The Great New Zealand Train Journey 2022

THE GREAT NEW ZEALAND TRAIN JOURNEY “Once again we had a really memorable holiday with very experienced, helpful and delightfully generous guides, making sure everyone was safe and enjoying their holiday. The musical episodes were exceptional as usual and really appreciated.”

Marlene and Joe

Iconic Train Journey with wonderful scenery and musical experiences

20 OCTOBER - 3 NOVEMBER 2022

THE GREAT NEW ZEALAND TRAIN JOURNEY Iconic Train Journey with wonderful scenery and music theatre experiences 20 OCTOBER - 3 NOVEMBER 2022 Oh what a beautiful morning, all aboard and we are on the road (or on the train tracks!) for the Great New Zealand Train Journey which combines all the bygone glory of train travel, with fun and laughter with our escorts, as well as incredible music theatre events in beautiful settings around New Zealand.

Experience the Exceptional...

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Train rides through beautiful farmlands, rugged coastlines, the volcanic plateau, undulating mountains and lush forests.

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Best loved music theatre experiences along the way which include welcome concert: From Phantom to Les Mis with special guest artist Amanda Atlas, a gala event The Golden Age of Musicals at Viligrad Vineyard, a Nelson concert and dinner: Showstoppers, a musical theatre concert at the Tongariro Chateau: Climb Every Mountain, Love and Laughter with special guest artist Stuart Coats and our final evening gala Puttin’ on the Ritz plus dine and dance.

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Entertainment from our escorts on board our carriage as we travel through our country, the most beautiful country in the world.

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Numerous tours and experiences from Hobbiton to the Weta Workshop to glimpse behind the scenes of The Lord of the Rings, to the Kate Shepherd’s house, foodies tour in Nelson and so much more.

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Love, care and laughter from our incredible tour hosts Karl Perigo, Russell Dixon, Kelly Lim Harris, pianist Grant Winterburn, with special guest appearances by Amanda Atlas and Stuart Coats.

OUR ARTISTS FOR THIS TRIP

Karl Perigo

Russell Dixon

Kelly Lim Harris

Grant Winterburn

Amanda Atlas

Stuart Coats

For more information ring our office or visit our website

OUR TRAIN AND BOAT JOURNEY Our train journey takes us through many parts of New Zealand. The plan is we put our luggage on our coach so we don’t need to concern ourselves with luggage on the train. The coach drops us off and we enjoy time on the train while the coach drives our luggage to the next destination. Then we enjoy concerts and singalongs in our own carriage and watch the world go by!

TranzAlpine - Christchurch - Southern Alps Greymouth (and return) Travelling west crossing the Canterbury Plains, the train slowly ascends through spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River towards the Southern Alps to the alpine village of Arthurs Pass. From here we descend through the Otira Tunnel to the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island, through lush alpine forests to Greymouth.

Coastal Pacific Train

Coastal Pacific Train On one side of your train you will see the wine growing region of Blenheim and the rugged Kaikoura mountain ranges; on the other side the Pacific Ocean coastline with views of marine wildlife such as seals and penguins, and some of New Zealand’s finest horticultural and farmland areas of the Canterbury Plains.

Interislander - Picton - Wellington The Interislander travels the Cook Strait between the North and South Islands of New Zealand and is one of the most spectacular cruises in the world. The 92 km journey between Picton and Wellington is one of New Zealand’s most iconic tourist experiences.

Northern Explorer - North Island We will see fantastic views of New Zealand from farmland, rugged bush landscapes and the engineering masterpiece that is the Raurimu Spiral, to passing the majestic volcanoes of Mt Tongariro, Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Ruapehu - the home of the North Island ski fields.

We then journey through stunning river gorges to the farming landscapes and rocky sea scapes of the North Island - all from large panoramic windows and the open-air viewing deck of the Northern Explorer train.

Interislander

Northern Explorer

TranzAlpine

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

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THURSDAY 20 OCTOBER 2022 (D) Peppers Christchurch Clearwater Resort (3 nights) Peppers Christchurch Clearwater Resort is just a short drive from the garden city and ideally positioned to take in views of the striking Lake Kaikainui.

Highlights Include: • Time to settle into our hotel this afternoon.

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Welcome dinner with entertainment from our escorts (please note Karl and Grant will arrive tomorrow) but we have a special guest tonight in Amanda! From Phantom to Les Mis featuring the famous songs by Andrew Lloyd Webber and other modern musicals and starring special guest artist Amanda Atlas.

FRIDAY 21 OCTOBER 2022

SUNDAY 23 OCTOBER 2022 (B, L, D) CHRISTCHURCH TO BLENHEIM then onto Nelson - An iconic and stunning train ride up the East Coast from Christchurch to Blenheim!

