New Zealand is known for its rugged, river-filled and mountainous landscapes which were once a challenge to traverse, resulting in impressive feats of early railway engineering. For travellers today, a combination of touring and rail journeys is the best way to experience the country and witness views of the famed landscapes you’d otherwise miss out on. It is an all-year-round travel destination with each season highlighting a different scenic feature of our neighbouring country. New Zealand has its very own winter wonderland, and we have two exclusive private chartered train journeys that will give you the opportunity to experience this glorious country at a different time of year. Let your life-changing experience begin as you travel by rail and soak in the spectacular New Zealand scenery and stunning natural beauty that surrounds you all from the comfort of your seat.
Each of the journeys allows time for sightseeing and a stay in Oamaru, a beautiful Victorian town. Oamaru is the largest town in North Otago in the South Island of New Zealand. It is the main town in the Waitaki District and is 80 kilometres south of Timaru most famous for its penguin colony and limestone architecture of the Victorian Precinct. Oamaru is enriched by passionate locals and boasts a rich history. You will find a lot of quaint, beautiful Victorian streetscapes and 19th-century architecture as Oamaru is known for its proud heritage. Here you will have the opportunity to part-take in Oamaru’s largest tour attraction; a Blue Penguin Colony tour. The birds return from their days fishing, make their way across the beach, up a stony ramp and cross to the colony.
The colony began when a small number of blue penguins began nesting in a rock quarry area at the edge of Oamaru Harbour in the early 1990s. Following breakfast, you will board the train and travel through Dunedin
Another feature on these epic private train tours is Dunedin, which is known as the Edinburgh of New Zealand. This town wears its Scottish heritage with pride. Surrounded by dramatic hills and at the foot of a long, picturesque harbour, Dunedin is one of the best-preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the Southern Hemisphere. Dunedin's heritage extends to a real castle, high on the hills of the Otago Peninsula. Larnach Castle is New Zealand's only castle and a much-loved piece of Dunedin history. Full of unique landscapes and fascinating cultural history this is not an opportunity you want to miss out on!
You will stop in Dunedin and have the opportunity to explore the Dunedin Royal Albatross Centre with the world’s largest seabirds! Albatrosses normally breed on remote islands and spend at least 85% of their lives at sea, well away from land and human view. Dunedin’s Taiaroa Head is the only mainland Royal Albatross breeding colony in the world. After your stay, it’s then time to re-join the train and travel along the scenic southern route and rich Southland countryside to Invercargill.
You’ll find Invercargill after travelling along the scenic southern route and rich Southland countryside, which offers rugged scenery, native wildlife, motoring history and stand out local produce. In Invercargill, a popular activity for most tourists is the scenic mountain biking trails. This is a fun activity idea while you have spare time to explore Invercargill during your 2-night stay. Not only does Invercargill have fascinating landscapes and natural beauty but it was home to Invercargill Brewery, the southernmost manufacturer of beer in New Zealand which was established in 1999. Invercargill Brewery was an internationally award-winning production brewery however went into receivership in 2018. There is so much to see and explore in Invercargill and the opportunities to learn about this town’s history are endless!
You will have the opportunity to discover the world-class vintage truck collection at Bill Richardson Transport World or learn about the legend of speed at Burt Munro at E Hayes Motorworks. Bill Richardson Transport World is the largest private automotive museum of its type in the world and is home to Invercargill. One man’s passion started it all. Bill Richardson spent decades restoring vintage vehicles - now, his family has infused his collection with their own interests to create a world-class experience. For encounters with rare and unique wildlife, you will have the opportunity to visit Nuggets Point located in Invercargill where you’ll find fur seals, sea lions, sooty shearwaters, shags, yellow-eyed penguins, spoonbills, and a breeding colony of gannets. And if you look closely, you may see Hector's dolphins frolicking out in the waves.
Depending on which rail journey you desire, the Lower South Island in Winter rail journey takes you to the iconic Mount Cook which is the highest mountain in New Zealand with an astonishing height of 3,724 metres sitting in the Southern Alps. Mount Cook is one of New Zealand’s most popular travel destinations and is known as a favoured challenge for mountain climbers. You don’t have to be a mountaineer to interact with the stunning scenery; there are various alpine walks beginning near the village, all about three hours return. A visit to the Sir Edmond Hillary Alpine Centre or indoor stargazing is other ways to optimise your time here.
However, if you decide Mount Cook is not for you the Mountains & Lakes Queenstown to Christchurch rail journey will be your best friend which features Queenstown and magical Te Anaau travelling through iconic Milford Sound. Queenstown is surrounded by beautiful towering mountains, positioned on the edge of a lake sitting on the shore of Lake Wakatipu. Queenstown boasts a hub of adventure, with endless activities to part-take there is an omnipresent sense of fun. Te Anau is the gateway to Milford Sound and is home to endangered takahe birds. Famously described as the eighth wonder of the world Milford Sound was carved by glaciers during the ice ages. Breathtaking in any weather, the fiord's cliffs rise vertically from the dark waters, mountain peaks scrape the sky and waterfalls cascade downwards from as high as 1000 metres. When it rains in Milford Sound as it often does the waterfalls multiply terrifically with magnificent effect.
New Zealand provides a truly magical holiday, especially when experienced through immersive cultural experiences and local insider knowledge on these hosted private rail journeys. Sold on New Zealand by rail? Why not see for yourself?
Click here to book New Zealand Rail. Alternatively, call 1300 854 897 or email holidays@holidaysofaustralia.com.au
