New Zealand

BOOK THIS TOUR – CLICK HERE!
From £41.55
Location: Rotorua, New Zealand
4star based on 2 reviews

Get out of your comfort zone on this challenging 45-minute 4WD Rotorua off-road adventure tour. Negotiate waterfalls, daunting lunges, tunnels and more on this awesome driving and sightseeing experience.

Inclusions:

* 45-minute 4WD off road experience
* Professional guide
* Full Safety briefing and all safety equipment
* GST (Goods and Services Tax)
* Conducted in English

Conquer the trails as you manoeuvre a 4WD vehicle along beautiful native rainforest challenging trails. You’ll be under the watchful eye of a fully trained instructor who can always see you but you can’t always see him. Instructions will be given via 2-way radio.

All participants must sign declaration form to say they hold a valid drivers license from country of origin.

Schedule

Departure Point: 20 minutes North of Rotorua off SH5 heading towards Hamilton/Auckland, Amoore Road
Departure Time: Tours depart every hour from 9:00am to 4:00pm

For additional information and bookings GO HERE!

I’ve never been quite the adventurous type so I was a little concerned about taking this trip however there was absolutely no need to worry as it looked much more difficult than what it was! I absolutely loved the challenge and felt so proud of myself when I completed it. I would LOVE to take this trip again. Absolute highlight of my trip to Rotorua.

Reviewed by: Joanne B, Australia

COMPARE AND BOOK FROM 110+ HOTEL DEALS IN ROTORUA, NEW ZEALAND

-

BOOK THIS TOUR – CLICK HERE!

Duration: 11 Hours

Location: Christchurch, New Zealand

From GBP £76.36

Take advantage of this Tailor-made tour package, offering you the opportunity to ski at Mount Hutt! Sitting high on the eastern rim of New Zealand’s awesome Southern Alps, with a stunning backdrop of snow clad peaks and staggering views across the patchwork quilt of the Canterbury Plains to the Pacific Ocean, Mt Hutt captures the essence of the New Zealand skiing experience.

Highlights

Mt Hutt arguably the best ski field in the Southern Hemisphere, because of its light dry powder snow which makes it a playground for skiers, in conjunction with its long season and reliable snow coverage. Mt Hutt also offers modern snow making facilities, giving the mountain a season from the beginning of June to the end of October.

Tour options:

Additional information

Local Operator Information:

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your
destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our tour supplier, Viator selects only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

Book Mount Hutt Skiing Packages from Christchurch

COMPARE PRICES, READ REVIEWS AND BOOK HOTELS  IN Christchurch FROM 30+ TOP SITES – HERE!

BOOK THIS TOUR – CLICK HERE!
From £97.81
Location: Christchurch, New Zealand

The rugged coastline in the vicinity of Kaikoura affords some magnificent scenery and panoramic views. Couple this with a 4 wheel quad bike through spectacular hill country, native bush, river beds and streams and you’re in for a full day action-packed adventure!

Inclusions:

• Transport by air-conditioned coach
• Live commentary on board
• Quad bike hire
• Light refreshments
• Conducted in English

On arrival in Kaikoura you may enjoy either an early lunch or have free time to explore Kaikoura before being transferred to Glenstrae 4 Wheeler Adventures.

You will be equipped with a 4 wheel quad bike (no experience required full tuition will be given) and you will be offered an exhilarating, enjoyable and breathtaking outdoor experience. Light refreshments will be provided.

All quad bike drivers must be 16 years of age or over. If under 16 they can experience being a passenger on an 8 wheeled all terrain argo.

Schedule

Departure Point: Tram stop in cathedral Square or most Christchurch City Hotels
Departure Time: 7:45am

Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, exact pickup time will be advised on reconfirmation.

Return Details: Returns to original departure point

For additional information GO HERE!

