Steam train travel has become a great way to see many countries, but for tourists to New Zealand that option was just not possible until now that is!

Transcription

1 Welcome to Great New Zealand Steam Journeys Kia Ora! and welcome to a great new way to see New Zealand. Steam train travel has become a great way to see many countries, but for tourists to New Zealand that option was just not possible until now that is! Dramatic scenery, friendly people and the diverse nature of the country are all very well known, but what isn t so well known is that the main rail routes go through most of that stunning scenery. Many of the scheduled train services ended years ago and those that still exist are just not designed to meet the needs of tourists who want to travel the length of the country. Driving the length of New Zealand by car or by camper van is extremely tiring, particularly if you have limited time, so our steam journeys have been designed to show you the highlights of New Zealand in 2 weeks, but in the most relaxing way. Journeying by steam train is a fun way to get to meet and to share experiences with fellow travelers. We know that lasting friendships often begin on train journeys and so we make it easy for you to get to know the other travelers on your journey. Our company was originally founded to organise steam journeys for rail fans. However the positive feedback from non-rail fans convinced us that if we developed our journeys to include daily sightseeing and activities specifically for partners and other members of the family, then they would enjoy our steam journeys just as much as the rail fans. Our aim therefore is not only to find the most interesting and scenic destinations for you, but also to make sure an interesting variety of steam is included for the rail fans. We travel on some lines that are closed to passengers, so our journey could be the only chance you will get to travel on those lines and see that scenery. New Zealand has a magnificent array of main line express locomotives and it has a thriving steam preservation movement. During this steam journey rail fans will be able to visit all the main preserved lines and museums in the country, as well as following a route that means we will all enjoy the very best of the Lord of The Rings scenery. The Great New Zealand Steam Explorer. will take you from Auckland in the North of the North Island right through the scenic highlights of New Zealand to Dunedin and Queenstown in the South of the South Island. What a great way to spend your holiday! If you have any questions on this itinerary please do ask me. I travel with you on every Great New Zealand Steam Journey and am always happy to discuss in advance what will be happening on the journey and can make suggestions on how you can get the most out of your holiday. I do hope you enjoy reading about Great New Zealand Steam Journeys. If you would like to know

2 about touring options before or after the journey itself then please get in touch and we will be happy to tailor a tour especially for you. I look forward to travelling with you soon. Paul Hashfield Director paul.hashfield@greatnzsteamjourneys.co.nz Tel: +64 (0) Fax: +64 (0) Website: The Great New Zealand Steam Explorer:

3 Day 1 Sunday: If you are arriving in Auckland earlier than Sunday and would like to visit perhaps Rotorua or the Bay of Islands before our steam journey starts, then do let us know and we will be happy to organise that for you. If you are arriving at Auckland International Airport today and you let us know your arrival time we will arrange transfers to the hotel for you. As many of our overseas guests will still be traveling from home today, we have organised an afternoon steam activity for those guests who have already arrived in Auckland: 12:00 noon Auckland Museum of Transport and Technology: MOTAT Meet your Great New Zealand Steam Journeys host outside entrance of MOTAT: Great North Road, Western Springs, Auckland for a guided visit to the Western Springs Steam Railway, working Tramway & Tram Museum and the Aviation Collection. By 6:30pm Check in to accommodation: Mercure Hotel 8 Customs Street Auckland 7:30pm Welcome Cocktails and Dinner at Mercure Hotel Customs Street Auckland Followed by Great New Zealand Steam Journey welcome presentation The Mercure Hotel has been recently refurbished and is situated right at the very heart of Auckland. It is only a few seconds walk from the Ferry Terminal and Viaduct Harbour in one direction and Auckland s main Queen Street shopping area in the other. Many rooms have sea views and all the dining and bar areas overlook the harbour. Day 2 Monday:

4 7:30am 9:30am Coach picks you up at your accommodation. 9:30-12:00 Morning Coach Tour of Auckland City visiting Auckland s top attractions, including Kelly Tarlton s Underwater World, Auckland Museum and the Sky Tower. The tour will end at lunchtime at the Sky Tower and the afternoon is free for you to explore the city or take one of the other optional tours offered. 2:00pm For railfans a visit during the afternoon has been arranged to New Zealand s premier preserved steam railway the Glenbrook Vintage Railway. Evening For dinner on your first free evening in Auckland we recommend you make the short walk to the waterside areas of Viaduct Harbour/Princes Wharf. This is the area developed specially for New Zealand s America s Cup defence and you will find many excellent bars, cafes and restaurants here. Tonight s accommodation is at: Mercure Hotel 8 Customs Street Auckland Day 3 Tuesday:

5 The Great New Zealand Steam Journey begins! 7:00am 8: am Check out of accommodation 8:30am 8:55am Coach Transfer to Auckland Strand Station Depart Auckland Strand station on the North Island Steam Explorer The journey begins its traverse of the Main Trunk Line by heading along the waterfront around Hobson Bay and the Orakei basin then through the Purewa Tunnel and the Auckland suburbs of Meadowbank and Panmure. It eventually reaches the southern limit of the commuter services in the green fields of Pukekohe. As we continue South we will be travelling close to the mighty Waikato River and the rich fertile Waikato dairying region. Our first crossing of the North Island s longest river is at Ngaruawahia and here we are close to the home of the Maori Queen and many historically significant Maori landmarks as well as the scene of several major battles between the Maori tribes or iwi and the British. We shortly pass on our left one of the world s largest dairy factories at Te Rapa on the Northern edge of Hamilton, the Waikato region s major centre and New Zealand s fifth biggest town in terms of population. Our tour then heads through the King Country to our first scheduled stop at Otorohanga at around pm. We stop here for you to choose one of 2 different tours but before leaving the station do check it out as it is a New Zealand Historical Places Trust Category 1 listed building. Otorohanga is the base for exploring the famous Waitomo Caves and is also home to an excellent Kiwi House and Aviary. The main street also has a Kiwiana display where kiwi culture is vividly illustrated by specially created panels in the local shop windows. You have the option of visiting the famous Glowworm Caves at Waitomo or visiting the Otorohanga Kiwi House or have a short wander around Otorohanga itself. NB Our train only stops briefly at Otorohanga. It will be carrying on to Te Kuiti for servicing where we will rejoin it. So be sure you know which coach will be picking you up! 3.50pm Train departs Te Kuiti for Taumarunui The tour winds its way South through the scenic King Country from Te Kuiti, where you will see how

6 the railway in effect created the main street of the town and then we steam on to one of the most famous stations in New Zealand: Taumarunui. Before we get to Taumarunui however, look out on the right side of the train about 20 miles south of Te Kuiti to spot the branch line curving away to New Plymouth. As you follow the track of this freight only line you will see it crosses one of New Zealand s unique rail/road bridges. This bridge is the only rail/road bridge still in use in the North Island and it is particularly interesting in that it is a double-decker bridge with the road traffic travelling on the lower deck and rail traffic on the top deck. Taumarunui itself is infamous to most New Zealanders as the inspiration for the song: Taumarunui, On the Main Trunk Line! The song refers to the days before trains had Buffet cars, a time when all the overnight trains had to stop for the by now hungry and thirsty passengers to get food at the vast station tea rooms. The song was inspired by a crush the writer had on one of the tea girls and it tells of the chaos and split second timing needed to get 500 very tired and groggy passengers fed and watered without delaying the train. The station is still very much the focus of the town, though the tea rooms are now long gone! 5:30pm Train departs for the famous Raurimu Spiral & National Park This is the beginning of one of the most memorable parts of the North Island steam journey. As we climb towards New Zealand s Central Volcanic Plateau, we climb to over 2000 feet tackling some long and very severe gradients along the way. During the ascent we will be passing over one of the most impressive civil engineering features of the Main Trunk Line, namely the Raurimu Spiral. Here the locomotive and train turns 360 degrees and passes back and over itself again! The spiral allows us to climb over 300 feet in under 3 miles and once you experience this journey you will realise just how necessary the electrification of this route was. Two electric locomotives are now able to haul goods trains twice the previous maximum tonnages and at much faster speeds than previously. As the gradients ease and the train plateaus you will be able to see on the left hand side of the train the three mountain peaks of Mount Tongariro, Mount Ngauruhoe and Mount Ruapehu. They are all situated in a World Heritage Park and if they look familiar to you, that is hardly surprising as Mt Ngauruhoe was used to portray the erupting Mount Doom in the hugely successful Lord of the Rings film trilogy while much of the Tongariro National Park was used to portray Mordor. The active volcano that is Mt Ruapehu erupted as recently as 1995 and if you have time in the morning do spend some time looking at the spectacular photographs of that eruption in the Department of Conservation visitor centre next door to our hotel. 7:00pm (approx)arrival at National Park: Transfer to Grand Chateau Hotel.