Rutherford Hotel, Nelson (2 nights) Centrally located in Nelson, the 4-star Rutherford Hotel is within easy walking distance of the city’s main shopping streets and the landmark cathedral.

Highlights Include: • We travel up one of the most beautiful coasts in New Zealand – with its crashing waves, rugged rocks and seal colonies – to Kaikoura and then onto Blenheim.

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Enjoy lunch at a vineyard in Blenheim before travelling through to Nelson this afternoon.

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A casual dinner at our hotel this evening .

(B, HIGH TEA)

Highlights Include: • City tour of Christchurch to see all the changes before and after the earthquake.

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A visit to the Kate Shepherd House with tour and talk about this National Treasure and enjoy a high tea here today.

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Free time to shop in Christchurch.

SATURDAY 22 OCTOBER 2022 (B, L) TRANZALPINE TRAIN TO GREYMOUTH RETURN Highlights Include: • Today we enjoy one of the most magnificent train journeys in the world, the TranzAlpine. We travel coast to coast from Christchurch to Greymouth and experience the striking beauty of the Southern Alps, the ice-fed Waimakariri River through to unique native beech forests. We will have a picnic lunch on board our train.

TranzAlpine

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For more information ring our office or visit our website

Hagley Park Christchurch

MONDAY 24 OCTOBER 2022 (B, L, D)

WEDNESDAY 26 OCTOBER 2022 (B, MORNING TEA)

Highlights Include: • Walking tour of Nelson.

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Pic’s Peanut Butter World - tour and tasting.

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Seifried Estate’s Harvest Kitchen for lunch and a glass of wine.

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A chance to walk around the Founders Village, late afternoon and then enjoy dinner at the Granary including entertainment - Showstoppers, a celebration of the best hits ever written!

TUESDAY 25 OCTOBER 2022 (B, D) INTERISLANDER FROM PICTON TO WELLINGTON Intercontinental, Wellington (3 nights) The Intercontinental Hotel offers direct access to the Lambton Quay shopping area, just a ten minute walk from Wellington Station. This hotel features rooms with panoramic views.

Highlights Include: • A City Tour of Wellington including Wellington central area, a trip to the top of Mt Victoria, with its great views over Wellington, and a tour of the Parliament buildings.

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Visit to Katherine Mansfield’s house including morning tea.

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Free time this afternoon and evening for your own activities or a chance to catch up with friends.

THURSDAY 27 OCTOBER 2022 (B, D) Highlights Include: • Experience a tour of the amazing Weta Workshop.

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Free time for shopping, visiting friends or Te Papa.

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Tonight, our dinner at The Boatshed will be accompanied by music from our singers: Love and Laughter with special guest artist Stuart Coats.

Highlights Include: • Drive from Nelson to Blenheim.

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Experience the outstanding Knights of the Sky exhibition, featuring Sir Peter Jackson’s own collection of WW1 aircraft and artifacts. The story of aviation in the Great War is theatrically brought to life by the internationally acclaimed talent of WingNut Films and Weta Workshop.

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Cruise through the Marlborough Sounds, spot dolphins and enjoy the glorious scenery as we travel through the Sounds.

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Casual dinner at local restaurant this evening.

Marlborough Sounds

Wellington

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

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FRIDAY 28 OCTOBER 2022 (B, L) WELLINGTON - TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK BY TRAIN

SUNDAY 30 OCTOBER 2022 (B, L, D) TRAVEL FROM NATIONAL PARK TO HAMILTON BY TRAIN

Chateau Tongariro (2 nights)

We will see fantastic views of New Zealand from farmland, rugged bush landscapes and the engineering masterpiece that is the Raurimu Spiral. We then journey through the stunning farming landscapes of the central North Island - seen through large panoramic windows and the open-air viewing deck of the Northern Explorer train.

The Chateau sits in the fourth oldest National Park in the world (Tongariro, established 1894) at an elevation of more than 1100m. The five-storey, 134-room property can be seen for miles and is an iconic Kiwi hotel.

Another incredible train journey through the lower half of the North Island with opportunities for a singalong today as we travel through farmlands and lovely scenery on our way to National Park, including passing the majestic volcanoes of Mt Tongariro, Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Ruapehu - the home of the North Island ski fields.

Highlights Include: • A lunchtime visit to Ohakune township with lunch at the Powderhorn included.

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Dinner (own cost) then a chance to catch a movie in the private movie theatre at the Chateau.

Murder on the Orient Express - let’s hope there is no such thing for us on the train in a couple of days!

SATURDAY 29 OCTOBER 2022

Novotel Hamilton Tainui (3 nights) Novotel Hamilton Tainui is a four-star hotel, centrally located on the banks of the Waikato River, which offers an award-winning restaurant, a fitness centre, a sauna and massage facilities.

