2 DAY 3
Blenheim – Kaikoura –
Kaikoura Christchurch
page 6 page 7
DAY 4 DAY 5
Christchurch Christchurch –
ANZAC DAY Oamaru
page 7 page 8
DAY 6 DAY 7
Oamaru – Dunedin –
Dunedin Invercargill
page 8 page 9
DAY 8 DAY 9
Invercargill – Te Anau –
Te Anau Milford Sound
page 9 page 10
DAY 10 DAY 11
Te Anau –
Queenstown
Queenstown
page 10 page 11
DAY 12 DAY 13
Queenstown – Franz Josef –
Franz Josef Christchurch
page 11 page 12
South Island 13-Day Steam Train Tour • 22 April 2021 - 4 May 2021 3
13-DAY TOUR DEPARTING WELLINGTON
22 APRIL - 4 MAY 2021
Steam Train
Luxury Coach
TranzAlpine
South Island 13-Day Steam Train Tour • 22 April 2021 - 4 May 2021 4
13-DAY TOUR The adventure playground of Queenstown awaits.
Evening sunset drinks cap off a special day as we
DEPARTING take in The Remarkables Mountains and the view
WELLINGTON of Lake Wakatipu below.
Queenstown highlights include the historic and
picturesque goldmining town, Arrowtown, on
22 APRIL - 4 MAY 2021 the banks of the Arrow River, taking in the Lakes
District Museum. Plus the lake cruise on board
the historic TSS Earnslaw, the 1912 Edwardian
Your journey begins with a Meet and Greet in
the harbour city of Wellington, followed by one steamboat, which takes us across Lake Wakatipu to
of the most scenic picturesque ferry crossings in Walter Peak High Country Farm for dinner.
the world across the Cook Strait, then weaving Leaving Queenstown, we pass by the crystal-clear
our way through Queen Charlotte Sound to the waters of Lake Dunstan, Lake Wanaka, and Lake
port town of Picton. First overnight stop is in the Hawea. After a morning tea break in Makarora on
famous Marlborough wine region boasting over 100 the border of Mount Aspiring World Heritage Park,
vineyards, then onwards to spectacular Kaikoura,
we will travel through the Haast Pass, journeying
home of resident whales where the great mountains
through native beech forest and over the Southern
of the Southern Alps rise from the depths of the
Alps, before emerging on the West Coast. This
Pacific Ocean.
remote area has a ruggedly beautiful landscape of
The tour is escorted by a fleet of luxury coaches that vast rainforests, gushing waterfalls and snow-capped
provide seamless transfers from the train to your
mountains.
accommodation each evening.
Our last night is spent at Franz Josef where options
Arriving in Christchurch in time to prepare for
are available for helicopter tours of the glacier. All
the annual ANZAC Day dawn parade where after
guests are encouraged to wind down and enjoy some
paying our respects, we interlude to explore the
well-deserved pampering at the Franz Josef Glacier
beautiful French historical township of Akaroa and
then the option of a harbour cruise by steam tugboat Hot Pools.
or a city & tram tour. The final day and the TranzAlpine awaits to return
On the route from Christchurch to Oamaru, explore you to your ultimate destination of Christchurch.
unique places of interest such as the Blue Penguin Often regarded to be one of the world’s great train
Colony, Whitestone Cheese Factory and Moeraki journeys for the scenery through which it passes.
Boulders, and then on to Dunedin. The journey is 223 kilometres one-way, taking
Luxury coaches then provide the link inland, traversing almost five hours. You will see epic vistas, travel the
the Southern Scenic Route from Invercargill to the edges of the ice-fed Waimakariri River, traverse the
Fiordland National Park district, where we spend majestic Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps, and
a couple of awe-inspiring days experiencing the see miles of native beech forest - the journey of a
wonders of Te Anau and Milford Sound. lifetime.
