Steam train tour it’s a flyer

Kiwis are exploring their own country like never before making time for adventure, relaxation, romance and just exploring new places.

In response to this yen to experience fresh fields, Pounamu Tourism Group has launched an excitingnew tourism product enablingKiwis to step backin time to the bygone era ofsteam engines.

Operators ofthe Marlborough Flyer steam train, the company has put together a range ofSouth Island tour options on this grand old lady.

Rangingfrom 7 days up to 13 days and departingfrom Wellington, Christchurch, Invercargill or Blenheim in April next year, these tours offer a chance to experience the postcard-perfect vistas and dramatic alpine scenery the South Island is renowned for.

Director ofPounamu Tourism Group, Paul Jackson, says after the Covid-19 lockdown, the group had to change its business focus.

“Last season, more than 10,000 cruise ship passengers journeyed on the Marlborough Flyer Steam Train between Picton and Blenheim but because cruise ships have now stopped visitingfor the foreseeable future, we needed to make a plan. Fortunately, every cloud has a silver liningand we are very excited to share these new rail tours and help Kiwis explore their own backyard by rail.”

One ofthe tour itineraries is for passengers to spend the first weektravellingthe length ofthe South Island (from Marlborough to Invercargill), in the comfort of vintage carriages and lounge car, hauled by the historic First World War memorial steam locomotive, Ab608 Passchendaele, named in honour ofour fallen soldiers at The Battle ofPasschendaele in 1917.

On reachingInvercargill, the group will then traverse the inland on luxury coaches to experience the wonders ofTe Anau, Milford Sound, Queenstown and Franz Josef, before takingin the home stretch to Christchurch on the iconic TranzAlpine via Arthur’s Pass.

The guided tour is escorted by a fleet of luxury coaches to provide seamless transfers from train to hotel accommodation each evening. In addition, there are numerous iconic attractions for passengers to enjoy and, of course, accommodation, breakfasts and dinners are included in the tour cost.

There are six tour options departing in April 2021 from Wellington, Christchurch, Blenheim and Invercargill.

Ranging from 7 days up to 13 days and departing from Wellington, Christchurch, Invercargill or Blenheim in April next year, these tours offer a chance to experience the postcard-perfect vistas and dramatic alpine scenery the South Island is renowned for.

FREE AS A bird

More people are settling in Franklin but far from unsettling our avian community, birds of a feather are still flocking together as SOUTH photographer WAYNE MARTIN discovered when wandering locally. Here, SOUTH showcases just a few of his stunning images, reminding readers that the district is blessed with some of nature’s most beautiful and fascinating creatures.