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Home , Southern Scenic Route, South Island

Great Southern Steam Train Tour

• RAIL TOUR • DEPARTING 22 APRIL - 4 MAY 2021 13-DAY TOUR OPTION

Experience the adventure, the nostalgia, the romance of Steam Train . 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 . GREAT SOUTHERN TOUR OPTIONS STEAM TRAIN TOUR TOUR OPTION 1: Journey with us into the deep south of 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, from 22 April – 29 April 2021 ** , , 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 , we begin the traverse inland on luxury coaches to experience the wonders of , Milford , 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 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 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 Mountains and the view WELLINGTON of Wakatipu below. Queenstown highlights include the historic and picturesque goldmining town, , on 22 APRIL - 4 MAY 2021 the banks of the Arrow , taking in the 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 to of the most scenic picturesque crossings in Walter Peak High Country Farm for dinner. the world across the , then weaving Leaving Queenstown, we pass by the crystal-clear our way through Queen Charlotte Sound to the waters of , Lake , and Lake port town of Picton. First overnight stop is in the Hawea. After a morning tea break in on famous Marlborough 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 and over the Southern of the Southern Alps rise from the depths of the Alps, before emerging on the West Coast. This . remote area has a ruggedly beautiful landscape of The tour is escorted by a fleet of luxury coaches that vast , gushing 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 . 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 beautiful French historical township of 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 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 from Invercargill to the edges of the ice-fed , traverse the National Park district, where we spend majestic 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 Ferry to Picton Marlborough / Coach The Wine Station

BLENHEIM - KEKERENGU - KAIKOURA The White Fri 23 Yealands Estate vineyard tour Morph Hotel Steam Train 2 April Lunch at Kekerengu “The Store” and equivalent Winterhome Formal Garden Tour

KAIKOURA - CHRISTCHURCH Distinction Sat 24 Seal Colony Walk Hotel Steam Train 3 April Whale Watching, Dolphins, Scenic flights (optional) Christchurch

CHRISTCHURCH Distinction Coach Sun 25 ANZAC DAY DAWN PARADE Hotel / Steam 4 April Akaroa Township Tour Christchurch Tugboat Steam Tug Boat OR City & Tram Tour

CHRISTCHURCH - OAMARU Mon 26 Brydone Hotel Blue Penguin viewing in Oamaru Steam Train 5 April or North Star Whitestone Cheese Tour

OAMARU - DUNEDIN Tue 27 Scenic Hotel Moeraki Boulders on way to Dunedin Steam Train 6 April Southern Cross 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 Hotel Luxmore / Cruise Takahe Sanctuary

TE ANAU - MILFORD SOUND - TE ANAU Fri 30 Coach along Eglinton Valley to Milford Sound via Distinction Coach 9 April Milford Sound Cruise (optional) Hotel Luxmore / Cruise Coach to Te Anau

TE ANAU - QUEENSTOWN Sat 1 Copthorne Coach Te Anau Glowworm Caves & Cruise (optional) 10 May Hotel Lakefront / Steam Train Arrowtown - Lakes District Museum

QUEENSTOWN Sun 2 Copthorne Coach Day at your leisure 11 May Hotel Lakefront / Steam Ship TSS Earnslaw & Walter Peak Homestead Dinner

QUEENSTOWN - FRANZ JOSEF Mon 3 Scenic Hotel Hotpools Coach 12 May Franz Josef Helicopter (optional) Sudima FRANZ JOSEF - ARTHUR’S PASS - CHRISTCHURCH Tue 4 Christchurch TranzAlpine TranzAlpine 13 May Airport 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 Friday 23rd April 2021 reception is appropriately held at The Wine Station DAY 2 where guests can taste from a selection of 80 of the region’s finest 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 can be sighted. The ocean trench just off the coast (ANZAC DAY) 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 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 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 10 DAY 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 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 and amazing wildlife, such as dolphins and seals. Cruise the inmost reaches of Milford Sound to the open 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 . 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 11 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 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 12 INCLUSIONS: 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: [email protected] • 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 13 www.marlboroughflyer.co.nz