Wairarapa Rail, Historic Homes & Luxury Lodges

Includes

Tour Departs Ex Tauranga - Door to Door Pick Up BOP Only , Accommodation, Activities, Travel Insurance and Meals as listed. Live Outside Of BOP ? - Contact No.8 For Alternative Meeting Points

Itinerary

* Please be aware Masterton to Wellington train service may be suspended due to track maintenance


DAY ONE                                                                 D   


Pickups complete, our bus points the dial towards the southeast, and we will make our way through to Palmerston North for a one-night stopover. This wonderfully scenic route covers the complete spectrum of classic New Zealand scenery. There will be refreshment stops along the way.  Late afternoon sees us arriving at the Palmerston North time to put the bags away, maybe go for a stroll, then meet for a social get together before dinner on-site.   


DAY TWO                                                                B, MT, L, D      


Today we travel to the beautiful historic 1856 home of Brancepeth Station; where we will meet with Ed Beetham and enjoy a Garden Tour and talk about this grand homestead. After morning tea In the gardens, we then move onto another historic and equally prestigious residence of Te Parae. Designed and built in 1905 the Te Parae homestead is still owned and operated by fourth generation family members. Extensive park-like gardens surround the 600sqm two storey home with a ten-acre lake forming a picturesque vista. Angela Williams will be our host, as we take in a garden tour and talk finishing with a home cooked lunch. We then set sail back to our hotel. 


DAY THREE                                                              B, L, D                                                     


This morning we head for Martinborough, a European-style village, life in Martinborough is focused around the town square which was built in the shape of a Union Jack in 1881. The village is charming and makes a perfect getaway for lovers of wine and the finer things in life. We then make our way along the Western shores of Lake Wairarapa to the grand lodge Wharekauhau. Known as one of the world's exclusive retreats and situated on a 5000-acre sheep station overlooking the spectacular Palliser Bay, Wharekauhau has been designed with an Edwardian country mansion in mind. The lodge oozes warmth and character seldom found in a modern hotel. The elegant design, sumptuous furnishings, exquisite tableware and outstanding cuisine all combine to satisfy the senses. In the Grand Hall, tremendous, mullioned windows frame views of awe-inspiring beauty and massive fireplaces recapture the grandeur of yesteryear. A lodge tour and a beautiful three-course lunch await us. After lunch, we take a scenic drive along this spectacular coastline, past the quaint batches holding on at the base of huge papa cliffs. We will make our way to Ngawi and its famous lineup of bulldozers then on to Palliser Lighthouse for a bit of seal spotting.  


DAY FOUR                                                               B, MT, L, D   


We begin your day on a delightful note with a full buffet breakfast to fuel your morning adventures. As you bid adieu to Solway, we will take a packed morning tea with us before setting forth on a scenic drive to the majestic Castlepoint Beach. For the adventurers at heart, a walk to the iconic Castlepoint Lighthouse awaits. Traverse along the wooden boardwalk, with the promise of breathtaking views as your reward. The expedition is a brief 30-minute journey, back and forth, surely a sight to behold.


We then venture forth to Gladstone, en route to a gustatory delight that awaits in Martinborough. Your destination, The Runholder, is a quaint establishment nestled within Te Kairanga Winery. Here, the essence of wine country embraces you with open arms as you step into a realm of refined flavours. The wine-tasting room invites a journey for the palate, while the distillery whispers tales of tradition. Relish a shared family-style lunch, amidst a rustic yet elegant setting. As conversations flow, sip on a glass of wine, a personal indulgence to toast to the day’s joys. As the afternoon sun casts a golden glow, we make our way to the charming town of Greytown. Here, a trove of experiences awaits. Meander through the boutique stores, each one holding unique treasures waiting to be discovered. Take a leisurely stroll around, absorbing the quaint charm that the area exudes. History enthusiasts may find their hearts drawn to the Cobbleston Museum, a window to the past. And for the sweet-toothed, a visit to Schoc Chocolates is a sojourn to a world of sweet ecstasy.


DAY FIVE                                                                 B   


After our breakfast, we'll board the bus and head to the Fell Engine Museum in Featherston, where we'll learn about the fascinating history of this iconic landmark. Next, we'll embark on a breath-taking drive over the Rimutaka Ranges to Wellington. Once here we'll make our way to the world-renowned Te Papa Museum, where we can grab a bit to eat in our own time at the well stocked cafe and have a look around the Museum. After this we'll take a leisurely drive around Oriental Parade before heading to the airport for our flights back home. 


 

Location

Departs Ex-Tauranga

Regular Price

$3,420.00

VIP Club Member Price - Tauranga

$2,400.00 Save $1,020.00 by joining the VIP club today!

Mandatory booking fee

$480.00

Single supplement fee

$430.00

Next Tour Date

No bookings available

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