COMPARE AND BOOK FROM 34 HOTEL DEALS IN KAIKOURA, NEW ZEALAND

-

BOOK THIS TOUR – CLICK HERE!
From £71.47
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
4star based on 5 reviews

This full day tour goes firstly to the Arataki Visitor Information Centre situated within Auckland’s largest regional park, Waitakere Ranges Regional Park. The breathtaking panoramic views from the sweeping decks extend from the Tasman Sea to the Pacific Ocean. Absorb the area’s history and admire the magnificent traditional Maori carvings that stand guard there.

Inclusions:

• Instant Confirmation
• Enjoy a day away from the hustle and bustle of the city
• Lunch included
• Led by a local guide
• Free hotel pickup and drop-off included
• Conducted in English

Continue further West with your knowledgeable and highly experienced guide to New Zealand’s wild and rugged West Coast where you get to experience the isolation of the area. The guides walk you through an area of Auckland’s coastal rainforest where they explain the local flora and fauna of the area with its giant tree ferns growing alongside picturesque streams in regenerating rainforest. You then get the opportunity to visit a magnificent rugged West Coast beach where you can stroll along and experience the uniqueness of the black sand and the clear ocean breeze.

A kiwi style picnic lunch at a scenic location, before your journey takes you to an area of untouched original rainforest with mature 1000 year old Kauri trees. New Zealand has existed for millions of years separate from the rest of the world so has evolved in isolation to produce its own unique flora and fauna – 70% of the native plants are found nowhere else in the world. The guides explain about native species as you walk amongst New Zealand’s famous Kauri trees and native birds.

This unique small group tour operator is a Qualmark Endorsed Visitor Activity and provides expert guided eco-tours in the greater Auckland region – a company delivering a quality product focusing on the natural and cultural heritage of the area. Winner of the New Zealand 2007 Small Tourism Business Operator Award.

Special Offer – Save 10% off the recommended retail price. Special offer valid for travel to September 30, 2009 – BOOK NOW!

Schedule

Departure Point: Tour departs from selected Auckland hotels
Departure Time: 10:00am – Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, exact pickup time will be advised on reconfirmation.
Return Details: Returns to original departure point

For additional information GO HERE!

Absolutely loved the whole day. Loved getting out of Auckland in a small group and seeing spectacular scenery in the forest and the beach. Guide was relaxed and gave us so much interesting information that we would never have found out on our own.

Reviewed by: Anonymous, Australia

COMPARE AND BOOK FROM 181 HOTEL DEALS IN AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND

-

BOOK THIS TOUR – CLICK HERE!
From £61.26
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
4star based on 7 reviews

A unique opportunity to experience sailing an America’s Cup grand prix racer. Become part of the crew and be encouraged to take the helm, exert energy on the grinders or simply sit back and enjoy the action as you sail down the Auckland Harbour.

Inclusions:

• Sail on an authentic America’s Cup Yacht
• Use of wet weather jackets and sunscreen
• All safety equipment
• GST (Goods and Services Tax)
• Tour conducted in English

The America’s Cup is the world’s oldest and most prestigious sporting trophy and ultimate yachting regatta. Usually the domain of billionaires and elite professional yachties, NZL 40 and NZL 41 offer the unique opportunity for everyone to participate sailing on these grand prix racing machines. With the America’s Cup being sailed here in 2000 and 2003, no trip is complete without experiencing the real Auckland, ‘City of Sails’.

There are two sailing options available – choose to join a two hour sailing experience or a three hour match race (begins October).

• Individual 2 hour Sailing Experience: An unforgettable two hour sailing experience. A unique opportunity to participate as crew on an actual America’s Cup yacht. Take the helm, exert energy on the grinders or simply sit back and enjoy the ride as we sail the beautiful Waitemata Harbour.
• Individual 3 hour Match Racing: For the ultimate thrill join the crew and participate match racing America’s Cup style. Your three hour experience begins in the Viaduct Harbour where you will meet the crew and go through a short race and safety briefing. The yachts then depart the Viaduct Harbour and after a period of practice, the action really starts, when we line up in the pre-start and compete head to head. Sailings subject to weather and minimum numbers apply. No experience necessary.