South Island 13-Day Steam Train Tour • 22 April 2021 - 4 May 2021 5
13-DAY TOUR DEPARTING WELLINGTON
22 APRIL – 4 MAY 2021
DAY DATE ITINERARY HOTEL MODE
WELLINGTON - PICTON - BLENHEIM
Thu 22 Meet and Greet at Wellington Ferry Terminal Scenic Hotel Ferry
1 April Afternoon Interislander Ferry to Picton Marlborough / Coach
The Wine Station
BLENHEIM - KEKERENGU - KAIKOURA
The White
Fri 23 Yealands Estate vineyard tour
2 April Lunch at Kekerengu “The Store”
Morph Hotel Steam Train
and equivalent
Winterhome Formal Garden Tour
KAIKOURA - CHRISTCHURCH Distinction
Sat 24
3 April
Seal Colony Walk Hotel Steam Train
Whale Watching, Dolphins, Scenic flights (optional) Christchurch
CHRISTCHURCH
Distinction Coach
Sun 25 ANZAC DAY DAWN PARADE
4 April Akaroa Township Tour
Hotel / Steam
Christchurch Tugboat
Steam Tug Boat OR City & Tram Tour
CHRISTCHURCH - OAMARU
Mon 26 Brydone Hotel
5 April
Blue Penguin viewing in Oamaru
or North Star
Steam Train
Whitestone Cheese Tour
OAMARU - DUNEDIN
Tue 27 Scenic Hotel
6 April
Moeraki Boulders on way to Dunedin
Southern Cross
Steam Train
High Tea & Garden Tour at Larnach Castle
DUNEDIN - INVERCARGILL
Wed 28 OCHO Chocolate Factory Tour Ascot Park Steam Train
7 April Bill Richardsons Transport World Hotel / Coach
Scenic Flight to Stewart Island (optional)
INVERCARGILL - TE ANAU
Thu 29 Riverton Museum Distinction Coach
8 April Lunch at Tuatapere Hotel Luxmore / Cruise
Takahe Sanctuary
TE ANAU - MILFORD SOUND - TE ANAU
Fri 30 Coach along Eglinton Valley to Milford Sound via Homer Tunnel Distinction Coach
9 April Milford Sound Cruise (optional) Hotel Luxmore / Cruise
Coach to Te Anau
TE ANAU - QUEENSTOWN
Sat 1 Copthorne Coach
10 May
Te Anau Glowworm Caves & Cruise (optional)
Hotel Lakefront / Steam Train
Arrowtown - Lakes District Museum
QUEENSTOWN
Sun 2 Copthorne Coach
11 May
Day at your leisure
Hotel Lakefront / Steam Ship
TSS Earnslaw & Walter Peak Homestead Dinner
QUEENSTOWN - FRANZ JOSEF
Mon 3 Scenic Hotel
12 May
Hotpools
Franz Josef
Coach
Helicopter (optional)
Sudima
FRANZ JOSEF - ARTHUR’S PASS - CHRISTCHURCH
Tue 4 Christchurch
13 May
TranzAlpine
Airport
TranzAlpine
Tour ends
(optional)
South Island 13-Day Steam Train Tour • 22 April 2021 - 4 May 2021 6
DAY 1 Thursday 22nd April 2021
Wellington – Picton - Blenheim
(Marlborough)
Meet and greet takes place in the harbour city of
Wellington at the Ferry Terminal, followed by one of
the most picturesque ferry crossings in the world as
we cruise across the Cook Strait then weave our way
through Queen Charlotte Sound to the port town
of Picton. Travelling by coach to Blenheim, our first
overnight stop is in the famous Marlborough wine
region boasting over 100 vineyards. The welcome
reception is appropriately held at The Wine Station
DAY 2 Friday 23rd April 2021
where guests can taste from a selection of 80 of the
region’s finest wines and craft beers, barista coffee (Tour options are available to commence tour from Blenheim)
and gourmet platters of local produce.
Blenheim – Kekerengu –
Kaikoura
Passengers will stay at Scenic Hotel
Marlborough, a modern and stylish property Today we introduce you to the star of the tour, the
located in the heart of Marlborough’s wine historic WW1 memorial steam locomotive Ab608
country town of Blenheim. Passchendaele, (named in honour of our fallen
soldiers at The Battle of Passchendaele in 1917).
