East & West; Heritage North Island Rail Tour

Duration: 13 Days

Price: From $7,990 NZD

Departure From: Auckland (Glenbrook)

Departure Date: 29 Ocotober 2025

Tour Type: Escorted Tour

Meal Plan: B&B and selected meals

Physical Grading: 2

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Discover the natural beauty of Te Ika-a-Māui on this Great North Island Rail Tour. Enjoy the scenery of the North Island as you visit some of New Zealand’s famous locations onboard your very own exclusive heritage train.

In travelling by rail, we are confident there is no better way to see some of the New Zealand’s best scenery, history and engineering feats, all from the comfort of your seat.

Experience iconic landmarks like the Raurimu Spiral and Mt Taranaki, alongside charming destinations such as Napier’s Art Deco cityscape. Enjoy overnight stays in captivating spots like Ohakune, New Plymouth, and Napier, with handpicked activities and exclusive tours to enrich your exploration. Our tour in November 2025 will also coincide with the award winning Taranaki Garden Festival and discover the Gannet Colony & Cape Sanctuary in the Hawkes Bay. Our tour is fully escorted, ensuring every moment is filled with discovery and enhancing the allure of rail travel for enthusiasts of history, nature, and adventure alike.

Waimarie Steamboat, Whanganui
Waimarie Steamboat, Whanganui

Read on for what’s included on this all encompassing North Island rail tour travelling on lines that aren’t normally available to passenger travel. Take a close look at the inclusion, optional extras and a detailed itinerary further down the page. This North Island rail tour is quite unique and an enjoyable rail journey is guaranteed.

East & West North Island Rail Tour Highlights

  • Traveling on GVR’s private Diesel-hauled heritage train on lines not usually served by passenger trains – featuring vintage carriages with open air viewing balconies
  • Passing through the scenic central plateau – steeped with railway history and including mighty viaducts and the world famous Raurimu Spiral.
  • Traverse the scenic Manawatu Gorge, only accessible by rail
  • Ascending the steep Westmere Bank on the line to New Plymouth offering great views of Mt Taranaki
  • Specially selected activities including Skyline Rotorua Stratosphere Restaurant, Rotorua Rail Carts, Taranaki Garden Festival, PS Waimarie and Art Deco Napier
  • Complimentary light refreshments served onboard at your seat
  • Extensive and diverting commentary and local history from our knowledgeable guides.
  • Option to conclude your journey in Wellington
North Island Rail Tour
Palmerston North

Your Exclusive Heritage North Island Rail Tour Train

Your North Island rail tour train is operated by the Glenbrook Vintage Railway will be hauled by restored locomotive DBR1254. Originally built by General Motors of Canada in 1965, this locomotive was rebuilt by Clyde Engineering Australia in 1981.

In 2017 the GVR took ownership of DBR1254 which underwent an intense overhaul before returning to mainline service in 2019. The carriages date from 1909 – 1940 and would have made thousands of journeys up and down the country. The carriages retain key features including the iconic flip-over seats. The seats are well-sprung allowing for a comfortable ride. Open-air platforms along the train are great vantage points to view the countryside as the wind blows through your hair!

Discover Ruapehu Rail Tours Glenbrook Heritage Train

For a detailed itinerary, departure details, and booking conditions, please see below or contact us to receive an easy read brochure.

Click here for alternate Heritage Rail Tours designed for Steam enthusiasts or rail-fans.

Tour Inclusions

  • 12 nights accommodation
  • Morning and afternoon tea served onboard the train
  • Breakfast at all hotels/motels
  • 12 lunches and 4 Dinners
  • Premium coach travel when travelling off-rail
  • All sightseeing, cruises, rail travel and entrance fees as specified in the itinerary
  • The services of an experienced tour director

Pricing Notes

  • Advertised price based on per person, twin share
  • A single supplement is available for $1,490 NZD
  • Non-refundable deposit of $1000 per person is due at time of booking. Date of full payment will be advised at the time of booking
  • Price is subject to change unless paid in full
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Tour Itinerary