Schedule

Departure Point: Depart from the berth, inside Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour
Departure Time: Departs from 2pm on most days, exact departure time will be advised at confirmation
Return Details: Returns to original departure point

For additional information GO HERE!

The sensation of being on a yacht of that class, speeding on top of the waves, was awesome. I would and have recommended this trip to everyone. Unfortunately missed the race due to weather conditions.

Reviewed by: George H, United Kingdom

COMPARE AND BOOK FROM 181 HOTEL DEALS IN AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND

-

BOOK THIS TOUR – CLICK HERE!
From £84.13
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
3.5star based on 16 reviews

Ideal for the first time visitor, this comprehensive scenic tour of Auckland will introduce you to all the must-see sights and attractions. Escorted by a local guide; from land and at sea and from such great heights, you’ll come to appreciate why Auckland is known as the City of Sails.

Tour Inclusions:

• Hotel pickup included
• Comprehensive tour of the city
• All taxes, fuel surcharges and service fees included
• All entrance fees included
• Free drinks included
• Tour conducted in English

View the famous Auckland landmark Mt Eden. From this fantastic vantage point you will see evidence of Auckland’s volcanic history. See Auckland Domain – the city’s oldest park, situated on a 62,000 year old volcano with fabulous views of the harbor and across to Rangitoto Island. Visit the shopping area of Parnell Village with its historic buildings that have been transformed into boutique, antique, craft and specialty shops.

Continue onto Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World and see King and Gentoo penguins on your snow cat ride through the Antarctic Encounter. In the Underwater World come face-to-face with giant stingrays, moray eels, schools of fish and sharks. All these creatures are only centimeters away, on the other side of the unique acrylic underwater tunnel.

The Native New Zealand Encounter Show at Auckland Zoo will showcase New Zealand’s unique wildlife.

Next stop is the famous Waitemata Harbor. Enjoy a cruise aboard a Pride of Auckland sailing yacht. Sit back, relax or try your hand at sailing. Complimentary tea or coffee and homemade muffins are included.

Finish your Auckland experience at the top of the Sky Tower. At 328 meters (more than 1000 feet), it’s the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere. On a clear day it offers breathtaking views for more than 80 kms in every direction.

Tour Highlights include:

* The American Express Viaduct
* Mount Eden
* Parnell Village
* Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter&Underwater World
* Auckland Zoo
* Sailing – Pride of Auckland sailing yacht
* Sky Tower

Schedule

Departure Point: Tour departs from centrally located Auckland city hotels – OR – SkyCity Travel Center
Departure Time: 8:45am – Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, exact pickup time will be advised on reconfirmation.
Return Details: Tour concludes at Sky Tower at approximately 6:00pm

For additional information GO HERE!

A great way to see Auckland in a day – The driver was super, very friendly and helpful. The afternoon tea on a yacht was a real surprise and was superb! Overall verdict, a must do, highly recommended!!!

Reviewed by: Andrew J, United Kingdom

COMPARE AND BOOK FROM 181 HOTEL DEALS IN AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND

-

BOOK THIS TOUR – CLICK HERE!
From £44.92
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
3.5star based on 15 reviews

Dine on a sumptuous seafood buffet aboard a 50-foot (15-meter) yacht, then take an evening cruise on Auckland’s beautiful Waitemata Harbour to see the twinkling city lights. It’s a fantastic way to spend an evening in Auckland!

Inclusions:

• Travel by boat and see the sights from the water
• 3-course dinner
• Fully narrated tour
• Pick-up from a centrally located meeting point
• Use of windproof and waterproof jackets
• GST (Goods and Services Tax)

Your evening begins in the Auckland Viaduct, where you will be assisted aboard the yacht. After being welcomed onboard by the captain, you’ll sail to Westhaven Marina’s calm anchorage for dinner. Your three-course seafood dinner is served below decks, accompanied by a range of beverages which can purchased from the ship’s bar.