7 Our locomotive and train will be stored for the night further around the mountain at Ohakune but we will disembark at National Park for The Grand Chateau Hotel. However, railfans may wish to photograph the train as it crosses the viaducts on its way to Ohakune, so we have organised an optional coach journey to leap frog the train and take railfans to the best photographic locations along the route. The Grand Chateau hotel is one of New Zealand s most famous hotels and is situated high on the North facing slopes of Mount Ruapehu. It was built in 1929 in the grand style of the time and has been extensively refurbished in a sympathetic way. 8.00pm Dinner at Grand Chateau Hotel Followed by showing of local railway history videos for railfans. Tonight s Accommodation is at Grand Chateau Hotel: Whakapapa Village New Zealand s Classic Resort: The Grand Chateau is truly a New Zealand icon. It has the classical grandeur of days gone by, but with all the modern facilities demanded by today s travellers. Facilities include a sauna, indoor plunge pool, tennis court and a 9 hole golf course. Situated on the slopes of Mount Ruapehu your stay here will be one of the highlights of your Great New Zealand Steam Journey. Day 4: Wednesday: 7:30am 8:30am Check out of Hotel

8 Our coach does not leave until and there are several options we recommend you investigate before then. You could have a sauna or play golf, croquet or tennis. Alternatively you could visit the excellent Department of Conservation Visitor Centre just behind the hotel. Here you will find the fascinating volcanic history of the area is vividly explained. Park Wardens can also show you the most interesting short walks that can be taken from the centre. If you have a head for heights, and are prepared to have an early breakfast, we recommend you take the chair lift right to the summit of Mount Ruapehu. The view across the whole of the North Island from 2000 metres is one you will never forget. 10:30am 11:30am Coach Transfer to Ohakune Station Train departs Ohakune Our train will depart Ohakune where you can see the beautifully restored signal box and station precinct there. It will then proceed through Tangiwai, where we will slow down to view the site of New Zealand s worst ever railway disaster. For several years the debris from Mount Ruapehu s 1945 eruption had been building up in its crater lake. Finally late on Christmas Eve 1953 the water pressure proved too much for the walls of the crater and they suddenly caved in sending a six metre wall of millions of tons of water, rock and mud hurtling down the river valley. Unknown to the driver of the approaching Wellington to Auckland express, the force of this lahar had damaged the Tangiwai railway bridge with the result that the locomotive and front carriages of the train ploughed straight into the river with the loss of 151 lives. Many heroes emerged from the darkness and terror of that night and as we pass over the bridge our thoughts will be with them and the victims. Since the disaster an automatic warning system has been installed stopping all trains should another lahar incident ever take place. As the journey continues, we meander through some of the most dramatic scenery in the North Island. As well as excellent views of the mountain behind you, the route ahead includes deep ravines, breathtakingly high viaducts and double twisting curves. 12:30pm Train departs Waiouru for Rangitikei Valley and Feilding We stop briefly at Waiouru, an army training town and one of the North Island s coldest places in winter. We continue to Taihape, which proclaims itself as the Gumboot Capital of the World and Mangaweka, where if you are observant you will be able to spot the old railway deviation running

9 along the hillside. By now we will have crossed some very impressive new concrete and not so new steel viaducts. The new viaducts and the deviation we are travelling on were all built as part of the Main Trunk Electrification Programme of the 1980 s. However some of the old viaducts have found new uses by the adventure tourism industry and are used for both bungy jumping and for mountain climbing practise. 3:30pm (approx) Arrive at Feilding Our train will stop here briefly to allow railfans to get off and visit Feilding Steam Rail Society s depot to see the newly restored 1927 Wab tank locomotive: 794. The restoration of the locomotive and the conversion of the buildings you see around you are a superb example of what a local community can achieve when committed. Following their visit the railfans will be taken to Palmerston North by coach while our other guests will continue on the train to Palmerston North. When we arrive in Palmerston North city there is an optional Health, Herbs and Honey Tour or you have time for Shopping and visiting the Manawatu Art Gallery. Evening Palmerston North has many good restaurants and to find them we suggest you walk into the Town Square area and walk right around the square. We are sure you will find something to your liking and while you are walking see if you can spot where the old railway station and mainline railway used to run dissecting the city in two! Tonight s Accommodation is at: Kingsgate Hotel:110 Fitzherbert Avenue Palmerston North The Kingsgate Hotel is a modern centrally located hotel in Palmerston North. Many rooms have extensive views across the city and the Manawatu region. Day 5 Thursday: 7:30am 8:00am 8:30am Check out of Hotel and Coach Transfer to Palmerston North Station Train departs for Manawatu Gorge, Wairarapa and Wellington

