Per-Person, Twin-Share Five-Night West Coast Rail Excursion incl. Accommodation, Transport, Sightseeing & Excursions

Itinerary:

Day One (D)

• Departing Dunedin in the morning, the Silver Fern Railcar will be a leisurely journey in first-class comfort. With panoramic windows allowing for magnificent views in the comfort of air-conditioning you will be transported in style up the East Coast of the South Island to Ashburton. Bring a picnic lunch, or enjoy a lunch stop at the Railway Cafe in Timaru. 

Day Two (B,L,D)

• After breakfast this morning transfer back to the Silver Fern and continue travelling north up to Rolleston. From here we will turn west (and turn the seats!) and travel along the Midland Line as we make our way across the South Island to the rugged West Coast. Once into the foothills we will journey past high country farmlands and forests. We’ll pass through gorges and travel beside and across the Waimakariri River before we traverse the magnificent Southern Alps, gateway to the West Coast. Enjoy a buffet dinner this evening at the hotel with your travelling companions.

Day Three (B,L)

• After breakfast this morning at the hotel we will collect your packed lunch and depart by coach. Enjoy the scenery as we pass through the Grey River Valley, Reefton, Inangahua Junction and the Lower Buller River Gorge and on up the coast to Waimangaroa, and finally up the hill to the Denniston Plateau. See and learn something of the harsh conditions endured up there especially by the ladies and children that once called this place home. Much of that early coal mining history and life is displayed on information panels along with relics and a few of the old buildings that remain. The Department of Conservation have reinstated the top part of the world famous Denniston Incline which is a marvel in itself to experience. Your knowledgeable Train Manager will lead a tour of this fascinating open-air museum. You will return to Greymouth this afternoon via Westport and historic Charleston to enjoy the beautiful views of the West Coast and the Tasman Sea. A highlight on this stretch of highway is the geologically impressive Pancake rocks at Punakaiki. There will be an opportunity to stop here and take in some memorable seascape views. You’ll have a free evening tonight in Greymouth to explore.

Day Four (B)

• Following breakfast, we’ll head for a day out in Hokitika, travelling by coach. An optional excursion today is a visit to the Treetops Walk and café, walking along a high sided platform/walkway 20m above the rainforest floor. At over 450m long this easy access platform allows you to experience life in the canopy of the majestic Rimu and Kamahi trees. Lunch in the café is included before we head back to Hokitika for some free time experiencing the historic and retail options available in the town which has a proud history of its early gold mining, forestry and tourism activity. Early afternoon return to Greymouth and enjoy some leisure time in Greymouth, or join us for an optional excursion to Shanty Town including a steam train, gold panning, and dinner with return transfers from the hotel departing at 3.30pm.

Day Five (B, L, D)

• Enjoy breakfast this morning before we transfer back to the station, bidding farewell to Greymouth and the West Coast as we cross back over the Southern Alps to Ashburton in the Silver Fern. A packed lunch will be provided and enjoy a farewell dinner tonight with your travelling companions and friends at the Hotel Ashburton.

Day Six (B)

• After the last breakfast together, we’ll transfer to the Silver Fern to travel back down the coast. We’ll have a short lunch stop in Timaru with an expected arrival at Dunedin Railway Station around 4.30pm.

B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner

Includes:

• Accommodation in twin or double rooms (single rooms available at extra cost)
• Two-nights accommodation in Ashburton and three-nights accommodation in Greymouth
• Transfers and coach tours (as described in the itinerary)
• 5 x breakfasts, 3 x lunches, 3 x dinners
• Full commentary on all sections of the journey
• Knowledgeable and friendly crew throughout
• Free pouring tea and coffee aboard the Silver Fern - light refreshments will be available for purchase from the food and drink trolley during the rail section of the tour

• Personal expenses
• Optional activity fees - $49 for Treetops Walk and Lunch / $69 for Shanty Town and Dinner
• Travel insurance

• 13th - 18th April 2019
• Tour departs and returns to Dunedin