great southern steam train tour...great southern steam train tour • south island rail tour •...

Great SouthernSteam Train Tour

• SOU TH ISLAND RAIL TOUR •DEPARTING WELLINGTON 22 APRIL - 4 MAY 2021

13-DAY TOUR OP TION

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.

South Island 13-Day Steam Train Tour • 22 April 2021 - 4 May 2021South Island 13-Day Steam Train Tour • 22 April 2021 - 4 May 2021 2

GREAT SOUTHERN STEAM TRAIN TOUR Journey with us into the deep south of New Zealand and experience the postcard perfect vistas and dramatic alpine scenery that this part of the world is renowned for.

You will spend the first week travelling the entire length of the South Island (visiting Marlborough, Christchurch, Oamaru, Dunedin and Invercargill), in the comfort of vintage carriages hauled by the 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.

TOUR OPTIONS

TOUR OPTION 1:13-DAY TOUR Departing Wellington from 22 April – 4 May 2021 **

TOUR OPTION 2:8-DAY TOUR Departing Wellington to Invercargill from 22 April – 29 April 2021 **

** option to begin tour in Blenheim on 23 April 2021

3South Island 13-Day Steam Train Tour • 22 April 2021 - 4 May 2021

CONTENTS13-DAY TOUR

DEPARTING WELLINGTON

DAY 1Wellington –

Blenheim

page 6

DAY 3Kaikoura –

Christchurch

page 7

DAY 2Blenheim – Kaikoura

page 6

DAY 5Christchurch –

Oamaru

page 8

DAY 4Christchurch

ANZAC DAY

page 7

DAY 7Dunedin – Invercargill

page 9

DAY 6Oamaru – Dunedin

page 8

DAY 9Te Anau –

Milford Sound

page 10

DAY 8Invercargill –

Te Anau

page 9

DAY 11Queenstown

page 11

DAY 10Te Anau –

Queenstown

page 10

DAY 13Franz Josef – Christchurch

page 12

DAY 12Queenstown –

Franz Josef

page 11

South Island 13-Day Steam Train Tour • 22 April 2021 - 4 May 2021 4

Steam Train

Luxury Coach

TranzAlpine

13-DAY TOUR DEPARTING WELLINGTON 22 APRIL - 4 MAY 2021

South Island 13-Day Steam Train Tour • 22 April 2021 - 4 May 2021


13-DAY TOUR DEPARTING

WELLINGTON

22 APRIL - 4 MAY 2021

Your journey begins with a Meet and Greet in the harbour city of Wellington, followed by one of the most scenic picturesque ferry crossings in the world across the Cook Strait, then weaving our way through Queen Charlotte Sound to the port town of Picton. First overnight stop is in the famous Marlborough wine region boasting over 100 vineyards, then onwards to spectacular Kaikoura, home of resident whales where the great mountains of the Southern Alps rise from the depths of the Pacific Ocean.

The tour is escorted by a fleet of luxury coaches that provide seamless transfers from the train to your accommodation each evening.

Arriving in Christchurch in time to prepare for the annual ANZAC Day dawn parade where after paying our respects, we interlude to explore the beautiful French historical township of Akaroa and then the option of a harbour cruise by steam tugboat or a city & tram tour.

On the route from Christchurch to Oamaru, explore unique places of interest such as the Blue Penguin Colony, Whitestone Cheese Factory and Moeraki Boulders, and then on to Dunedin.

Luxury coaches then provide the link inland, traversing the Southern Scenic Route from Invercargill to the Fiordland National Park district, where we spend a couple of awe-inspiring days experiencing the wonders of Te Anau and Milford Sound.

The adventure playground of Queenstown awaits. Evening sunset drinks cap off a special day as we take in The Remarkables Mountains and the view of Lake Wakatipu below.

Queenstown highlights include the historic and picturesque goldmining town, Arrowtown, on 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 steamboat, which takes us across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm for dinner.

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 vast rainforests, gushing waterfalls and snow-capped mountains.

Our last night is spent at Franz Josef where options are available for helicopter tours of the glacier. All guests are encouraged to wind down and enjoy some well-deserved pampering at the Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools.

The final day and the TranzAlpine awaits to return you to your ultimate destination of Christchurch. Often regarded to be one of the world’s great train journeys for the scenery through which it passes. The journey is 223 kilometres one-way, taking almost five hours. 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.