After dinner you’ll set sail for an exhilarating cruise on Waitemata Harbour. You can either sit back, relax and watch Auckland’s fairytale city lights, or join in and help the crew sail the yacht along the picturesque harbour.

Dinner Menu:

* Creamy seafood chowder with fresh herb bread
* Smoked salmon OR Lamb served with roasted vegetables and salad
* Kapiti ice-cream with chocolates
* Tea and coffee

Schedule

Departure Point: Cruise departs from the berth, inside Auckland’s Viaduck Harbour
Departure Time: October to April 7:00pm – May to September 5:30pm
Return Details: Returns to original departure point

For additional information GO HERE!

The sunset dinner cruise was one of the highlights of our stay in Auckland, New Zealand. It was incredibly magical for my wife and I because we were on our honeymoon, and the sunset cruise was so romantic! There were only a total of 6 guests on board, including us, and the crew was incredibly friendly — everyone had a great time! e each got to sail the yacht through the Waitemata harbour a fantastic experience in itself and as the sun set, and the city lights sparkled, a delicious seafood dinner was served. We tried a bottle of the local white wine from New Zealand’s Marlborough region and it complimented dinner perfectly! We had a wonderful time aboard our yacht, and would recommend this cruise to anyone who travels to Auckland, New Zealand and wants an unforgettable romantic sailing experience!

Reviewed by: Ken V, United States of America

COMPARE AND BOOK FROM 181 HOTEL DEALS IN AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND

-

BOOK THIS TOUR – CLICK HERE!
From £73.11
Location: Rotorua, tour concludes Auckland, New Zealand

Depart Rotorua in the morning and travel over the scenic Mamaku Ranges as the tour heads west to Waitomo. As you leave Rotorua, the coach will travel through the Fitzgerald Glade, a section of the highway where the native bush grows right up to the roadside and the trees form a canopy overhead like a tunnel.

Highlights

• Hotel pickup from Rotorua
• Hotel drop off at Auckland
• Local guide
• Buffet Lunch (if option selected)
• Entrance to Waitomo Caves
• Live commentary on board
• New Zealand Goods and Services tax (GST)
• Tour conducted in English

On arrival at Waitomo Caves, the tour stops for a buffet lunch (included if this option is selected) at the fantastic new facilities at this world famous underground attraction. Enjoy your lunch as you sit and relax amongst the trees in the natural setting outside the caves. After lunch, begin your guided tour through the long galleries and lofty chambers to view stalactites formed over thousands of years by the constant dripping of water. Your tour will end with a boat ride through the glowworm grotto that is illuminated by thousands of tiny lights emitted by the glowworms, suspended from the cave ceiling.

After your caves tour, reboard the coach and continue your journey north. Pass through the “Bridge City” of Hamilton and the rich farmland of the Waikato region before arriving in Auckland late in the afternoon.

Tour Itinerary include:

• Lake Karapiro
• Waitomo Glowworm Caves
• Fitzgerald Glade
• Waikato River

Schedule

Departure Point: Tour departs from centrally located Rotorua hotels – OR – The Tourism Rotorua Office

Departure Time: 8:50am, hotel pick ups start prior to this time

Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, exact pickup time will be advised on reconfirmation.

Times are subject to change due to local traffic conditions.

Return Details: Concludes in Auckland at approximately 5:30pm

For additional information GO HERE!

COMPARE AND BOOK FROM 112 HOTEL DEALS IN ROTORUA, NEW ZEALAND

-

BOOK THIS TOUR – CLICK HERE!
From £294.42
Location: Rotorua, North Island, New Zealand
4star based on 5 reviews

Imagine taking a helicopter flight over an active volcano, here is your chance to do just that on a sightseeing tour of Rotorua by helicopter. You’ll spot marine life from the air, have the option of landing on one or two islands and see New Zealand’s magnificent scenery from above.