Highlights Include: • A visit to the National Army Museum in Waiouru.

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Train journey with wonderful scenery between Tongariro National Park and Hamilton with picnic lunch on board.

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Casual dinner at our hotel on arrival.

(B, L, D)

Highlights Include: • Tour of the local area: a scenic drive around Mt Tongariro and Mt Ruapehu.

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Lunch and tour of Lauren’s Lavender Farm, Taumarunui.

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A sumptuous feast of cuisine and a gala concert Climb Every Mountain, featuring famous songs by Rodgers and Hammerstein in the private dining room at the Chateau.

Tongariro National Park

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Chateau Tongariro

For more information ring our office or visit our website

MONDAY 31 OCTOBER 2022

(B, L, D)

Highlights Include: • Transfer to Hobbiton where we step into the lush pastures of the Shire, as seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, for a tour and lunch.

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A gala event The Golden Age of Musicals at Viligrad Vineyard this evening.

TUESDAY 1 NOVEMBER 2022 (B, HIGH TEA, D) Guided interactive tour of beautiful Zealong Tea Estate – New Zealand’s only tea plantation, producing some of the purest tea in the world. Our tour includes tasting, high tea and time to peruse the gift shop!

Highlights Include: • Some free time this afternoon to relax, shop or meet up with friends and family. We are situated right in town, so shops are within very easy walking distance.

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Dine and dance and our concert theme is Puttin’ on the Ritz, featuring music from 20s and 30s shows at Woodlands this evening led by our great team! This will be our finale event as we arrive later into Auckland tomorrow so will just do a dinner tomorrow with no entertainment on arrival into Auckland.

WEDNESDAY 2 NOVEMBER 2022 (B, L, D)

HAMILTON TO AUCKLAND BY TRAIN Cordis Hotel (1 night) This elegant hotel is a 15-minute walk from the SkyCity Auckland casino and 1 km from the landmark Sky Tower. There’s a polished international restaurant, and a luxe lobby bar offering afternoon tea. Other amenities include a spa, a gym, and an outdoor pool with a hot tub.

Highlights Include: • Garden tour of themed gardens at the magnificent Hamilton Gardens including lunch.

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Train journey from Hamilton to Auckland.

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Dinner at our hotel this evening in the fabulous Eight Restaurant with our escorts.

THURSDAY 3 NOVEMBER 2022

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We are transferred to the airport to make our way home taking with us some wonderful memories of our beautiful country.

Woodlands Estate

Hobbiton

Hamilton Gardens

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

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6,950

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per person twin share Single Room supplement add $1,985 Initial Deposit on booking $900 Second Deposit due 21 June 2022 $1,200 Final Balance due: 1 August 2022 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: • 14 nights’ accommodation in 4-star hotels: Christchurch (3 nights), Nelson (2 nights), Wellington (3 nights), Chateau Tongariro (2 nights), Hamilton (3 nights), Auckland (1 night).

•Train journeys: TranzAlpine Christchurch - Greymouth (return)// Coastal Pacific, Christchurch - Blenheim //, Northern Explorer Wellington - National Park / National Park - Hamilton / Hamilton - Auckland • Other transport - Interislander Ferry one-way Picton to Wellington, plus all transfers, including luggage and people by coach included.

• Best Loved music theatre experiences along the way which include welcome concert: From Phantom to Les Mis with special guest artist Amanda Atlas, a gala event The Golden Age of Musicals at Viligrad Vineyard, a Nelson concert and dinner: Showstoppers, a musical theatre concert at the Tongariro Chateau: Climb Every Mountain, Love and Laughter with special guest artist Stuart Coats and our final evening gala Puttin’ on the Ritz plus dine and dance.

• Numerous experiences such as tours of Weta Workshop, Hobbiton, Zealong Tea Estate, Knights of the Sky, Kate Shepherd’s house, Hamilton Gardens, Te Papa and National Army Museum, foodies tour in Nelson, special movie night at the Chateau to watch Murder on the Orient Express and tour of National Park.

• All breakfasts, 2 high teas, 8 lunches and 10 dinners included.

• Love, care and laughter from our incredible tour hosts Karl Perigo, Russell Dixon, Kelly Lim Harris, pianist Grant Winterburn, with special guest appearances by Amanda Atlas and Stuart Coats.

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

All travellers and staff will be required to be fully vaccinated to enjoy our tour.

MODERATE 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 and stand in museums, but it is designed to be an easy tour with lots of times to rest, travel on a coach and walk easy leisurely distances. You will need to be able to get on and off a train with ease and walk through the train stations.

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.