Experience the style and glamour of Wellington with our extended escape to the World of WearableArt (WOW) Show.
Departing 2 October, 2023
An indulgent blend of mesmerising haute couture and sumptuous viticulture, our WOW Extended Escape brings you to Wellington for three days of chic adventure. After travelling in style to the capital aboard our Northern Explorer train, you'll cross the mountains for a day of boutique shopping, gastronomy, and wine tasting in Martinborough. Your amazing escape is complete when you take your premium 'A Reserve' seats for a mesmerising evening at the World of WearableArt Show.
Highlights
- 'A-Reserve' tickets to the World of WearableArt (WOW) Show [View seat plan]
- One-way Northern Explorer scenic train journey through the volcanic heart of the North Island from Auckland or Hamilton to Wellington
- Wonders of Wairarapa day tour -an indulgent day of shopping and wine tasting
You'll love this break
If you are looking to escape the ordinary for a few magical days, then you'll love this extraordinary adventure.
Beginning in Auckland or Hamilton, witness the unique landscapes of the North Island aboard the Northern Explorer train. In Wellington, your escape continues across the mountains in stylish Wairarapa, with boutique shopping and lunch in Greytown, followed by wine-tasting in magnificent Martinborough. Then, completing a magical escape, you'll be immersed in a mesmerising display of theatre, art, and acrobatics at the World of WearableArt Show.
Inclusions
- Premium A-Reserve seats for the World of WearableArt Show and Show Programme
- One-way Scenic train journey aboard the Northern Explorer from Auckland or Hamilton to Wellington
- Day excursion to Wairarapa for lunch and wine tastings
- 3-nights accommodation including breakfast
- Hotel transfer
WOW Extended Escape Itinerary
- Northern Explorer train to Wellington
- Morning tea, Lunch, and Afternoon tea aboard the train
- Choice of accommodation
- Breakfast at hotel
- Lunch at the White Swan
- Wine Tasting in Wairarapa
- Transport to and from Wairarapa from your hotel
- Overnight accommodation (in Wellington)
- Breakfast
- 'A-Reserve' seats for the World of WearableArt Show
- Show programme
- Choice of accommodation
- Breakfast
Journey beyond ordinary
Soak up endless views on your way to Wellington by train, travelling through the heart of the North Island and across the stunning volcanic plateau aboard the Northern Explorer.
Along the way, you’ll encounter spectacular railway engineering feats like the Raurimu spiral and the breathtaking Hapuawhenua Viaduct. Glide through rolling green farmland, past quaint country towns and along rocky coasts. Traverse the magnificent Tongariro National Park, where three spectacular volcanic mountains – Tongariro, Ngāuruhoe and Ruapehu—dominate the horizon. From the desert plains of Rangipo, descend into a vibrant world of green, where the stunning white cliffs of the Rangitikei River gorge winds alongside the railway.
Then, as evening descends, you'll arrive in Wellington relaxed and ready to enjoy the city's international cuisine and sparkling night-life.
Inclusions
Wairarapa Wonders Day Trip
After a sumptuous breakfast at your hotel, your carriage waits. Meeting again with fellow travellers from your Northern Explorer train, today is an ascent through the Remutaka mountains to Wairarapa.
On the other side, your day will begin in charmingly chic Greytown. Spend the morning browsing through the immaculate shops, meandering from book store to chocolate studio, fashion to antiques, as you discover some of New Zealand’s finest boutique stores.
A wonderful morning will drift into a sparkling afternoon, starting with lunch at the iconic White Swan Hotel. Hosted by local wine connoisseur, Greg Williams, this special lunch will be a gastronomic delight as you sample three local Wairarapa wines while grazing on delicious curated sharing platters.
Your afternoon continues in stylish Martinborough for an afternoon among the vines. Famed for its exceptional Pinot Noir and nosey Rosé, there are dozens of vineyards surrounding this historic little town, and you'll be visiting the best of them.
Inclusions
Explore the sparkling capital
After enjoying a delicious breakfast at your hotel, head out to enjoy all that Wellington has to offer.
Indulge in some retail therapy on Lambton Quay and Cuba Street, learn about everything New Zealand at Te Papa Museum, or spend some quality time with rare and endangered native wildlife at Zealandia Eco-sanctuary.
Finding lunch will not be a problem, with hundreds of bars, wine bars, cafés, and restaurants scattered throughout this quaint little city, which can easily be navigated on foot.