Highlights

• Approximately 3 hour tour with scenic helicopter flight
• Landing at only White Island or both White Island and Mt Tarawera (depending on chosen option)
• Hotel pick up and drop off
• New Zealand Goods and Services tax (GST)
• Tour conducted in English

Your flight takes you east over views of lakes, forest and the volcanic fault line. You’ll land for approximately an hour on White Island, the most continuously active of New Zealand’s volcanoes, and take a trek up to the crater. White Island soars nearly 1,000 feet (300 meters) above sea level and 70% is under the water, making it New Zealand’s largest volcano.

If the option is chosen you will also land at Mount Tarawera. This volcano is made of rhyolite, a very viscous lava which does not flow easily. Tarawera has a very impressive feature, a chasm which passes through all three domes and opens up their interior. The higher parts are reachable by foot.

On your return flight, keep an eye out for dolphins and schools of fish visible on the surface of the water beneath you.

Schedule

Departure Point: Tour departs from centrally located hotels in Rotorua – OR – Te Puia, Hemo Road, Rotorua

Departure Time: Your chosen time between 9:00am and 5:00pm. Please request your preferred departure time in the “Special Requirements” box. The closest available time will be allocated.

Return Details: Tour returns to original departure point.

For additional information GO HERE!

It was a fantastic experience to fly out to a live volcano, I don’t know of many people who can say they have done something like that before. Our guide was excellent in going through his tour and explaining all about the history of the volcano, I would highly recommend this trip to my friends!!! FAB!!

Reviewed by: Lillian M, New Zealand

COMPARE AND BOOK FROM 112 HOTEL DEALS IN ROTORUA, NEW ZEALAND

-

BOOK THIS TOUR – CLICK HERE!
From £37.54
Location: Rotorua, North Island, New Zealand
4star based on 29 reviews

Complete your adventure through Rotorua with a traditional Maori “hangi” feast. You’ll travel by coach to Tamaki Maori Village where your local guide will escort you on a cultural journey to the “marae” (Maori village), the life force of New Zealand’s indigenous people. Take the opportunity to engage in an evening of local customs including a traditional Maori dinner feast.

Highlights

• Free hotel pickup and drop-off included
• Led by a local guide
• Great overview and orientation of the city
• Dinner included
• Tour conducted in English

Your journey through time unfolds when your coach travels to a pre-European village set deep within the forest, 15 minutes from Rotorua. Let this 3.5-hour tour and your imagination take over as your guide instructs you on the protocol for visiting the marae. A chief is selected, a song is learnt and the eerie cry of the welcome is heard before you enter the world of the proud warriors of the ancient Maori.

You will experience the powhiri (welcome ceremony) before you enter the village, with crackling open fires in front of traditional whare (houses). You’ll hear traditional Maori instruments and watch the daily activities of days gone by. In the wharenui (meeting house), a Rangiatea culture group offers a powerful display of haka song and dance. Then, as new friendships are forged, dine on a traditional hangi feast, where the food is cooked slowly beneath the ground in earth ovens.

This is an amazing re-enactment based on actual events from history, with real characters, traditional arts and crafts, powerful song and dance while enjoying an authentic Hangi feas

Schedule

Departure Point: Tour departs from your selected Rotorua city hotel – Or – Hinemaru Street, Rotorua

Departure Time: You’ll be booked for the 6:30pm show, if the show is full you’ll be allocated to attend the 5:30pm or the 7:30pm show.

Hotel pickups commence approximately 30 – 60 minutes prior to this time, exact pickup time will be advised on reconfirmation.

Return Details: Returns to original departure point

For additional information GO HERE!