DAY DATE ITINERARY HOTEL MODE

1 Thu 22April

WELLINGTON - PICTON - BLENHEIMMeet and Greet at Wellington Ferry TerminalAfternoon Interislander Ferry to Picton The Wine Station

Scenic Hotel Marlborough

Ferry/ Coach

2 Fri 23 April

BLENHEIM - KEKERENGU - KAIKOURA Yealands Estate vineyard tour Lunch at Kekerengu “The Store”Winterhome Formal Garden Tour

The White Morph Hotel

and equivalentSteam Train

3 Sat 24 April

KAIKOURA - CHRISTCHURCH Seal Colony WalkWhale Watching, Dolphins, Scenic flights (optional)

Distinction Hotel

ChristchurchSteam Train

4 Sun 25 April

CHRISTCHURCH ANZAC DAY DAWN PARADE Akaroa Township Tour Steam Tug Boat OR City & Tram Tour

Distinction Hotel

Christchurch

Coach/ Steam Tugboat

5 Mon 26 April

CHRISTCHURCH - OAMARU Blue Penguin viewing in Oamaru Whitestone Cheese Tour

Brydone Hotel or North Star Steam Train

6 Tue 27 April

OAMARU - DUNEDIN Moeraki Boulders on way to Dunedin High Tea & Garden Tour at Larnach Castle

Scenic Hotel Southern Cross Steam Train

7 Wed 28 April

DUNEDIN - INVERCARGILL OCHO Chocolate Factory Tour Bill Richardsons Transport WorldScenic Flight to Stewart Island (optional)

Ascot Park Hotel

Steam Train / Coach

8 Thu 29 April

INVERCARGILL - TE ANAU Riverton Museum Lunch at Tuatapere Takahe Sanctuary

Distinction Hotel Luxmore

Coach / Cruise

9 Fri 30 April

TE ANAU - MILFORD SOUND - TE ANAU Coach along Eglinton Valley to Milford Sound via Homer TunnelMilford Sound Cruise (optional) Coach to Te Anau

Distinction Hotel Luxmore

Coach / Cruise

10 Sat 1 May

TE ANAU - QUEENSTOWN Te Anau Glowworm Caves & Cruise (optional)Arrowtown - Lakes District Museum

Copthorne Hotel Lakefront

Coach/ Steam Train

11 Sun 2 May

QUEENSTOWNDay at your leisure TSS Earnslaw & Walter Peak Homestead Dinner

Copthorne Hotel Lakefront

Coach/ Steam Ship

12 Mon 3 May

QUEENSTOWN - FRANZ JOSEF Hotpools Helicopter (optional)

Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Coach

13 Tue 4 May

FRANZ JOSEF - ARTHUR’S PASS - CHRISTCHURCH TranzAlpineTour ends

Sudima Christchurch

Airport (optional)

TranzAlpine

13-DAY TOUR DEPARTING WELLINGTON 22 APRIL – 4 MAY 2021


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 where guests can taste from a selection of 80 of the region’s finest wines and craft beers, barista coffee and gourmet platters of local produce.

Passengers will stay at Scenic Hotel Marlborough, a modern and stylish property located in the heart of Marlborough’s wine country town of Blenheim.

DAY 2 Friday 23rd April 2021

(Tour options are available to commence tour from Blenheim)

Blenheim – Kekerengu – KaikouraToday we introduce you to the star of the tour, the historic WW1 memorial steam locomotive Ab608 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.


8South Island 13-Day Steam Train Tour • 22 April 2021 - 4 May 2021 8

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 most of the time, the huge resident Sperm Whales 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 followed by optional excursions for whale, dolphin and seal watching (by boat or plane).

The tour departs Kaikoura on the 24th April in order to arrive in Christchurch in time to prepare for the annual ANZAC Day dawn parade (which takes place the following day).

Passengers will stay at the luxurious and newly renovated Distinction Hotel in Cathedral Square, located in the heart of Christchurch.

DAY 4 Sunday 25th April 2021

(ANZAC DAY)

Kaikoura – ChristchurchAfter paying our respects at the ANZAC dawn parade, we will interlude from commemorations to explore the beautiful French historical township of Akaroa, arriving by coach.

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 Christchurch.



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.

Gourmet cheese is then on the menu as we explore the Whitestone Cheese Factory, home of some of the world’s finest cheeses and you’ll be treated on a guided tour which includes a cheese and wine pairing.

The Blue Penguin Colony in Oamaru is similarly not to be outdone, has specially designed nesting boxes for your convenience as well as stadium grandstand seating for your viewing pleasure, to see the penguins arrive home in the evening.