The Marlborough Flyer steam train (as she is more
recently known) will gently roll into Blenheim
Station as the Marlborough Brass Band adds to the
sense of occasion. Then it is “all aboard” and onward
South via the Dashwood Pass and Awatere Valley.
We stop at Seddon and disembark for a wine tour at
the award winning, Yealands Estate.
Boarding again we steam ahead for Kekerengu where
we disembark for lunch overlooking the Pacific
Ocean at “The Store” where we also enjoy a garden
tour at the beautifully manicured Winterhome
formal garden.
After taking on water for the steam train we pull
away for the spectacular coastal journey to Kaikoura.
Passengers will stay at The White Morph
Hotel (or equivalent), taking in spectacular
views of the Kaikoura Esplanade.
South Island 13-Day Steam Train Tour • 22 April 2021 - 4 May 2021 7
DAY 3 Saturday 24th April 2021
Exploring Kaikoura
“Where the mountains meet the sea”
Kaikoura, home of resident whales, where the
guardians of the seas – the mountains of the
Southern Alps – rise majestically from the deep
trenches of the Pacific Ocean.
Several different species of whale can be seen off the
coast of Kaikoura at different times of the year, and DAY 4 Sunday 25th April 2021
most of the time, the huge resident Sperm Whales
(ANZAC DAY)
can be sighted. The ocean trench just off the coast
means sperm whales are often seen close to shore.
There will be a leisurely morning Seal Colony Walk Kaikoura – Christchurch
followed by optional excursions for whale, dolphin
and seal watching (by boat or plane). After paying our respects at the ANZAC dawn
parade, we will interlude from commemorations to
The tour departs Kaikoura on the 24th April in order
explore the beautiful French historical township of
to arrive in Christchurch in time to prepare for the
Akaroa, arriving by coach.
annual ANZAC Day dawn parade (which takes
place the following day). Options include exploring the harbour on the
historical steam tugboat (Tug Lyttelton Est. 1907)
or a historical tram tour of “the garden city”.
Passengers will stay at the luxurious and
newly renovated Distinction Hotel in
Cathedral Square, located in the heart of Passengers will stay at the luxurious and
Christchurch. newly renovated Distinction Hotel in
Cathedral Square, located in the heart of
Christchurch.
South Island 13-Day Steam Train Tour • 22 April 2021 - 4 May 2021 8
DAY 5 Monday 26th April 2021
Christchurch – Oamaru
The morning departure from Christchurch is
by steam train as we set out towards one of New
Zealand’s many towns of character, Oamaru. DAY 6 Tuesday 27th April 2021
Gourmet cheese is then on the menu as we explore
the Whitestone Cheese Factory, home of some of Oamaru – Dunedin
the world’s finest cheeses and you’ll be treated on
a guided tour which includes a cheese and wine The journey continues south towards Dunedin,
pairing. calling in to The Moeraki Boulders, a group of
large spherical “stones” on Koekohe Beach near
The Blue Penguin Colony in Oamaru is similarly
Moeraki on the Otago coast. These boulders are
not to be outdone, has specially designed nesting
actually concretions that have been exposed through
boxes for your convenience as well as stadium
shoreline erosion from coastal cliffs. The boulders are
grandstand seating for your viewing pleasure, to see
one of the most fascinating and popular attractions
the penguins arrive home in the evening.
on the South Island.
Once in Dunedin we will coach to historic
Passengers will stay at Brydone Hotel – “fine Larnach Castle. Situated on the picturesque Otago
accommodation and libations since 1881”- Peninsula, Larnach Castle is one of New Zealand’s
or the North Star. premier visitor attractions. Lovingly restored by the
Barker Family, the Castle and surrounding grounds
are at the heart of the Dunedin visitor experience.
Passengers arrive in time for refreshing high tea in
the Ballroom Café followed by a guided garden tour.
Passengers will stay at Scenic Hotel
Southern Cross which is Dunedin’s most
established hotel, nestled in the heart of the
city.
