Off The Beaten Track Rail Odyssey

OFF THE BEATEN TRACK RAIL ODYSSEY

A 14 day exclusive musical train charter around the North Island to see many natural wonders only accessible by train.

08 - 21 APRIL 2021

OFF THE BEATEN TRACK RAIL ODYSSEY 08 - 21 APRIL 2021 A 14 day exclusive musical train charter around the North Island to see many natural wonders only accessible by train.

Experience the Exceptional...

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An exclusive charter train journey on many tracks no longer accessible by public rail.

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Auckland to National Park includes three volcanic mountains - Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu.

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National Park to Napier includes the famous Raurimu Spiral to Palmerston North and the picturesque Manawatu Gorge, currently only accessible by rail.

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Napier to Masterton includes the Heretaunga Plains on towards Dannevirke, before branching off South towards Masterton.

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Palmerston North to New Plymouth includes the Westmere Bank with the mighty Mt Taranaki on our left and the distant slopes of Mt Ruapehu on our right.

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Themed music events hosted by Sue, Bonnie, Alex Foster and Paul on piano include Getting to Know You, Melodies and Memories, Drink, Drink, Drink!, Gatsby Glitter and Glam Gala!, A Celtic Celebration and a Family Soirée.

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OUR ARTISTS FOR THIS TRIP

Tours and fabulous sights at Auckland (1 night), Chateau Tongariro Hotel (2 nights), Napier (3 nights), Martinborough (3 nights), New Plymouth (3 nights) and Taumarunui (1 night).

For more information ring our office or visit our website

Susan Boland

Bonaventure Allan-Moetaua

Alex Foster

Paul Carnegie-Jones

OUR TRAIN JOURNEYS Our fully renovated train has a diesel engine, ex Kiwi Rail pulling Edwardian fully restored carriages, insulated, sound proofed with beautifully upholstered seating throughout.

Auckland to National Park We will see fantastic views of New Zealand from farmland, rugged bush landscapes and the majestic North Island’s central volcanic plateau. This is a place of extremes and surprises, where snow-blanketed fields, ancient lava flow and dense beech forests can be seen side by side. The central plateau’s three volcanic mountains - Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu – are spectacular sights and not to be missed on our North Island adventure.

National Park to Napier A full day of travel and great sights, including National Park on the main trunk line through the famous Raurimu Spiral to Palmerston North. We turn off the main trunk line for our first journey off the beaten track.

We depart Palmerston North and wind our way through the picturesque Manawatu Gorge, currently only accessible by rail. Then on to Dannevirke, before crossing the Takapau Plains to Waipukurau, and then on across the Heretaunga Plains, through Hastings and on to our destination, Napier.

Napier to Masterton We journey back through the Heretaunga Plains on towards Dannevirke, before branching off South towards Masterton via Pahiatua, Eketahuna and Mangatainoka.

Palmerston North to New Plymouth Moving through the Rangitikei we climb up the Westmere Bank just after leaving Whanganui and enter the special part of New Zealand known these days as the NAKI. We head through Hawera and on towards Stratford.

The mighty shape of Mt Taranaki is before us and on the right side of our carriage are the distant slopes of Mt Ruapehu. We move on through the small dairy towns of Eltham, Stratford and Inglewood before arriving in New Plymouth.

National Park to Auckland Back on the train today having seen the Forgotten World Highway by coach and enjoying the wonders of the North Island on the way back including native bush, mountains and rolling farmlands.

www.operatunity.co.nz/travel | P: 0508 886 489 | E: travel@operatunity.co.nz

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THURSDAY 8 APRIL 2021 (D) - Cordis Hotel, Auckland (1 night) Cordis Hotel, Auckland is a 5 star hotel in a great location, recently elegantly refurbished.

Upon arrival there is time to check into the hotel before we enjoy a dinner together to get to know each other with a little music tonight from our artists entitled Getting To Know You, music made famous by Rodgers and Hammerstein including of course our theme song from The King and I.

FRIDAY 9 APRIL 2021 (B, L, D) - Chateau Tongariro Hotel (2 nights) The historical Chateau Tongariro Hotel impresses with its grand architecture and interiors, location in the Tongariro National Park and facilities, which include a 9-hole golf course and a cinema.

Highlights Include: • Embark on our chartered train at Pukekohe Train Station with a full day train journey to National Park.

• Lunch is included on board today.

• We will see fantastic views of New Zealand from farmland, rugged bush landscapes and the majestic North Island’s central volcanic plateau.

This is a place of extremes and surprises, where snow-blanketed fields, ancient lava flow and dense beech forests can be seen side by side. The central plateau’s three volcanic mountains - Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu – are spectacular sights and not to be missed on our North Island adventure.

• Light dinner tonight at the hotel.

SATURDAY 10 APRIL 2021

(B, D)

Highlights Include: • A tour of the region today with its magnificent scenery.

