MOUNTAIN MAGIC - Volcanoes and Rail Carts
Take the "Northern Explorer" train to Ohakune to hike the mountains in the summer and ski, snowboard, toboggan, and just have fun in the snow in winter. Independent departures most mondays year round. (Minimum 2 passengers)
HOSTED GROUPS* staying at Powderhorn Lodge, Ohakune
Hosted departures - hosted subject to minimum of 6 travelling.
2024: June 10, August 05, September 02, October 14, November 11
2025: February 10, March 10
3 days/2 nights Mini Tour. Host may return to Auckland wednesday
5 days/4 nights 'Big Relax'. Ski or snowboard in winter!!
Summer. October - May
3 days/2 nights Mini Tour
5 days/4 nights including Taumarunui Rail carts and Whanganui River jet boat 'Big Adventure'.
* Host will go to Taumarunui with 'Big Adventure'
Day 1. Monday. AUCKLAND - OHAKUNE. (D)
Depart Auckland Strand Railway Station 7.45am and Papakura 8.35am aboard the "Northern Explorer". Travel throiugh the Waikato and Tongariro National Park including the famed Raurimu spiral arriving Ohakune at 1.45pm. Our accommodation at Powderhorn Lodge is nearby. The afternoon is free to relax and support the shops of Ohakune! Two course dinner included at the hotel tonight.
Day 2. Tuesday. 'ROUND THE MOUNTAINS'. (B)
We drive to National Park then to Whakapapa Village to visit the Tongariro National Park headquarters and catch up on the geology of the area and volcanic history then climb to Whakapapa ski base. Enjoy a ride on the 'Skywaka' to the Knoll Ridge cafe 2022 metres above sea level and see 'Mordor' from 'Lord of the Rings. Continue to Turangi with great views of Lake Taupo in fine weather and visit the trout hatchery from which the rivers are restocked with trout each year. Cross the Desert Road with photo stops to the Army Museum at Waiouru with time to explore. Late afternoon we return to Ohakune
Day 3. Wednesday. TUROA - TAUMARUNUI (B)
Visit Turoa ski field base and Gollums Pool this morning and enjoy a walk in the forest to the 23 metre drop Mangawhero Falls (Ithilien in Lord of the Rings and the falls where Gollum caught his fish!).
Those on the 3 day Mini Tour depart Ohakune 12.45 for Auckland arriving 7pm
Those on the Big Relax package have a free afternoon (extend your time on the mountain if you wish, and free day on thursday before departing at 12.45pm friday for Auckland
Those on the "Big Adventure' package depart at 12.45pm aboard the "Northern Explorer" arriving Taumarunui at 2.10pm. Motel accommodation for 2 nights with continental breakfast provided.
Day 4. Thursday. TAUMARANUI BIG ADVENTURE - you have 2 to choose from - same price
1. RAIL RIVER RUN - 7 hour tour including 40 km by rail cart through 10 tunnels then 23km by jet boat along the Whanganui River with morning tea and light lunch included.
2. MAXI RAIL - full day tour including over 80 km by rail cart through magnificent back country farm and forest scenery and 20 tunnels to Whangamomona to explore the town and visit the iconic hotel. Return to Taumarunui by road shuttle. Morning tea and light lunch included.
Day 5. Friday. TAUMARUNUI - AUCKLAND. (B)
Free time to explore the delights of Taumarunui before departing at 2.10pm aboard the "Northern Explorer" for the return to Auckland arriving at the Strand Railway Station at 7pm.
Tour cost per person:
3 days/2 nights mini tour. 2 per room $1,150. Single room $1,440
5 days/4 nights 'Big Relax'. 2 per room $1,590. Single room $1,990
5 days/4 nights' 'Big Adventure'. 2 per room $2,290. Single Room $2,770
Tour cost includes:
** Return travel aboard the "Northern Explorer" from Auckland, Papakura, or Hamilton to Ohakune
** 2 or 4 nights accommodation and breakfast (Ohakune - Powderhorn Chateau - cooked breakfast, Tamarunui - Forgotten World Motel - continental breakfast).
** Full day 'Round the Mountains' tour including admissions to Skywaka gondola, Trout Hatchery, Army Museum,
** Half day tour to Turoa skifield base and Gollums pool.
** 2 course dinner on arrival night
** 'Big Adventure' also includes 40 km Forgotten World Rail Cart ride, and Whanganui River jet boat.
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