10 This morning we will leaving the pastoral countryside of the Manawatu and will be heading inland through the beautiful Manawatu Gorge and then south through Wairarapa region until we end our day s travel in the harbour capital of New Zealand: Wellington. 11:15am museum Arrive Pahiatua for 45 minute stop and a chance for railfans to visit the Pahiatua Railcar 1.45pm Arrive Masterton where you will have a choice of 2 tours: either a visit to the world famous Martinborough Wineries or for railfans a visit to the Fell Engine Museum at Featherston to see the only Fell Engine left in the world. If you would prefer you can just explore the market town of Masterton and catch the steam train to Featherston once the crew have finished servicing the locomotive. 5.30pm North Island Steam Explorer departs Featherston for Wellington Our journey now takes us through the scenic Rimutaka ranges via the Rimutaka tunnel and we then travel along the valley of the Hutt River through Upper Hutt and Lower Hutt. While we travel along the valley we will be passing many of the locations used for filming Lord of the Rings. We pass the locations for the gardens of Isengard, the Rohan and Anduin rivers and the location for perhaps one of the most spectacular scenes, the quarry used for filming the Battle of Helm s Deep. We are now in the commuting suburbs of Wellington and will follow the route that thousands of commuters take every day into the Capital. However do keep your camera handy as this is no backs of the houses suburban route. On the left side of the train you will see that the views of the harbour as we approach the harbour capital are truly magnificent and we are sure you will want to record them. 7:00pm Train arrives at Wellington Main Railway Station Coach Transfer to The Novotel Capital Hotel. This is the start of South Island Steam Explorer: 8:00pm Welcome Drink and Presentation for new guests at the Novotel Capital Hotel Evening As this is a free evening in Wellington we suggest that for dinner you might like to head to the Courtenay Place district where you will find many of Wellington s best bars, cafes, restaurants and theatres. While you are there do check out the Embassy Theatre, home to the worldwide premier of Lord of the Rings. Tonight s Accommodation is at: The Novotel Capital Hotel, 345 The Terrace, Wellington

11 The Novotel Capital was opened in 2002 and has all the facilities you would expect of a new hotel. It is very centrally located with easy access to the Lambton Quay shopping area and Wellington s thriving waterfront area. Day 6 Friday: 7:30am Today is a day of leisure in the Harbour Capital Suggested Optional Tours:

12 Option 1 Wellington City Tour This tour will include a visit to the main city landmarks, including the top of Mount Victoria, Oriental Parade, and a visit to a Sheepskin warehouse. The tour will end with a visit and time for you to look around Te Papa: The National Museum of New Zealand. Option 2 Rail Enthusiasts Tour of Wellington, Kapiti Coast and Hutt Valley This rail tour will take the very scenic coastal route up the Kapiti coast to Paraparaumu and will include a visit to the Mainline Steam depot in Plimmerton. The Mainline Steam Trust is where many locomotives are currently housed and prepared for service when running excursion trains. This is a privately run operation set up by Ian Welch. He saved several of the locomotives you will see and has probably done more to preserve New Zealand steam than any other private individual. We hope that he will be able to show us around the depot. We follow that with a tour to the Steam Incorporated depot and the tramway museum at Queen Elizabeth Park. On the return route we will change to coaches to visit the Silverstream Steam Railway in the Hutt Valley. Option 3 Day at your leisure We would be happy to advise you of other things you can do and see in the Wellington region. 7:30pm Organised Evening Dinner including a ride in Wellington s famous Cable Car and visit to the Cable Car Museum followed by a Farewell Dinner for our North Island Steam Journey guests who will be leaving us tomorrow. This event is also the first opportunity to formally welcome guests joining us for the South Island Steam Explorer. Tonight s Accommodation is at: The Novotel Capital Hotel, 345 The Terrace, Wellington Day 7 Saturday: Early Start Today! 6:30am 7:30am Safely! 8.00am Check out of Hotel : This is the end of North Island Steam Explorer: Haere Ra! Go Coach transfer to Ferry Terminal for guests continuing on South Island Steam Explorer