South Island 13-Day Steam Train Tour • 22 April 2021 - 4 May 2021 9
DAY 7 Wednesday 28th April 2021
Dunedin to Invercargill
Morning starts with a guided tour and tasting at the
new OCHO craft chocolate factory where they turn
cacao into chocolate bars. OCHO moved into the
new premises in January 2019 and are eager to share
the OCHO experience with chocolate lovers with
every part of their production process on display.
We set off steam-hauled towards the southern-most
point of the main trunk line. We initially hug the
coast, the steam train winds its way inland past the
edge of the Blue Mountains to the town of Gore,
and then southwards to Invercargill.
DAY 8 Thursday 29th April 2021
Passengers may choose to relax in Invercargill by
taking in the famous Bill Richardson Transport
World or guests may elect to take an optional scenic Invercargill to Te Anau
flight or ferry to the wonderful Stewart Island, home
Luxury coaches provide the link inland, traversing
to amazing wildlife and stunning scenery.
the Southern Scenic Route from Invercargill to the
Famous Bluff oysters will no doubt be on the menu Fiordland National Park district, where we spend
this evening. a couple of awe-inspiring days experiencing the
wonders of Te Anau and Milford Sound.
Passengers will stay at The Ascot Park Hotel, The drive from Invercargill will call in to the Te
adjacent to the racecourse and with a relaxed Hikoi Museum in Riverton, the South’s ultimate
and spacious layout. heritage attraction, just 25 minutes from Invercargill
on the Southern Scenic Route. The museum features
authentic life size displays, adventurous characters
and engaging stories. These reveal how our Maori
and European ancestors adapted to survive on
nature’s edge. An experience not to be missed.
Our journey by coach continues, calling in for
lunch at Tuatapere café then a visit to the Takahe
Bird Sanctuary. Takahe are the stars of the show
and meeting these prehistoric-looking characters is
a ‘must do’ for Fiordland visitors. The sanctuary is
a large part of the success of the Takahe Recovery
Programme.
Passengers stay at Distinction Hotel
Luxmore.
South Island 13-Day Steam Train Tour • 22 April 2021 - 4 May 2021 10DAY 9 Friday 30th April 2021
Te Anau – Milford Sound – Te
Anau
Traveling along the Milford Road (between Te Anau
and Milford) is one of the finest alpine drives in
the world. The scenery is exceptional, ranging from
broad grassy flats, dense rainforest and towering
mountains through to glacial lakes and alpine herb
fields. A day tour to Milford Sound offers some of
the most spectacular natural scenery to be viewed
anywhere in the world. Board the coach and travel
through stunning scenery along the Milford Road
and into Fiordland, where your cruise boat awaits
you. The tour includes a cruise around the fiord so
you can experience its wonders up close and see
landmarks like Mitre Peak and amazing wildlife,
such as dolphins and seals. Cruise the inmost reaches
of Milford Sound to the open Tasman Sea and back.
A one-day itinerary is enough to see all the beautiful DAY 10 Saturday 1st May 2021
views along the way, take a scenic cruise around the
fiord, and get back to Te Anau in time for dinner. Te Anau – Queenstown
Wake up to a leisurely morning or enjoy the wonders
Passengers stay at Distinction Hotel of the Te Anau glowworms caves. The Te Anau caves
Luxmore. are a culturally and ecologically important system
of limestone caves on the western shore of Lake Te
Anau. The adventure playground of Queenstown
then awaits.
On the way, you will call into the historic and
picturesque goldmining town, Arrowtown, on the
banks of the Arrow River, with a visit to the Lakes
District Museum in the afternoon. Cap off a special
day as we take in The Remarkables Mountain Range
and the view of Lake Wakatipu from the hotel.
Passengers stay at Copthorne Hotel Lakefront
which is located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu,
within walking distance of Queenstown’s
central shopping and entertainment area. The
hotel offers panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu
and surrounding mountain peaks.