Day 1 | Auckland (Glenbrook) to Rotorua (L,D)
Today our Glenbrook Vintage Railway charter train hauled by Heritage Diesel Locomotive DBR 1254 takes us on the historic Waiuku Branch Line, before turning right at Paerata where we join the North Island Main Trunk Line to Pukekohe for passenger pickups with connecting AT Metro Services. We then continue to head south through the lush farmlands surrounding Franklin and the Bombay Hills. We descend down to Pokeno and Mercer, where we join the mighty Waikato River - passing through significant swamplands and through rolling countryside. Arriving in Hamilton we stop here to pick up those joining us from Rotokauri or Frankton Stations before we head East on the busy - freight only - East Coast Main Trunk Line. Departing Hamilton (Frankton) we journey under the centre of Hamilton, through the old underground station, and across the Claudelands bridge over the Waikato River. We then travel east in a straight line through the Ruakura Innovation Park and out towards Morrinsville. At Morrinsville we turn right, passing over the Piako River, and follow gentle curves through to the junction at Waharoa. Here we proceed straight ahead to continue down the Kinleith Line (the route of the old Rotorua line), to our destination of Tokoroa. At Tokoroa we transfer to our coach which transports us to Rotorua and our night's accommodation. After our arrival into Rotorua, and with time for dinner we head to the famous Skyline Rotorua. High above Rotorua we indulge at the Stratosfare Restaurant Buffett Dinner with the panoramic views of Rotorua, the Lake and Mokoia Island our backdrop for the evening
Today we depart central Rotorua and head around the western side of the lake before heading inland to Mamaku. Mamaku, originally Kaponga, was famous for native timber milling with the last mill closing in 2015. Mamaku was the highest point on the now-mothballed Rotorua Branch. On our arrival in to Mamaku we embark on our first 'rail-cart' experience with the RailCruisers on the old Rotorua Branch from Mamaku to Ngongotaha. We return to Rotorua taking a scenic drive around the town before arriving at the Redwoods Treewalk. Majestic and magical, the Redwoods Treewalk™ experience is truly a walk to remember. Suspended high above the forest floor, encounter 75-metre-tall redwoods as you walk across eco-suspended bridges and platforms intricately designed to honour and accentuate the stunning natural environment. Regarded by many as one of the best tree top walks in New Zealand. We return to Rotorua with the remainder of the afternoon free at your leisure.
Today we depart Rotorua by coach for the coastal city of Tauranga to meet our train. Boarding at The Strand on the waterfront of Central Tauranga we depart, skirting the edge of the estuaries and salt marshes we make our way through the lush Kiwifruit country of the Bay of Penty before delving into the darkness of the Kaimai Tunnel. At 8.9 kilometres this is the longest tunnel in New Zealand. This is a truly rare opportunity, the Kaimai Tunnel has been the haunt of freight only since the early 2000’s. Back in the daylight, we roll through the dairy country of Matamata-Piako, east of Hamilton before we head south. Leaving Hamilton and exiting out of the mighty Waikato, we glide through the rolling farmland and skirt many rivers, gorges and valleys as we enter the King Country. At Te Kuiti we start our ascent to the Poro-O-Tarao Tunnel which takes us through the range dividing the watersheds of the Mokau and Whanganui rivers. From Taumarunui it is all up hill to the famous Raurimu Spiral taking us up to the central plateau. We skirt the bottom of the imposing mountains as we leave National Park, we soon cross the mighty Makatote Viaduct, running around the western flanks of Mt. Ruapehu we cross the grand Hapuawhenua Viaduct before arriving in Ohakune for the night. Our accommodation is only a short walk from the station in Ohakune.
We depart Ohakune early by coach today for a day of varied travel. Passing through Raetihi we join State Highway 4. Following the Mangawhero River we travel through the rugged central North Island to the historic river town of Upokongaro. Nestled on the banks of the mighty Whanganui River it is here we transfer to the P.S. Waimarie, the only authentic coal fired paddle steamer in the Southern Hemisphere. Absorb yourself in the rhythmic beat of the boat as we travel back in time taking a leisurely cruise, with lunch included, along Te Awa Tupuna – the Whanganui River. Pulling up to the wharf in Whanganui we transfer back to our train. Departing the eastern suburbs of Whanganui, we cross the Whanganui river before starting our climb up the formidable Westmere Bank. Descending the grade into the township of Patea from the mouth of the river, we continue onward to Hawera and the start of our mountain views. We navigate the eastward side of the Egmont National Park before arriving into New Plymouth, at our stop on the coastal walkway. Disembarking here, our accommodation is only a short walk.