13 8.30am Catch Lynx Ferry to South Island Crossing Cook Strait is one of New Zealand s most memorable journeys. You take in the sights of the lower North Island coastline plus the scenic entrance to the South Island through the delightful Marlborough Sounds. If we are lucky we will be tracked by pelorus dolphins and you may see seals basking on the rocks as we glide past! 1.40pm Tranz Coastal Train departs Picton for Kaikoura. Sit back and relax as the locomotive takes us south with The Tranz Coastal for the next three hours. You will pass through Blenheim, one of New Zealand s premier wine growing districts, then cross over the salt beds of Lake Grassmere. Soon after that you will see the unusual double deck rail/road bridge at Awatere and then we will be skirting the coastline again and you should see seals basking on the shore and in the rockpools. 4:00pm Tranz Coastal departs Kaikoura While we skirt the coast we may see some whales offshore and if you would like to get a closer view, then one of the highly recommended Whalewatch tours will be an optional excursion for you when we get to Christchurch. 8.30pm Arrive at Christchurch, then coach transfer to Copthorne Central Hotel. Evening As it s been a long day you might like to eat-in tonight or alternatively pay a visit to the Christchurch Casino where dinner is served till late and the entertainment goes until even later! Accommodation for the next 3 nights will be at: Copthorne Central 776 Columbo Street Christchurch Copthorne Central Hotel overlooks the beautiful Victoria Square and is right next to the tranquil Avon river. The tram circuit to the city centre runs right past the door but the city centre is only 2 minutes walk. Day 8 Sunday: 7:30am As yesterday was a very long day you could have a lie in this morning and take a leisurely breakfast. We have tickets for the Christchurch Tramway for you and when you are ready we suggest you just walk across the road and embark on the Christchurch Tramway circular tour giving you an excellent orientation of Christchurch city centre.

14 Today is a day of leisure in the Garden City of Christchurch Suggested Optional Tours Option 1 Tour of Historical Christchurch. Christchurch was founded as a market town to supply the emerging sheep stations. As the wool and meat industries prospered magnificent civic buildings such as the Cathedral and the Christ s College were built. Your tour will not only include the best of these buildings but also the International Antarctic Centre, the magnificent new Art Gallery as well as Hagley Gardens. You will also have the opportunity to punt along the River Avon. The tour will end in the main Shopping Centre close to your hotel giving you ample time to indulge in some retail therapy. Option 2 Whalewatching in Kaikoura If the brief visit to Kaikoura whetted your appetite for going out to see the whales close up, then this tour is definitely the one for you! NB This tour does not return until late. Option 3 Day Tour to Mt Cook, Tekapo and Mackenzie Country Mount Cook National Park is a magnificent example of a glacial landscape. On this tour you will truly experience the diversity of New Zealand from the rich farmland of the Canterbury Plain to the massive peaks, glaciers, and turquoise lakes of the Southern Alps. During this journey we will stop at the famous Church of the Good Shepherd in Tekapo and while at Mount Cook you will have the choice of several different activities, including a flight that lands on the glacier itself. NB This tour does not return until late, unless you take the return flight option. Option 4 Swim with Dolphins in Akaroa Harbour If you have ever dreamed of swimming with dolphins, then today is the day to fulfil that dream! Today you can swim with one of the world s most endangered species, the Hector s or New Zealand Dolphin. You will also visit one of New Zealand s prettiest small towns: Akaroa. You can t miss the influence of the French who settled in Akaroa with it s French street names, French cuisine and many historic buildings. Option 5 Railfans Tour to Ferrymead, Lyttelton Harbour and Weka Pass Railway This tour will include a visit to Ferrymead Heritage Park to see the living railway and village with over 60 19th Century historical buildings. This museum is the site of New Zealand s very first railway and the park contains New Zealand s finest collection of steam, diesel and electric locomotives as well as an excellent model railway and fire engine museum.

15 The tour will then continue via the pretty seaside resort of Sumner and over the port hills to Lyttelton Harbour to see the historical port complex where you will see the world s only operational time ball station. Then we head North to visit our first South Island preserved steam railway, the Weka Pass Railway. This historic rural railway will take us up steep gradients through the unique limestone beauty of the Weka Pass. Run entirely by volunteers, this railway was a triumph of engineering, taking over thirty years to reach the terminus of Waiau. Day at your leisure: We would be happy to advise you of other things to do and see in the Christchurch region Evening As you would expect in the Garden City outdoor dining is very much the norm and you will find many good cafes and restaurants close to the heart of the city in and around Cathedral Square. Tonight s Accommodation will be at: Copthorne Central 776 Columbo Street Christchurch Day 9 Monday: Early Start for truly one of the Great Railway Journeys of the World! 7:00am 7.45am 8:15am Transfer coach to Christchurch Railway Station Tranz-Alpine Express Departs for Greymouth

