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 Train Trip to National Park - a 2   day New Zealand Tour

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Train Trip to National Park

Fancy a short break? then join our 2 day trip riding the Northern Explorer train from Hamilton to Oakune, staying at The Powderhorn Chateau Hotel.

Enjoy dinner together at this cosy Swiss chalet inspired hotel, a popular haunt for skiers and hikers.  After a full breakfast the next day we travel around the mountain and up the Bruce Road to ride the Sky Waka Gondola 1.8kms up to the Knoll Ridge Chalet, for a lunch of choice (your cost) 2020m above sea level. We then return to Tauranga by coach stopping for an afternoon break in Taupo with a visit to the Lava Glass cafe for refreshments and a glass blowing demonstration.

Date TBC
Prices TBC

DAY 1 - After picking you up at your door we enjoy a leisurely drive to Hamilton where we will board the Northern Explorer Train. Our route south will pass through the lush farmland of the King Country and then through the dramatic scenery of National Park.

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The train is fitted with panoramic windows and spacious comfortable seating to make the trip extra special and there is also a buffet service for any food or beverage you may want. Our journey on the train lasts 3 hours so plenty of time to sit back and enjoy the views. The train's ‘piece de resistance’ for many is the section skirting the Tongariro National Park. Here you can admire views of the 3 active volcanic cones of Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu, as well as the clear streams and dense forest that warranted Tongariro to become the world’s 6th national park and a UNESCO World Heritage area. 

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A coach will be waiting at the Oakune station for a short drive to The Powderhorn Chateau Hotel. Once checked in you may want to follow the riverside walk into Oakune, a pleasant 15 to 20 minute walk, or check out the historic buildings of this once busy railway town.  Tonight we will dine together in this cosy Swiss chalet inspired hotel.

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DAY 2 - Today we have no need to rush, so after a leisurely breakfast we will board the coach to head around the mountain and up the Bruce Road - this is a very scenic ride so keep your camera ready.  Arriving at the top car park we then ride the Sky Waka Gondola up the mountain. The enclosed gondola cabins provide a great view of the mountain and ski fields. After travelling 1.8km we end at the Knoll Ridge Chalet, located 2020m above sea level. Lets hope for a clear blue sky when our views will extend as far as Mount Taranaki.

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Time here for you to taka a walk and explore a little, there may even be some snow!

The chalet restaurant (New Zealand's highest) offers a range of food and beverage options (your cost) for lunch.

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We then depart back to Tauranga, stopping off for some afternoon refreshments in Taupo at the Lava Glass cafe.  Time here to watch a glass blowing demonstration and take a walk through the glass art sculpture garden.

Whats Included:

  • 2 days of touring

  • 1 night at The Powderhorn Chateau Hotel

  • Door to door service (in Tauranga)

  • Quality air-conditioned vehicle

  • Full commentary by your guide

  • Dinner and full cooked breakfast

  • Northern Explorer train trip to Oakune

  • Transfers to and from hotel

  • Ride on the Sky Waka Gondola

  • Watch a glass blowing demonstration

​You will see:

  • Stunning scenery throughout

  • Tongariro National Park

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​Not included:

  • Lunch at Mount Ruapehu 

  • Any alcoholic beverages with meals

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