Today, we delve into the Taranaki Region with the Taranaki Garden Festival organisers handpicking five exceptional properties exclusively for our tour group. Immerse yourself in a unique day trip during the festival, visiting these exquisite gardens. Benefit from the ease of bus transfers to and from your hotel and between each garden. A seasoned gardening expert will join the group, offering valuable insights at every stop. Additionally a delightful lunch in included as part of the experience. Later in the afternoon, we'll return to the hotel, where you have the freedom to explore the town at your own pace.
Our morning departure out of New Plymouth sees us retrace our journey to Palmerston North before the trip north to National Park. The rolling countryside and mountain views entertain you as we travel through the towns of Inglewood, Stratford, Eltham and on to Hawera. Passing Stratford we get a glimpse of the southern connection to the mothballed Stratford – Okahukura Line. South of Hawera we travel past one of the country’s busiest milk factories at Whareroa. Passing through Patea once again we skirt the Waipipi Wind Farm, home to some of the country’s largest wind turbines. We make a stop in Waverley for Lunch, provided by a local group, before making our way down the Westmere Bank and through the eastern reaches of Whanganui. South of Whanganui we pass through the Fordell and Turakina tunnels. At Marton we rejoin the North Island Main Trunk Line and descend down in to Feilding and, through the Bunnythorpe dips and arrive into Palmerston North. A short relocation to our Hotel for the night provides the evening free at your leisure.
This morning we relocate to the railway station from our hotel and we depart north-east towards Napier on the Palmerston North – Gisborne line, powered again by Diesel Locomotive DBR1254. Passing through the breath-taking Manawatu Gorge, now only accessible by rail, we pass through Woodville where we stop briefly before we continue north-east. Rolling through the meandering countryside, north of Dannevirke we cross the six famous viaducts of Mangatera, Piripiri, Mangatewainui, Makotuku, Ormondville and Kopua. Taking a stop at Takapu we disembark and head to the beautiful and historic Oruawharo Homestead for a lunch befitting the backdrop of the grand homestead. The Pekapeka Wetlands signal our entry into the horticultural heart of the Hawkes Bay, often quoted as ‘The fruit bowl of New Zealand’ where we soon greet the coastline south of Napier, shortly before arriving into the heart of town. We are relocated to our accommodation in Napier’s scenic centre.
Today we leave the Art Deco streetscape of central Napier and head south towards Cape Kidnappers and our day with Gannet Safaris. We start by travelling over a working farm and New Zealand's largest privately owned and funded wildlife sanctuary, stop several times at lookout points along the way. Learn about the local history and culture from our highly knowledgeable guides while taking in the sensational 360-degree views over Hawkes Bay. While at the plateau, one is within a few metres of the remarkable birds with their stunning golden crowns. No walking required. Before returniung to Napier we pay a visit to one of the local wineries for afternoon tea and to sample the fare.
Today is a leisurely day in Napier with a twist. This morning we split into groups and we have the opportunity to travel by vintage car around Napier and learn about the Art Deco scene and the 1936 earthquake that made Napier into the Art Deco capital. There is also plenty of free time and the opportunity to explore the town at your leisure.
Today’s travel retraces our steps, back down to Woodville. Leaving Napier we once again roll through the lush orchards and growing areas of central Hawkes Bay. You hear the locomotive work hard as we head up the Opapa Bank, the steepest on this part of the line between Napier and Woodville. Between Waipukurau and Dannevirke we pass through several old towns of New Zealand, now reminiscing at their glory days in the height of the New Zealand Railways. At Woodville we get the chance to see the Woodville Balloon Loop, an iconic piece of rail infrastructure as we head on our journey further south, down the Wairarapa Line. This line is not used by any scheduled freight or passenger services. Having crossed the Manawatu River, and passing the famous Tui Brewery at Mangatainoka we stop at Pahiatua for lunch and time to look at the Pahiatua Railcar Society’s magnificent collection. Here we relocate to a bus for our last leg of the journey, our departure from Pahiatua sees us climb through stunning native bush up to Mount Bruce and in to the Wairarapa. Tonight Dinner is provided as our last group dinner before some of our group continue south to Wellington.
