Great Southern Steam Train Tour - Marlborough Flyer...Great Southern Steam Train Tour • SOUTH ISLAND RAIL TOUR • DEPARTING CHRISTCHURCH 24 APRIL - 6 MAY 2021 13-DAY TOUR OPTION

Great SouthernSteam Train Tour

• SOU TH ISLAND RAIL TOUR •DEPARTING CHRISTCHURCH 24 APRIL - 6 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 • 24 April 2021 - 6 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 start your journey departing Christchurch on the iconic TranzAlpine via Arthur’s Pass. Then we begin the traverse inland on luxury coaches to experience the wonders of Franz Josef, Milford Sound, Queenstown and Te Anau. In Invercargill, you will meet the star of the show, the historic WW1 memorial steam locomotive Ab608 Passchendaele, (named in honour of our fallen soldiers at The Battle of Passchendaele in 1917) and travel the entire length of the South Island (visiting Dunedin, Oamaru, Christchurch and Marlborough) steam-hauled, in the comfort of vintage carriages.

TOUR OPTIONS

TOUR OPTION 3:13-DAY TOUR Departing Christchurch from 24 April – 6 May 2021

TOUR OPTION 4:7-DAY TOUR Departing Invercargill to Wellington from 30 April – 6 May 2021

South Island 13-Day Steam Train Tour • 24 April 2021 - 6 May 2021

3South Island 13-Day Steam Train Tour • 24 April 2021 - 6 May 2021

CONTENTS13-DAY TOUR

DEPARTING CHRISTCHURCH

DAY 1Christchurch –

Franz Josef

page 6

DAY 3Queenstown

page 7

DAY 2Franz Josef – Queenstown

page 6

DAY 5Te Anau –

Milford Sound

page 8

DAY 4Queenstown –

Te Anau

page 7

DAY 7Invarcargill –

Dunedin

page 9

DAY 6Te Anau – Invarcargill

page 8

DAY 9Dunedin –

Oamaru

page 10

DAY 8Dunedin

page 9

DAY 11Christchurch –

Kaikoura

page 11

DAY 10Oamaru –

Christchurch

page 10

DAY 13Blenheim – Wellington

page 12

DAY 12Kaikoura – Blenheim

page 11


TranzAlpine

Luxury Coach

Steam Train

13-DAY TOUR DEPARTING CHRISTCHURCH 24 APRIL - 6 MAY 2021



13-DAY TOUR DEPARTING

CHRISTCHURCH

24 APRIL - 6 MAY 2021

Your journey begins with a Meet and Greet in Christchurch, where the iconic 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 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 tour is escorted by a fleet of luxury coaches that provide seamless transfers from the train to your accommodation each evening. Wake up the following day in Franz Josef, where guests are encouraged to wind down and enjoy some well-deserved pampering at the Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools.

Departing the West Coast, we will travel through the Haast Pass, journeying through native beech forest and over the Southern Alps. This remote area has a ruggedly beautiful landscape of vast rainforests, gushing waterfalls and snow-capped mountains. After a tea break in Makarora on the border of Mount Aspiring World Heritage Park, we pass by the crystal-clear waters of Lake Dunstan, Lake Wanaka, and Lake Hawea, arriving in Queenstown.

The adventure playground of Queenstown awaits - cap off a special day as we take in The Remarkables

Mountain Range and the view of Lake Wakatipu from the hotel.

Queenstown highlights include the historic and picturesque goldmining town, Arrowtown, on the banks of the Arrow River and taking in the Lakes District Museum. 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.

Departing Queenstown and onto the Fiordland National Park district, where we spend a couple of awe-inspiring days experiencing the wonders of Te Anau and Milford Sound.

Traversing the Southern Scenic Route to Invercargill, we continue to Dunedin. Exploring Moeraki Boulders, OCHO Chocolate Factory tour and enjoying high tea at Larnach Castle. In Oamaru, we seek out unique places of interest such as the Blue Penguin Colony and Whitestone Cheese Factory.

Arriving in Christchurch, we interlude to explore the beautiful French historical township of Akaroa and the harbour by steam tugboat or a historical tram tour of “the garden city”.