16 Today you will experience what has been described as one of the Great Railway Journeys of the World. You will travel through 16 tunnels and 5 viaducts as you cross over the Southern Alps from the east coast of New Zealand to the west coast. The train has an open deck giving you many opportunities to photograph the magnificent scenery. There is a fully stocked buffet and bar on the Tranz Alpine Express serving snacks, meals and drinks. Greymouth has several cafes bars and restaurants, but the train turn around time is only one hour, so if you are returning on the train to Christchurch then lunch in Greymouth may need to be hurried! You have the option either to return on the Tranz -Alpine Express to Christchurch or spend the rest of the day visiting the blow holes at the famous Punakaiki Rocks, sampling the delights of the Monteiths Brewery in Greymouth and visiting Shantytown, a completely restored West Coast Gold mining town. Shantytown is complete with a bush tramway In action could be the unique 1913 Climax locomotive or an 1877 F Class locomotive. If you choose to visit the brewery, Shantytown and Panukaiki Rocks, we will return you to your hotel by coach later in the evening. NB: Because of the steep gradients and tight timekeeping required, the Tranz -Alpine Express is operated by a diesel-electric locomotive. Evening If you arrive home early enough then you might like to try the cafes and restaurants near the beach at Sumner or the quaint harbour area of Lyttelton. If you d like to dine with a dramatic view of the sunset then a meal at the Top of the Gondola or a Banquet at the Sign of the Takahe might suit. Tonight s Accommodation will be at: Copthorne Central 776 Columbo Street Christchurch Day 10 Tuesday: 7.30am 8:00am 8.30am Check out of Hotel Coach transfer to Railway Station

17 9:00am South Island Steam Explorer departs for Ashburton Today we are back with steam haulage and most of today s journey is across the flat grassland of the Canterbury Plains. Covering more than 12,000 square kilometres, the plain was once covered by forest that was destroyed by fire by the early settlers. When the Europeans arrived they saw the potential of the land and started irrigating, ploughing and planting to such and extent that this area is known as the granary of New Zealand. 10:30am Arrive at Ashburton for visit to the Plains Railway at Tinwald You can choose to wander around the town of Ashburton or join the coach and visit the Plains Railway and Pioneer Village. Many old New Zealand industrial tank locomotives have found a home here, including the local charming flour mill locomotives from the 1880 s By far the most ambitious project has been the restoration of the 1878 K class locomotive No 88: Washington, one of the first locomotives imported to New Zealand from the USA. It was dumped in a Southland river bed in 1927 to protect the river bank but was retrieved in 1978 and has now been fully restored to working condition. The successful precedent set by this gallant group of volunteers has meant that no less than 5 other locomotives have now been rescued from river banks in New Zealand and are at varying stages of restoration. 12:30pm 2:30pm South Island Steam Explorer departs for Timaru Arrive Timaru and transfer by Coach to Pleasant Point Railway Once again you can choose to wander around the port of Timaru or join the coach for the visit to Pleasant Point. The railway station is a beautifully restored railway complex that is the focal point of the whole town of Pleasant Point. The line previously formed part of the Timaru to Fairlie branch line and the museum was originally formed as the cornerstone of a local history project. Pride of place goes to the fully restored Ab locomotive Number 699 which was built in 1922, but the most popular recent attraction has been the world s only replica Model T Ford Railcar built by local volunteers. The restored displays include a general store, printing press and an interesting collection of other antique equipment. 4:30pm 5:00pm Coach departs Pleasant Point for transfer to train at Timaru South Island Steam Explorer departs Timaru for Oamaru This part of our journey takes us from South Canterbury into North Otago. 6:30pm South Island Steam Explorer arrives at The Whitestone City Oamaru

18 We arrive at the Category 1 listed station of Oamaru and stroll across the road to check in to the Kingsgate Brydone Hotel. This old coaching hotel is one of the many historical and beautiful limestone buildings dotted all along the main street and in what is called The Harbour/Tyne Historic Precinct in Oamaru. The corn and woollen industries made Oamaru one of new Zealand s most prosperous cities and the Victorian architecture created by that prosperity is vividly illustrated on every corner. You will see that Oamaru also has a short vintage steam railway operating from the precinct to the harbour and if time permits we hope to travel on it this evening. 7.30pm Victorian Themed Dinner: A very special Victorian themed dinner has been arranged for tonight. It will begin with a walking tour of the many Historic Buildings so do come prepared to ride a penny-farthing bicycle, have a singalong and really enjoy yourself to the maximum! Accommodation tonight is at: Kingsgate Brydone Hotel 115 Thames Street Oamaru Built in 1881 the Kingsgate Brydone Hotel is one of the classic Whitestone buildings that Oamaru is so famous for. It is located within easy walking distance of all the main historical areas of Oamaru. Day 11 Wednesday: 7:30am 8:30am 9:00am Check out of Hotel and enjoy the short walk to the Railway Station South Island Steam Explorer departs Oamaru for Dunedin