We had the best time here at the Tamaki Maori Concert and Hangi. It was one of the highlights of our whole NZ experience. Out bus driver who was part of the whole experience was amazing! Entertaining, informative, funny and a whole lot of fun. The ceremony was very interesting and the whole experience certainly opened my eyes to a culture I knew very little about. I have come away more open. The food was delicious and so much of it. You won’t come away hungry from this one! The village is set up so you can see more of the tradition and how things were done. There are a couple of little shops so you can bring some of the experience home. I had 2 teenage sons with me and they loved it just as much as I did. The bus ride back to the hotel again with Mark was a whole lot of fun and you really feel like part of the experience and that you are really valued. I couldn’t recommend this more highly. Excellent!!! Well worth the money and also not having to worry about driving there and back as you get picked up from wherever you are staying in Rotorua. Again, excellent!!

Reviewed by: kylie M, Australia

COMPARE AND BOOK FROM 112 HOTEL DEALS IN ROTORUA, NEW ZEALAND

-

A magazine published by the Japanese Tourism Bureau has named Christchurch Clearview Lodge the best place to stay in New Zealand.

Rurubu serves as a travel guide for visitors to New Zealand and named Clearview alongside other luxury accommodation providers including Queenstown’s Millbrook Resort, Dunedin’s Corstorphine House and the Heritage Hotel & Spa du Vin in Auckland’s Mangatawhiri Valley.

Clearview Lodge owner Robin Clements said it was fantastic to be singled out for praise in such a highly regarded publication.

“We are just pleased to be recognised. It can be only good for our business and good for New Zealand tourism,” he said.

The magazine said Clements and his wife Sue were great hosts and that visitors could “totally relax surrounded by glossy greenery”.

“The lodge is located in about 10 acres of a winery. With hospitality and kindness overflowing from the hosts, they welcome you to their resort with smiles that touch the bottom of one’s heart,” the magazine wrote.

Sue Clements said the article – which is entirely in Japanese – was only brought to their attention when Japanese guests staying at the lodge alerted them to it.

“They brought the article with them and said ’you are number one’.”

She said she believed hosted accommodation such as that provided at Clearview Lodge provided visitors with a more personal experience than they might have at hotels.

“We do spend a lot of time with our guests and try to show them how we really live.”

In addition to providing accommodation, Clearview Lodge makes its own pinot noir and rose wine. A wide variety of produce – including cherries, feijoas, nectarines, peaches, blueberries and apples – is also grown on site.

The full list of accommodation providers mentioned in Rurubu magazine were:

* Clearview Lodge, Harewood, Christchurch
* Millbrook Resort, Queenstown
* Heritage Hotel & Spa du Vin, Mangatawhiri Valley, Auckland
* Corstorphine House, Caversham, Dunedin
* The Classic Villa, Christchurch
* Elm Tree House, Merivale , Christchurch
* The Dairy Private Luxury Hotel, Queenstown
* Queenstown House B&B Hotel, Queenstown
* Earnscliff, Devonport, Auckland

Auckland to Wellington by train for a special fare of $49. The deal sounded irresistible and – like much about The Overlander actually – something out of yesteryear.

Sure, our start point at Britomart was state-of-the-art, gleaming, but the atmosphere was a bit of an exercise in nostalgia. We stood, a little sleepily, in a queue for 20 minutes admiring the setting. The online ticket isn’t a boarding pass and passengers are required to arrive at least 20 minutes before departure time of 7.25am.

“Darling,” the rotund woman in a navy uniform, said cheerfully, “I can fix you up. I’ll put you both in the last carriage, darling.”

The back of the train is glass all round with a lounge area and table where passengers can admire the receding landscape. But at this early hour we were more interested in the small food bar in the central carriage which – when open – dispenses coffee in cardboard cups. Unfortunately, it wasn’t open.

By the time the train rattled off we weren’t the only ones looking for a caffeine hit. The half-hour wait till the bar opened didn’t kill us but seemed unnecessary.

We knew we were in for the long haul. Auckland to Wellington by train has taken 12 hours for at least 50 years and it would be a pity to change. The snail’s pace is not just because of the number of stops – 15-17 depending on requests – or the narrow gauge. The terrain through a large scenic section in the middle of the island is rugged and tortuous and the track twists and turns.