Onwards to spectacular Kaikoura, home of resident whales, where the great mountains of the Southern Alps rise from the depths of the Pacific Ocean. Our last night is spent in the famous Marlborough wine region boasting over 100 vineyards.

The final day and the port town of Picton awaits with 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 harbour city of Wellington - the journey of a lifetime.


6South Island 13-Day Steam Train Tour • 24 April 2021 - 6 May 2021

DAY DATE ITINERARY HOTEL MODE

1 Sat 24April

CHRISTCHURCH - ARTHUR’S PASS - FRANZ JOSEFMeet and Greet at Christchurch Railway StationTranzAlpine

Scenic Hotel Franz Josef TranzAlpine

2 Sun 25 April

FRANZ JOSEF - QUEENSTOWNHotpoolsHelicopter (optional) Afternoon Tea at Makarora

Copthorne Hotel Lakefront Coach

3 Mon 26 April

QUEENSTOWNDay at your leisure TSS Earnslaw & Walter Peak Homestead Dinner

Copthorne Hotel Lakefront

Coach / Cruise

4 Tue 27 April

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

Distinction Hotel Luxmore

Steam Train / Coach

5 Wed 28 April

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

Distinction Hotel Luxmore

Coach / Cruise

6 Thu 29 April

TE ANAU - INVERCARGILLTakahe Sanctuary Afternoon tea at Tuatapere Riverton Museum

Ascot Park Hotel Coach

7 Fri 30 April

INVERCARGILL - DUNEDINBill Richardsons Transport WorldScenic Flight to Stewart Island (optional)

Scenic HotelSouthern Cross

Steam Train / Coach

8 Sat 1 May

DUNEDINOCHO Chocolate Factory Tour High Tea & Garden Tour at Larnach Castle

Scenic HotelSouthern Cross Steam Train

9 Sun 2 May

DUNEDIN - OAMARUMoeraki Boulders on way to Oamaru Blue Penguin viewing in Oamaru Whitestone Cheese Tour

Brydone Hotel or North Star Steam Train

10 Mon 3 May

OAMARU - CHRISTCHURCHAkaroa Harbour nature cruise OR Steam Tug BoatOR City & Tram Tour

Distinction Hotel

Christchurch

Steam Train / Coach

/ Steam Ship

11 Tue 4 May

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

The White Morph Hotel

and equivalentSteam Train

12 Wed 5 May

KAIKOURA - KEKERENGU - BLENHEIMLunch at Kekerengu “The Store” Yealands Estate vineyard tour The Wine Station

Scenic Hotel Marlborough Steam Train

13 Thu 6 May

BLENHEIM - PICTON - WELLINGTONCoach to PictonAfternoon Interislander Ferry to Wellington Tour ends

Coach/ Ferry

13-DAY TOUR DEPARTING CHRISTCHURCH 24 APRIL – 6 MAY 2021


DAY 1 Saturday 24th April 2021

Christchurch - Arthur’s Pass - Franz Josef Your journey begins with a Meet and Greet at Christchurch Railway Station, where the iconic 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 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. Luxury coaches await in Greymouth to transport you to your hotel in the ruggedly beautiful Franz Josef.

Passengers stay at the Scenic Hotel Franz Josef.

DAY 2 Sunday 25th April 2021

Franz Josef – Queenstown Wake up to enjoy some pampering at the Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools and options are available for helicopter tours of the glacier. Leaving Franz Josef, we travel along the West Coast through the Haast Pass, journeying through native beech forest and over the Southern Alps. This remote area has a ruggedly beautiful landscape of vast rainforests, gushing waterfalls and snow-capped mountains. After a tea break in Makarora on the border of Mount Aspiring World Heritage Park, we pass by the crystal-clear waters of Lake Dunstan, Lake Wanaka, and Lake Hawea. The adventure playground of Queenstown then awaits! 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.


8South Island 13-Day Steam Train Tour • 24 April 2021 - 6 May 2021 8

DAY 3 Monday 26th April 2021

Queenstown Spend a leisurely day exploring Queenstown. 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.

DAY 4 Tuesday, 27th April 2021

Queenstown - Te Anau Departing Queenstown, we call in to visit the historic and picturesque goldmining town, Arrowtown, on the banks of the Arrow River and taking in the Lakes District Museum. Continuing our journey through the Fiordland National Park district, we stop off to see 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. We spend a couple of awe-inspiring days experiencing the wonders of Te Anau and Milford Sound.