19 A photographic run past of the train leaving Oamaru and heading over the flyover bridge in the Historical Precinct will be arranged before our actual departure. We then head inland for several miles for the beginning of the journey from North Otago to Dunedin. When we next see the sea it will be near the famous spherical Moeraki Boulders. Then we pass beautiful sweeping sandy beaches near Shag Point and head inland again through the South Island town of Palmerston, not to be confused with our previous stay at Palmerston North in the North Island! We will have a short stop at Palmerston before tackling the heavy gradients on the final part of our run through to Dunedin. Having cameras to hand are very much advised for the final part of today s journey as the harbour views on approaching Dunedin are well worth capturing on film. 1:00pm South Island Steam Explorer arrives at Dunedin Apart from its dramatic harbour setting, one of the first things you will notice when you arrive in Dunedin is the magnificent Dunedin Railway Station. Built in 1906 it was the largest and busiest railway station in New Zealand at the time. This building has become an icon to Dunedin and its gingerbread architecture has become symbolic of the wealth and prosperity created for Otago by the discovery of gold in the late 19th Century. As this is where we say a final farewell to our Steam Locomotive we will be arranging a photographic run past through Dunedin Railway Station for you. 2:00pm 3:00pm: Option 1 An early check in at the Dunedin Scenic Circle Hotel has been arranged for you. Suggested Optional Tours of Dunedin and Otago Peninsula: Tour of Dunedin City s Highlights This tour will include the University, Municipal Chambers, The Octagon, Dunedin Art Gallery, and both St Joseph and St Paul s Cathedrals. There will be time to indulge in some retail therapy in the George Street retail area and the tour will finish at what will be the highlight for many: a tour of the Cadbury s Chocolate Factory! Option 2 Rail Enthusiasts visit to Settlers Museum & Ocean Beach Railway This tour starts near the railway station, next to the two full size steam locomotives on display. These locomotives represent both the beginning and the end of steam in New Zealand. The Double Fairlie locomotive Josephine was one of the very first locomotives imported into New Zealand from the United Kingdom in 1862, while the J Class express passenger locomotive next to it was the last steam locomotive built for NZR in Dunedin s Hillside workshops in 1958.

20 Once we go inside the Museum you will see it has an excellent rail and road transport section and you can even view many of the old New Zealand transport newsreels from the 1920 s, 30 s and 1940 s. We will then head to the Taieri Gorge Railway Works to see the current rail projects they are working on and then to the beach area to travel on New Zealand s very first preserved railway: The Ocean Beach Railway. Founded in 1960 this working museum bought it s first locomotive for $20. This spurred on the volunteers to lay the first 60 feet of track along the ocean beach area so they had somewhere to run it! Option 3 Afternoon at your leisure We would be happy to advise you of other things to do and see in the Dunedin area. Evening Dunedin has many good restaurants but we suggest you have an early snack supper so you can take one of the exciting evening tours. 6.30pm Optional Evening Tours: Otago Peninsula Wildlife Tour: The Otago Peninsula is home not only to the very rare Yellow Eyed Penguin but also has one of the very few mainland Albatross colonies. This tour takes you to both reserves and allows you to get as close as possible to the birds. Speights Brewery Tour: By now you may have sampled The Pride of the South and be interested in visiting the Speights Brewery in Dunedin for a tour. There is one evening tour starting at 7pm so if you would like to attend please let us know and we will arrange it for you. Accommodation tonight is at Dunedin Scenic Circle Hotel Day 12 Thursday: 7:30am 8:30am 9:30am Check out Hotel and walk across to Railway Station Taieri Gorge Limited departs for Pukerangi