So we settled in to the relaxing lilt of wheels clicking on rails and enjoyed the view, into back gardens, so different from the one you get from the road.

Initially, the seats weren’t too uncomfortable but as they don’t recline you’re stuck in one position and unless you bring your own, there’s no pillow. In the net in front of us was a strange metal object that resembled a tray. An astute neighbour worked out that the middle arm rest has a top that lifts, revealing slots the tray fits into.

These days commentaries on journeys are par-for-the-course. There was nothing much to say about Papakura or Pukekohe apart from assuring us of the necessity of stopping for the crew to carry out passenger work.

Not long after came views of the mighty Waikato river as the line followed alongside State Highway 1. The geography and history lessons were interesting enough, with the background to Ngaruawahia as the home of the Maori King, and we acknowledged the beautifully tended Maori cemetery on the hillside, visible to the left of the train.

Frankton is the name of Hamilton’s railway station. Ten minutes before our arrival we were warned that the food bar was closing and would reopen after we left. To avoid competition?

Next scheduled stop – the small farming centre of Otorohanga. Short of words, perhaps, our doughty commentator announced that there would be no passenger work at Otorohanga. However, she continued, our driver would slow down just to double-check.

The exchange of glances between two middle-aged couples, clearly North American from their voices, was patiently amused. The train was about three quarters full, perhaps half of whom appeared to be tourists.

Onward into the King Country and the most scenically rewarding part of the trip. Te Kuiti, then Taumarunui where we were warned “Please do not try and sneak off to the shops. Passengers get left behind at Taumarunui!” What, we wondered, were we missing out on.

From there until National Park the landscape was classic back country with solid stands of bush, dotted in spring with clusters of white clematis, and elegant viaducts across high spectacular gorges.

The gradient between Taumarunui and National Park is steep – a rise of 132m over 2km – and it’s here that we wound around the horseshoe loops of the famed Raurimu spiral.

The construction involved oxen, horses and small steam locomotives to carry materials in what is still a very remote part of the country. Only in the last two years was one of the first steam shovels brought in to help with the cuttings.

When the spiral was completed in November 1908 the first train, called the Parliamentary Special, travelled the Main Trunk line on a journey that took more than 20 hours.

The spiral is a highlight of the trip and hardy passengers took turns on the windy outdoor viewing platform (6 people at a time), leaning out to photograph the train’s curve. Then came the tunnels.

“Remember to pull your head in!” the commentator shouted.

At National Park, with a stop for half an hour for lunch (the train’s food bar having closed again), we were ordered to line up and wait patiently at the station cafe where, at least, the food was worth it.

By then, we were into the swing of this school-type outing and eagerly looking out for Kevin who, according to the commentator, waved a red towel every time the Overlander headed out of National Park. But my friend felt duly chastened when, tired of sitting upright, she lay down on the long seats in the empty lounge area and was spotted by the hostess.

“Sit up,” she said sternly. “You’re only allowed 20 minutes here.”

Tedium set in. The train rocked and rattled. We wished we’d brought pillows. Walking to the loo became a feat of balance. Even the promise of half-price food from the pie warmer after Palmerston North was little comfort. We were pleased to get out at Waikanae, 11 hours after leaving Britomart.

My previous train trip was on France’s super-fast TGV. Sure, the ticket cost an arm and a leg and I felt I was on a plane as the scenery whizzed past. But this was going from the sublime to the ridiculous.

Forty-nine dollars, November’s special, seemed about right.

But there’s something about the journey down the Main Trunk Line. Even at more expensive rates – the full fare is $119 – the Overlander is chugging full steam ahead into the summer season of seven days a week, December to April, up from the winter runs of three days weekly. Passenger numbers have increased 54 per cent since the 2004-05 season.

The Main Trunk line affords views of the landscape that are incomparably more interesting than those accessible by bus or car and the time to appreciate them.

Further information, fares and schedules see the Tranzscenic webpage.

-