MOUNTAIN MAGIC - INDEPENDENT DEPARTURES (Minimum 2 passengers)
Year round - Volcanoes and Rail Carts.
Winter - Ski Whakapapa July - September
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RAIL ROVERS - "Northern Explorer" and Forgotten World Railcarts. 3 days/2 nights
Departs Auckland every monday and Wellington every sunday except maintenance days.
Day 1. Monday. AUCKLAND - NATIONAL PARK.
Depart Auckland Strand Railway Station 7.45am, Papakura 8.35am, and Hamilton 10.05 aboard the "Northern Explorer". Travel through the Waikato and Tongariro National Park including the famed Raurimu spiral arriving Taumarunui 12.20pm and National Park 1.10pm. We will be met and transferred to our accommodation at Park Hotel.
This afternoon we 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.
Day 2. Tuesday. TAUMARUNUI BIG ADVENTURE - you have 2 to choose from - same price
We transfer to Taumarunui and you have 2 exciting adventures to choose from.
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 3. Wednesday. 'ROUND THE MOUNTAINS'. (B)
Free morning and depart National Park at 1.10pm or Taumarunui 12.20pm arriving Hamilton 4.25pm, Papakura 5.55pm, and Auckland 6.45pm.
Tour cost includes:
** Return travel aboard the "Northern Explorer" from Auckland to National Park
** Accommodation and continental breakfast at hotel chosen
** Return transfers from rail station to hotel where needed. (Park hotel is 5 minuts walk from National Park railway station)
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SNOW TIME - The ski season at Whakapapa and Turoa usually opens late June and closes during September.
* Free time at Ohakune, Whakapapa, or National Park with shuttles available to take you to the ski fields or Tongariro Crossing or other walks, Skywaka to Knoll Ridge cafe, 2022 metres above sea level, or Turoa. All shuttles and activities are extra expense.
1 night tour departs Auckland every thursday and saturday
Tour cost per person 1 night tour
Powderhorn/Skotel...........................2 per room.... $890... Single room $1,050
Park Hotel, National Park ............... 2 per room.... $690.. Single room $850
2 night tour departs Auckland every Monday. Returns wednesday.
Tour cost per person 2 night tour
Powderhorn/Skotel ........................ 2 per room ... $1,160... Single room... $1,560
Park Hotel, National Park ............. 2 per room ... $990 ... Single room ... $1,290
3 night tour departs Auckland every thursday
Tour cost per person 3 night tour (Includes weekend surcharge)
Powderhorn/Skotel ...................... 2 per room ...$1,290...Single room... $1,860
Park Hotel, National Park ............ 2 per room ... $1,050 ... Single room ... $1,490
4 night tour departs Auckland every monday
Tour cost per person 4 night tour.
Powderhorn/Skotel..................... 2 per room ... $1,490... Single room ... $2,280
Park Hotel, National Park ......... 2 per room ... $1,190 ... Single room ... $1,790
6 night tour departs Auckland every monday
Powderhorn/Skotel ........................ 2 per room... $1,890... single room... $2,850
Park Hotel, National Park .............. 2 per room... $1,650... single room... $2,190
SUMMER
MOUNTAIN MAGIC - VOLCANOES AND RAIL CARTS
3 days/2 nights. Mini Tour. Depart Auckland most Mondays year round
4 days/3 nights. Big weekend. Depart Auckland most Thursdays year round
5 days/4 nights. 'Big Relax'. Depart Auckland most Mondays year round
7 days/6 nights. Mountain Explorer. Depart Auckland most Mondays and Thursdays year round.
Optional tour around the mountains to National Park, Whakapapa to ride the Skywaka to the cafe 2,020 ft above sea level Turangi, Trout Hatchery, and the Waiouru Army Museum. Extra cost $250. Minimum 4 passengers required.
Train operations.
"Northern Explorer" operates southbound every monday, thursday, saturday and northbound from Wellington every wednesday, friday, and sunday year round EXCEPT 30 May - 02 June, 20 - 23 June, 24 - 28 October, and 23 December - 13 January 2026 when the line is closed for maintenance.
"Coastal Pacific" services operate DAILY 01 September 2025 - 26 April, 2026 (except Christmas Day) Intercity coach from Picton to Christchurch iis available daily
"Tranz Alpine" operates friday to monday 13 May - 16 July, 2025 and daily 17 July 2025 - 11 May 2026 when line is closed for maintenance).
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