21 One of the highlights of your tour, this rail journey will take you right through Central Otago. Closed to traffic many years ago, the line was bought and reopened by the local council so tourists could still travel through its rugged and spectacular gorges. It winds through rocky ravines and crosses several impressive wrought iron viaducts. NB: Because of the steep gradients and tight timekeeping required the Taieri Gorge Limited is not operated by steam. The line past Middlemarch is dismantled, but tourists can still follow the line and use the spectacular bridges and tunnels by cycling along what is now known as the Central Otago Rail trail. Our train will take us to Pukerangi where you can transfer to coaches for the final leg to Queenstown. Along the way we will stop for lunch at an old Central Otago pub and visit the small railway museum in Ranfurly. Our approach to Queenstown will be via the Kawarau valley where you will see the old gold sluices at Bannockburn and pass many of the Central Otago wineries. Just before Queenstown we will stop at the historical Kawarau Bridge and hopefully see some bungy jumping at the original AJ Hackett bungy site. 6:30pm Coach arrives Queenstown: Adventure Capital of the World! Check in to our hotel overlooking Lake Wakatipu. Our hotel is the Novotel Gardens Hotel and is situated right on the lake within easy walking distance of all the Queenstown facilities. Evening Queenstown has many good bars, cafes and restaurants and nearly all are within walking distance of the hotel. You can also dine with a magnificent view from the top of the gondola and then carry on the evening at the two casinos which stay open all night. Accommodation for 2 nights is at: Novotel Gardens Hotel Marine Parade Queenstown The Novotel Gardens hotel has one of the best positions in Queenstown. Located right on Lake Wakatipu and next door to the beautiful Government Gardens, it is only 100 metres from the town centre yet is very quiet and relaxed. Day 13 Friday: 7:30am 8:00am -5:30pm Optional Tours Option 1 Skippers Grand Canyon Tour: This 4 wheel drive tour will take you on a journey of discovery up the Skippers Canyon on a road

22 carved out of sheer rock during the Gold Rush of the 1880 s. You have the option to take a ride in the famous Skippers Canyon Jetboat and your skilled driver will blast you into the narrow confines of the Canyon of Gold. Negotiating turbulent waters and carrying out 360 degree jet turns will all add to the excitement! At journey s end you will visit Winky s Museum which has a remarkable array of gold rush memorabilia. You will also see a Sluice Gun in action and have a chance to try your hand at gold panning. Option 2 Milford Sound Scenic Flight and Cruise: If you wondered where much of the Lord of the Rings scenery was located, then this tour will show you. You will fly over some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. You will see the stunning wilderness of the Southern Alps, Hanging Valleys, Alpine Lakes and Towering Waterfalls. Your cruise on the tranquil waters of Milford Sound is also sure to be a memory you will always treasure. Option 3 Arrowtown and Central Otago Wine Tour: Central Otago is now producing some of the best Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris wines in the new world. Today you will be able to sample and buy at cellar door prices some of the best wines New Zealand has to offer. Our tour visits 3 different wineries giving you a good selection of varieties to choose from. This tour will also give you plenty of time to explore the delights of Arrowtown, including time to shop or visits the Lakes District Museum and the Chinese Settlement. Option 4 Railfan Tour to Kingston Flyer : This tour will take you along the shores of scenic Lake Wakatipu to the most famous New Zealand steam locomotive: The Kingston Flyer. This steam only line originally ran South from Kingston Wharf all the way to Invercargill. It has 2 exquisitely preserved tender locomotives and many historical carriages including a preserved birdcage saloon. The line has The Remarkables mountain range as its scenic backdrop and the train travels 15kms along the valley floor. This means it really is a photographer s dream location. We have organised enough time for you to take two trips along the line on the train and spend some time exploring the engine shed and stations. Alternatively you can just take one trip and then the coach will take you along the line to photograph the next train on its next trip. Option 5 Day at your leisure We would be happy to advise you of things to do and see in the Queenstown Lakes region.

23 7:00pm Special Farewell Gala Dinner cruise on Steamship: TSS Earnslaw Sadly we are coming to the end of our journey but to end the journey on a final high steam note, we will be steaming across Lake Wakatipu on the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw. We will then have a delicious farewell carvery dinner at the Walter Peak sheep station before returning to Queenstown. Accommodation for tonight is at: Novotel Gardens Hotel Marine Parade Queenstown Day 14 Saturday: Your Great New Zealand Steam Journey draws to a close 7:30am You can check out anytime up until 11am Transfers to the airport are arranged for you up until 12 noon,but we do recommend you stay a few extra days in the Queenstown Lakes region and would be happy to make those arrangements for you. Haere Ra! Go Safely and we hope to see you again on one of our Great Steam Journeys.