Departing Masterton, we make our way through the town of Carterton, passing Greytown and arriving at Featherston where we have a look through the Fell Locomotive Society and there is time to have a look around this quaint little town. Leaving Featherston for the short journey to our next exclusive destination property this is where we spend a few hours surrounded by enchanted plantings, sculptures and a railway – this opportunity doesn’t come often and should not be missed. Lunch is included in this wonderful location. After our time at the property, we take a scenic journey through the countryside to Greytown where there is time to explore this beautiful town and it’s boutique shops before returning to Masterton.
Today we relocate our entire group by coach to Palmerston North, ready for the following day's rail journey home to the Waikato and Auckland. We leave Masterton for a morning's quick venture out to the scenic Castlepoint, home to one of the world's rarest daisies, fur seals, dolphins and a towering lighthouse. TIme is afforded here for the short walk up the limestone cliff to the Lighthouse, and provided good weather is on our side, is a spectacular vantage point. We return to Masterton and head towards Mt Bruce where the Pukaha National Wildlife Centre is our stop for lunch. Following lunch in the café, we head north following the Tararua ranges to Woodville, crossing the Saddle road and stopping at Te Apiti Wind Farm look out. We arrive in to Palmerston North mid afternoon. Tonight we feast in our Farewell Dinner in the hotel Restaurant, reflecting on our tour and conviviality of the group.
Departing Palmerston North we once again travel across the three deviations that formed part of the electrification of the North Island Main Trunk in the 1980s on our climb up to the central plateau. Passing through the once busy railway depot at Taihape in the age of steam, we experience the Turangarere horseshoe curve before going through Waiouru. After our train travels through Ohakune we cross the Hapuawhenua Viaduct, another notable electrification project. Horopito Motors is to our right before travelling through Pokaka. At Pokaka we crest the highest point of railway line in the country. From National Park, we descend down onto the engineering masterpiece that is the Raurimu Spiral. We descend over 130 metres, in 7 kilometres, 2 tunnels and lots of curves, into the township of Raurimu. From here we continue our descent towards the Whakapapa river and from Kakahi, the Whanganui river will guide us all the way to Taumarunui. North of Taumarunui we pass the northern connection of the Stratford – Okahukura Line at Okahukura, a once busy junction of freight and passenger services. The Poro-O-Tarao Tunnel signifies the divide of the King Country and the mighty Waikato region as we roll down to Te Kuiti, our next stop. Views of Mt Pirongia fill our window to the left as we travel the rolling countryside and peat swamps of south Waikato before arriving into Hamilton. After farewelling those that joined us at Hamilton we follow the Waikato river through Ngaruawahia and the Taupiri gorge, before passing through more swampland in the northern Waikato region. Pokeno sees us start the climb up the Whangarata Bank to Pukekohe and the end of our tour with a late afternoon arrival at Papakura, before returning Glenbrook. Tour Ends.
For those that would prefer to conclude their tour in Wellington, please refer below to how days 11 to 13 work.
Departing Masterton, we make our way through the town of Carterton, arriving in Greytown where there is time to explore this beautiful town and it’s boutique shops. Leaving Greytown for the short journey to our next exclusive destination property this is where we spend a few hours surrounded by enchanted plantings, sculptures and a railway – this opportunity doesn’t come often and should not be missed. Lunch is included in this wonderful location. After our time at the property, we take a scenic journey over the top of the Remutaka Ranges, and around the upper reaches of the Wellington Harbour before arriving into the Wellington CBD and our accommodation.
Today is an easy day in Wellington, starting off with a trip up the Wellington Cable Car, with time at the top to explore the museum and take in the wonderful sights over the Wellington Harbour. After lunch in Wellington, a leisurely stroll to Te Papa Museum will see us out for the remainder of the afternoon. Tonight we feast in our Farewell Dinner in the hotel Restaurant, reflecting on our tour and conviviality of the group.
Tour Ends

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