Package

3 days

From: NZ$1389

Departure: Wellington

Destination: Auckland

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Explore the rural heart of New Zealand's North Island with the Northern Explorer train and a half-day rail cart tour. Explore the Forgotten World on the way to Auckland.

Highlights

  • Northern Explorer journey from Wellington to Taumarunui then onward to Auckland
  • Encounter dramatic changes in scenery and engineering marvels on the Northern Explorer train
  • Indulge in morning tea, lunch & afternoon tea onboard
  • Discover regional New Zealand on a half-day rail cart adventure
  • Explore lavender farms on the banks of the Whanganui River 
 

An epic voyage on the Northern Explorer train

One of the biggest highlights of your Taumarunui experience will be the journey.

Climbing aboard the Northern Explorer in Wellington, Paraparaumu or Palmerston North, your break will start in a relaxing style as you ease back in your comfortable seat and enjoy the views through your panoramic window. 

Along the way, you'll see hobbits and orcs and wizards - well, maybe, on a clear day. But this is Middle Earth, and highlights do include the conical peak of the volcano Ngauruhoe, which is featured as Mount Doom in LOTR. And the rural scenery of rolling hills, paddocks, and pastures is also reminiscent of the Shire. 

 

 

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