Make sure to explore the WOW merchandise mementos under the sails at the WOW Hub between 10am – 4pm or from 90 minutes before your performance.
This evening is the World of WearableArt (WOW) Show. We recommend arriving up to an hour before the show commences to enjoy the pre-show entertainment. What a memorable evening this will be!
Inclusions
World of WearableArt Show
As evening falls, the curtain will rise on New Zealand's single largest theatre production—and you'll be sitting in premium 'A-Reserve' seats to enjoy the spectacle.
Described as part Cirque du Soleil, part Broadway play, and part avant-garde couture show, the World of WearableArt Show is like nothing else on earth. From your seat, you’ll be treated to an intimate appreciation of an incredible work of wearable art from WOW’s permanent collection.
With the TSB Arena located conveniently at the heart of Wellington's waterfront, there is no shortage of places to go for refreshments before and after the show if you want to continue into the night.
Inclusions:
Relax in Wellington
Start Day 4 with a relaxing breakfast in your hotel. Then, after checking out of your hotel, the day is yours to explore the capital's many charms and gems at your pleasure.
Ascend the Kelburn hills aboard the iconic Wellington Cable Car, stroll through the heavenly Wellington Botanic Garden, enjoy tea in the Rose Garden, learn about the city in the Wellington Museum, be immersed in local art at the City Gallery at the heart of the Civic Square, then head for lunch and shopping on Cuba Street.
Inclusions
Departing Wellington
Return train travel to Auckland or Hamilton can be organised through our Travel Centre when you book your package.
Alternatively, if time is not on your side, you can arrange flights back to Auckland or Hamilton separately.
Inclusions:
Return travel is not included in the package price.
Journey Beyond Ordinary
Your extraordinary escape starts in relaxing style, with morning tea served while you glide through the rolling green pastures of Waikato, followed by a spiralling ascent onto the Volcanic Plateau.
Soon the soaring peaks of Ngauruhoe, Tongaririo, and Ruapehu will dominate the horizon, while a series of stunning viaducts provide astonishing views.
A steady descent provides yet more astounding moments, winding around white cliffs of the Rangitikei River gorge. As the sun descends, the Kapiti Coast will be the final stage before rolling into Wellington.
Experience the magic of WOW!
The highlight of your WOW Extended Escape will be taking your premium 'A Reserve' seat at the World of WearableArt Show. Described as part Cirque du Soleil, part Broadway play, and part avant-garde couture show, there is nothing else like it on earth.
WOW weaves together spectacular storytelling theatrics with lavish catwalk magic and hypnotic acrobatics, all intertwined with a continuous music score and fantastical costumery.
Watch the 2022 WOW Show Highlights Reel to get a feel for the drama and excitement ahead!
Wairarapa Wonders Tour
Winding through the Remutaka mountains, you'll be taken on a tour of stylish Wairarapa, starting in country-chic Greytown, where you find boutique shops selling everything from designer fashion to mid-century antiques.
Come lunchtime, you'll be pampered with a delectable platter of local delicacies with wine tasting to match at the iconic White Swan hotel.
A lazy afternoon awaits, with a tasting tour of Martinborough's acclaimed wine producers. With dozens of vineyards and wineries surrounding the historic little town, you'll be quickly immersed in the gorgeous Wairarapa wine scene.
Explore Wellington
Discover the 'coolest little capital in the world' by exploring the city's many gems:
Indulge in a glamorous stay
A glamorous day deserves a glamorous stay, and we have included some of Wellington's finest hotels in our WOW Extended Escape pricing.
From the finest five-star accommodation at the heart of the city to stylish four-star hotels surrounding the harbour, if it's a weekend of pampering and indulgence you are looking for, then look no more!
Package Pricing
Choose from a range of pricing based on your preferred accommodation. We will confirm your booking and provide final pricing before we take payment.
5-Star Hotel
WOW Extended Escape
4 days
NZ$
1849
per person
double/twin
single
upgrade
$859
4-Star Hotel
WOW Extended Escape
4 days
NZ$
1749
per person
double/twin
single
upgrade
$749
3-Star Hotel
WOW Extended Escape
4 days
NZ$
1649
per person
double/twin
single
upgrade
$609
Reserve your place today!
Reserve your seats for the Greatest Stages on Earth now!
Simply complete our online booking form, and we'll create your reservations and contact you for payment.