Passengers stay at Distinction Hotel Luxmore.



DAY 5 Wednesday 28th 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 6 Thursday 29th April 2021

Te Anau – Invercargill As we depart Fiordland National Park district, continuing to traverse the Southern Scenic Route, our journey by coach calls in to visit 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.

Then a lunch stop at Tuatapere Café, followed by a visit 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.

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 Saturday 1st May 2021

Dunedin The 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 will then coach to historic Larnach Castle, is one of New Zealand’s premier visitor attractions, which is situated on the picturesque Otago Peninsula. 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 Friday 30th April 2021

Invercargill – Dunedin Passengers may choose to relax in Invercargill, taking in the famous Bill Richardson Transport World or take an optional scenic flight or ferry to the wonderful Stewart Island, home to amazing wildlife and stunning scenery

Departing Invercargill later in the day, 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. Then it is “all aboard” and onward past the edge of the Blue Mountains to the town of Gore, and then northwards to Dunedin.

Passengers will stay at Scenic Hotel Southern Cross which is Dunedin’s most established hotel, nestled in the heart of the city.



DAY 9 Sunday, 2nd May 2021

Dunedin – Oamaru Departing North towards Oamaru, we call in to 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.

We arrive in 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 10 Monday 3rd May 2021

Oamaru – Christchurch The morning departure from Oamaru is by steam train as we set out further towards Timaru where we stop for lunch.

Afternoon options on arrival in Christchurch 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 11 Tuesday, 4th May 2021

Christchurch – Kaikoura Our destination is 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 Seal Colony Walk followed by optional excursions for whale, dolphin and seal watching (by boat or plane).

Passengers will stay at The White Morph Hotel (or equivalent), taking in spectacular views of the Kaikoura Esplanade.

DAY 12 Wednesday 5th May 2021

Kaikoura – Blenheim We continue to take in the spectacular coastal journey as we depart Kaikoura. We steam ahead for Kekerengu where we disembark for lunch overlooking the Pacific Ocean at “The Store”. We also enjoy a garden tour at the beautifully manicured Winterhome formal garden. Boarding again, we stop at Seddon and disembark for a wine tour at the award winning, Yealands Estate. Then it is “all aboard” and onward North via the Dashwood Pass and Awatere Valley into Blenheim – the famous Marlborough wine region boasting over 100 vineyards. A farewell 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 13 Thursday 6th May 2021

Blenheim – Wellington On the final day of the tour, we coach from Blenheim to Picton, where one of the most picturesque ferry crossings in the world awaits. We cruise across the Cook Strait then weave our way through Queen Charlotte Sound to the harbour city of Wellington.

Tour ends in Wellington.

South Island 13-Day Steam Train Tour • 24 April 2021 - 6 May 2021 13South Island 13-Day Steam Train Tour • 24 April 2021 - 6 May 2021

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

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) • TranzAlpine Rail Journey • Franz Josef Hot Pools• Walter Peak Homestead • Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw • Arrowtown Lakes District Museum• Akaroa Township Tour• Milford Sound Day Trip (cruise is optional)• Takahe Sanctuary• Bill Richardson Transport World • OCHO Chocolate Factory Tour• High Tea & Garden Tour at Larnach Castle• Moeraki Boulders• Whitestone Cheese Tour• Blue Penguin viewing in Oamaru• Steam Tug Boat OR City & Tram Tour• Seal Colony Guided Walk in Kaikoura• Visit to the Store Kekerengu and Winterhome

Garden tour• Yealands Estate winery tour• Farewell Reception at The Wine Station,

Blenheim • Cruise on the Interislander Ferry

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

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

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

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

13-DAY TOUR FROM CHRISTCHURCHPer Person Sharing $5,950 Single 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]

www.marlboroughflyer.co.nz

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Great Southern Steam Train Tour - Marlborough Flyer...Great Southern Steam Train Tour • SOUTH ISLAND RAIL TOUR • DEPARTING CHRISTCHURCH 24 APRIL - 6 MAY 2021 13-DAY TOUR OPTION