South Island 13-Day Steam Train Tour • 22 April 2021 - 4 May 2021 11DAY 12 Monday 3rd May 2021
Queenstown – Franz Josef
Leaving Queenstown, we pass by the crystal-clear
waters of Lake Dunstan, Lake Wanaka, and Lake
Hawea. After a morning tea break in Makarora on
the border of Mount Aspiring World Heritage Park,
we will travel through the Haast Pass, journeying
through native beech forest and over the Southern
Alps, before emerging on the West Coast. This
remote area has a ruggedly beautiful landscape of
DAY 11 Sunday 2nd May 2021 vast rainforests, gushing waterfalls and snow-capped
mountains.
Queenstown Our last night is spent at Franz Josef where options
are available for helicopter tours of the glacier. All
Wake up to enjoy a free day exploring Queenstown guests are encouraged to wind down and enjoy some
at your leisure. Later in the afternoon, we join a lake well-deserved pampering at the Franz Josef Glacier
cruise on board the historic TSS Earnslaw, the 1912 Hot Pools.
Edwardian steamboat, which takes us across Lake
Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm for
dinner. Passengers stay at the Scenic Hotel Franz Josef
Passengers stay at Copthorne Hotel Lakefront
which is located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu,
within walking distance of Queenstown’s DAY 13 Tuesday 4th May 2021
central shopping and entertainment area. The
hotel offers panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu
and surrounding mountain peaks. Franz Josef – Arthur’s Pass -
Christchurch
The final day and The TranzAlpine awaits. Often
regarded to be one of the world’s great train journeys
for the scenery through which it passes. The journey
is 223 kilometres in one direction, taking almost
five hours. Along this journey you will see epic
vistas, travel the edges of the ice-fed Waimakariri
River, traverse the majestic Canterbury Plains and
Southern Alps, and see miles of native beech forest
- the journey of a lifetime.
Tour ends in Christchurch.
South Island 13-Day Steam Train Tour • 22 April 2021 - 4 May 2021 12INCLUSIONS: For your convenience the following has all been included in your tour price.
ACCOMMODATION INCLUSIONS - MEALS
We have selected minimum 4-star standard • 12 cooked breakfasts
accommodation for The Great Southern Steam • 12 sumptuous dinners including:
Train Tour in order to ensure the comfort and
- Dinner at Walter Peak Homestead
quality of your experience for this journey of a
- Welcome Dinner at The Wine Station in
lifetime.
Blenheim
- Lunch at The Store, Kekerengu
LUXURY COACHES & TOUR OPTIONS
- High Tea at Larnach Castle
The fleet of luxury coaches will escort the train
- Lunch at Tuatapere, Southland
throughout the journey, providing seamless transfers
to your accommodation and excursions. You will be EXCLUSIONS:
accompanied by experienced Tour Captains who
Flights to and from your points of arrival/departure
are there to guide and assist you throughout your
are not included.
journey.
PREPAID ATTRACTIONS (INCLUDED)
13-DAY TOUR FROM WELLINGTON
• Cruise on the Interislander Ferry
Per Person Sharing $5,950
• Welcome Reception at The Wine Station, Single Supplement $500
Blenheim
• Yealands Estate winery tour 12-DAY TOUR FROM BLENHEIM
• Visit to the Store Kekerengu and Winterhome Per Person Sharing $5,650
Garden tour Single Supplement $500
• Seal Colony Guided Walk in Kaikoura
• Akaroa Township Tour
BOOKINGS
• Steam Tug Boat OR City & Tram Tour
A 10% deposit is required to secure a booking, 40%
• Blue Penguin viewing in Oamaru in December 2020 and the balance in March 2021.
• Whitestone Cheese Tour
For all bookings and for further information:
• Moeraki Boulders
www.marlboroughflyer.co.nz
• High Tea & Garden Tour at Larnach Castle
Phone +64 (0) 3 974 1812
• OCHO Chocolate Factory Tour E: info@marlboroughflyer.co.nz
• Bill Richardson Transport World
• Takahe Sanctuary
• Milford Sound Day Trip (cruise is optional)
• Arrowtown Lakes District Museum
• Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw
• Walter Peak Homestead
• Franz Josef Hot Pools
• TranzAlpine Rail Journey
South Island 13-Day Steam Train Tour • 22 April 2021 - 4 May 2021 13www.marlboroughflyer.co.nz
You can also read