• Visit the National Army Museum, Waiouru with a chance to delve into your ancestors war history as well.

• A chance to put your feet up this afternoon or enjoy your own exploring - maybe even a helicopter ride (own cost).

• This evening we enjoy a private dinner and concert entitled Melodies and Memories in our historic beautiful chateau.

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Chateau Tongariro

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For more information ring our office or visit our website

SUNDAY 11 APRIL 2021 (B, L) Navigate Seaside Hotel and Apartments, Napier (3 nights) Offering views of the Port of Napier, this polished apartment hotel is across the street from the beach and located beside some great restaurants.

Highlights Include: • A full day of travel and great sights, including National Park on the main trunk line through the famous Raurimu Spiral to Palmerston North. We turn off the main trunk line for our first journey off the beaten track.

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Mission Estate

We depart Palmerston North and wind our way through the picturesque Manawatu Gorge, currently only accessible by rail. Then on to Dannevirke, before crossing the Takapau Plains to Waipukurau, and then on across the Heretaunga Plains, through Hastings and on to our destination, Napier.

MONDAY 12 APRIL 2021 (B, L, D)

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Wine tasting and platters at Te Awa Winery.

Evening off. We are close to many restaurants and also a really good fish and chip shop that cooks great blue cod!

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Visit including lunch at Birdwood Gallery (one of Karl’s favourite places) as well as a spot of shopping here.

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Dinner and Art Deco concert at the Old Church tonight where we will bring out the glitter and glam. Dress up and be dazzled by our great evening event: Gatsby Glitter and Glam Gala!

Manawatu Gorge

Highlights Include: • Vintage car tour of the city pointing out all the famous Art Deco sights.

Napier

www.operatunity.co.nz/travel | P: 0508 886 489 | E: travel@operatunity.co.nz

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TUESDAY 13 APRIL 2021

(B, L, D)

THURSDAY 15 APRIL (B, L, D)

Highlights Include: • Wine experience and lunch at The Urban Winery (formerly the Rothmans Building), an iconic Art Deco building. In its entrance is one of only 16 oak egg-shaped wine barrels in the world that produces a totally unique Chardonnay style of wine.

Highlights Include: • Tour to the Martinborough area.

• Time off to go shopping in town today. Napier has a myriad of lovely shops within walking distance of our hotel.

• Wine tasting at a vineyard in Martinborough including lunch.

• Tonight it is off to the famous Mission Estate in their chapel to enjoy an evening of fine dining.

WEDNESDAY 14 APRIL 2021 (B, L, D) - Peppers Parehua Martinborough Set on a large country estate with sweeping gardens and panoramic views of the Wairarapa wine-growing region, Peppers Parehua has been individually designed, with artwork and furnishings by New Zealand designers.

Highlights Include: • Today we are off on the next stage of our train journey towards the Wairarapa region famous for its vineyards around Martinborough and its abundance of cute, historic towns like Greytown and Carterton.

• Casual dinner tonight on arrival at our hotel.

• Visit to the famous town of Greytown with time for shopping in their lovely array of boutique stores, ranging from homewares, fashion, furniture and antiques.

• Visit to Stonehenge Aotearoa, a fully scaled replica of Stonehenge, our tour will include a talk about how stones were used to track the sun and moon.

• Dinner this evening with concert from our artists entitled Drink, Drink, Drink! in a historic house ballroom with famous songs from The Student Prince and other famous musicals of the golden era like The Merry Widow, New Moon and The Great Waltz to name but a few.

FRIDAY 16 APRIL 2021 (B, L) Highlights Include: • A tour and visit to the National Wildlife Centre at Mount Bruce to see the Takahe and other rare birds.

• Off for a drive to the famous Tui Brewery for a tour and lunch at the Brewery.

• Casual dinner at the hotel this evening (own cost) and a chance to watch the movie Murder on the Orient Express.

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Tui Brewery

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For more information ring our office or visit our website

SATURDAY 17 APRIL 2021 (B, D) - Millennium Hotel New Plymouth, The Waterfront (3 nights) This 4 star hotel is located in the heart of the city, close to shops and overlooks the magnificent West Coast.

Highlights Include: • Off to Palmerston North this morning to join up with our train for our next rail journey off the beaten track towards New Plymouth.

• Time in Palmerston North to shop and pick up some lunch to eat on the train.

• Moving through the Rangitikei District we climb up the Westmere Bank just after leaving Whanganui and enter the special part of New Zealand known these days as the NAKI. • We head through Hawera and on towards Stratford.

• The mighty shape of Mt Taranaki is before us and on the right side of our carriage are the distant slopes of Mt Ruapehu.

• We move on through the small dairy towns of Eltham, Stratford and Inglewood before arriving in New Plymouth.

• Casual dinner at the hotel this evening.