Passengers will stay at Brydone Hotel – “fine accommodation and libations since 1881”- or the North Star.

DAY 6 Tuesday 27th April 2021

Oamaru – Dunedin

The journey continues south towards Dunedin, calling in to The Moeraki Boulders, a group of large spherical “stones” on Koekohe Beach near Moeraki on the Otago coast. These boulders are actually concretions that have been exposed through shoreline erosion from coastal cliffs. The boulders are one of the most fascinating and popular attractions on the South Island.

Once in Dunedin we will coach to historic Larnach Castle. Situated on the picturesque Otago Peninsula, Larnach Castle is one of New Zealand’s 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.



DAY 7 Wednesday 28th April 2021

Dunedin to InvercargillMorning 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.

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 flight or ferry to the wonderful Stewart Island, home to amazing wildlife and stunning scenery.

Famous Bluff oysters will no doubt be on the menu this evening.

Passengers will stay at The Ascot Park Hotel, adjacent to the racecourse and with a relaxed and spacious layout.

DAY 8 Thursday 29th April 2021

Invercargill to Te AnauLuxury coaches provide the link inland, traversing the Southern Scenic Route from Invercargill to the Fiordland National Park district, where we spend a couple of awe-inspiring days experiencing the wonders of Te Anau and Milford Sound.

The drive from Invercargill will call in to the Te Hikoi Museum in Riverton, the South’s ultimate 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.



DAY 9 Friday 30th April 2021

Te Anau – Milford Sound – Te AnauTraveling 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 views along the way, take a scenic cruise around the fiord, and get back to Te Anau in time for dinner.

Passengers stay at Distinction Hotel Luxmore.

DAY 10 Saturday 1st May 2021

Te Anau – QueenstownWake up to a leisurely morning or enjoy the wonders of the Te Anau glowworms caves. The Te Anau caves 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.



DAY 11 Sunday 2nd May 2021

QueenstownWake up to enjoy a free day exploring Queenstown at your leisure. Later in the afternoon, we join a lake cruise on board the historic TSS Earnslaw, the 1912 Edwardian steamboat, which takes us across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm for dinner.

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.

DAY 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 vast rainforests, gushing waterfalls and snow-capped mountains.

Our last night is spent at Franz Josef where options are available for helicopter tours of the glacier. All guests are encouraged to wind down and enjoy some well-deserved pampering at the Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools.

Passengers stay at the Scenic Hotel Franz Josef


DAY 13 Tuesday 4th May 2021

Franz Josef – Arthur’s Pass - ChristchurchThe 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.


INCLUSIONS - MEALS• 12 cooked breakfasts • 12 sumptuous dinners including:

- Dinner at Walter Peak Homestead - Welcome Dinner at The Wine Station in

Blenheim- Lunch at The Store, Kekerengu- High Tea at Larnach Castle- Lunch at Tuatapere, Southland

EXCLUSIONS:Flights to and from your points of arrival/departure are not included.

13-DAY TOUR FROM WELLINGTON Per Person Sharing $5,950Single Supplement $500

12-DAY TOUR FROM BLENHEIM Per Person Sharing $5,650Single Supplement $500

BOOKINGSA 10% deposit is required to secure a booking, 40% in December 2020 and the balance in March 2021.

For all bookings and for further information:

www.marlboroughflyer.co.nzPhone +64 (0) 3 974 1812E: [email protected]


ACCOMMODATIONWe have selected minimum 4-star standard accommodation for The Great Southern Steam Train Tour in order to ensure the comfort and quality of your experience for this journey of a lifetime.

LUXURY COACHES & TOUR OPTIONSThe fleet of luxury coaches will escort the train throughout the journey, providing seamless transfers to your accommodation and excursions. You will be accompanied by experienced Tour Captains who are there to guide and assist you throughout your journey.

PREPAID ATTRACTIONS (INCLUDED)• Cruise on the Interislander Ferry• Welcome Reception at The Wine Station,

Blenheim• Yealands Estate winery tour• Visit to the Store Kekerengu and Winterhome

Garden tour• Seal Colony Guided Walk in Kaikoura• Akaroa Township Tour• Steam Tug Boat OR City & Tram Tour• Blue Penguin viewing in Oamaru• Whitestone Cheese Tour• Moeraki Boulders• High Tea & Garden Tour at Larnach Castle• OCHO Chocolate Factory Tour• 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

INCLUSIONS: For your convenience the following has all been included in your tour price.

www.marlboroughflyer.co.nz

great southern steam train tour...great southern steam train tour • south island rail tour •...

Documents