SUNDAY 18 APRIL 2021 (B, L) Highlights Include: • We take you for a drive up the mountain today. Mt Taranaki is one the most beautiful mountains in New Zealand. We enjoy lunch with the mountain as our backdrop.

• We visit an arts and craft gem Chapman Taylor House, Tupare for a chance to look around.

• This evening is free to enjoy one of the many restaurants close to our hotel.

MONDAY 19 APRIL 2021 (B, HIGH TEA, D) Highlights Include: • Morning visit to Tawhiti Museum: Widely acclaimed as the best private museum in the country, the museum uses life size exhibits and scale models to present our heritage in a series of super realistic and engaging displays.

• High Tea in the Tea House of Pukekura Park today.

• Time off for shopping or enjoying a walk on the lovely seaside boardwalk.

• Dinner and concert tonight from our artists entitled A Celtic Celebration, famous songs from Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales.

TUESDAY 20 APRIL 2021 (B, L, D) - Central Park Motor Inn, Taumarunui (1 night) Highlights Include: • First it’s off to Stratford in time to view the ‘Glockenspiel’. Then we connect up with the Forgotten Highway as we drive through some of the most beautiful native bush and countryside in New Zealand.

• We stop in the Republic of Whangamomona for lunch at the historic Whangamomona Hotel.

• Tour and afternoon tea at Lauren’s Lavender Farm.

• Casual fun night tonight with a good old fashioned singalong Family Soirée to finish our fabulous train journey.

WEDNESDAY 21 APRIL 2021

(B, L) Today we reboard our charter train for our final journey home, marvelling at the scenery and reminiscing on our amazing experiences, arriving back in Auckland in late afternoon.

www.operatunity.co.nz/travel | P: 0508 886 489 | E: travel@operatunity.co.nz

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6,955

$

per person twin share Single Room supplement add $1,860 Initial Deposit on booking

Final Balance due: 15 December 2020

$900

Deposits refundable (less costs incurred) prior to FINAL BALANCE DUE DATE. Itinerary details are subject to change, however any changes will be replaced with a comparable or better option.

THIS TRIP INCLUDES: •

An exclusive charter train journey on tracks no longer accessible by public rail: Auckland to National Park includes three volcanic mountains - Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu. National Park to Napier includes the famous Raurimu Spiral to Palmerston North and the picturesque Manawatu Gorge, currently only accessible by rail. Napier to Masterton includes the Heretaunga Plains on towards Dannevirke, before branching off South towards Masterton.

Palmerston North to New Plymouth includes the Westmere Bank with the mighty Mt Taranaki on our left and the distant slopes of Mt Ruapehu on our right.

•

Themed music events hosted by Sue, Bonnie, Alex Foster and Paul on piano include Getting To Know You featuring songs by Rodgers and Hammerstein, Melodies and Memories a walk down memory lane with best loved melodies, Drink, Drink, Drink! Songs from Student Prince, The Great Waltz and other musicals from the Golden Era of Musicals, A Celtic Celebration, songs from Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales, Gatsby Glitter and Glam Gala! a concert of fabulous Art Deco songs and A Family Soirée, songs and singalongs to celebrate our tour.

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Auckland (1 night) to enjoy our welcome dinner and music and get ready for our train journey.

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Chateau Tongariro Hotel (2 nights) plus tours of National Park and the National Army Museum, Waiouru.

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Napier (3 nights) including vintage car tour of the city, wine tasting at Te Awa Winery, Birdwood Gallery, Art Deco concert at the Old Church and dinner at the Mission Estate.

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Martinborough (3 nights), visits to vineyards, wine tasting, Tui Brewery, Greytown and Stonehenge.

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New Plymouth (3 nights) garden and historic house visits, Glockenspiel, mountain drive and lunch, visit to Tawhiti Museum.

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Taumarunui (1 night) Whangamomona, Lavender Farm, drive through the Forgotten Highway.

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All breakfasts, 10 lunches, 1 high tea, 10 dinners and all morning and afternoon teas on board the train are included.

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Escorted by singers Susan Boland, Bonaventure Allan-Moetaua, Alex Foster and pianist Paul Carnegie-Jones.

PLEASE NOTE: As our travellers are coming from all over NZ, airfares are not included.

EASY TOUR This tour will suit people with a stick, but not a walker. You will be required to walk to get from place to place, but it is designed to be an easy tour with lots of times to rest, travel on a coach and walk easy leisurely distances.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION • • • Toll Free: 0508 886 489 email: travel@operatunity.co.nz | www.operatunity.co.nz PO Box 132 150 Sylvia Park, Auckland 1644, New Zealand

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All trips are subject to change but any changes will be of equal or greater value.

Deposits refundable until final payment date minus any costs incurred, or an administration fee of up to $300.

Travellers need to be independently mobile and fit to travel.

Travellers are required to obtain comprehensive travel insurance for all international trips.

Please refer to terms & conditions on our booking form.