A touch of snow at the Grand Chateau and ride the new Sky Waka! Hosted departures from Auckland including all features of our Breakaway plus 3 course dinner in the Ruapehu restaurant and High Tea in the Ruapehu lounge. Depart mondays July 29, and September 9, 2019. You are welcome to stay longer at the Grand Chateau if you wish. Cost per person share twin/double $590, Single $730. Singles accepted at share rates if prepared to share with someone of the same gender.
Tour 211
RAIL AND GRAND CHATEAU BREAKAWAY - includes "Northern Explorer" train from Auckland return. Tongariro Alpine Crossing option.
2 days/1 night (extendable). Departs every Monday, Thursday, Saturday
Day 1.
7.45am. Depart aboard the "Northern Explorer" train for the scenic journey along the banks of the Waikato River, through rural dairy farmland, small communities, and the more rugged Volcanic Plateau including the engineering marvel of the Raurimu Spiral up which the train must climb.
1.15pm. Arrive National Park station and shuttle to the Grand Chateau just 20 minutes drive away.Check in at the hotel. Shuttle to the Top of the Bruce ski base for your 1.8 km Sky Waka ride to the Knoll Ridge cafe 2,020 metres above sea level for magnificent views in fine weather.
Day 2. Tuesday, Friday, Sunday only.
Free time for alpine or bush walk, take a scenic flight over the central North island volcanoes (highly recommended) or just relax. All activities extra expense
12.15pm. Transfer to National Park Railway Station.
1.15pm Depart aboard the "Northern Explorer" train
6.50pm. Arrive Auckland and you will be transferred back to your accommodation.
We recommend staying longer at the Grand Chateau.
In summer enjoy any of the many alpine walks, take a guided hike to the top of Mt Ruapehu volcano (conditions permitting) or enjoy the famous Tongariro Crossing, rated one of the best one day walks in the world.
Tongariro Crossing
The Tongariro Crossing is one of the 'must do' world walks. Magnificent mountain scenery in the presence of two active volcanoes, Mt Tongariro, and Mt Ngaruhoe (aka Mt Doom) in the Tongariro National Park. Experience Mountain Springs, a glacial valley, old lava flows, active craters, steam vents, emerald coloured lakes, and alpine plant life all included.
We strongly recommend taking a guided hike to enjoy the best experience in safety. Weather conditions change rapidly in the mountains and your guide will have the latest information as well as introduce the mountain flora, fauna, and scenery to you. Cost $195. Pickup at the Grand Chateau is about 7am and return about 4pm. Mountain equipment is included. Track length is 19.4 kms starting at 1100 metres above sea level. Highest point is 1886 metres. A reasonable level of fitness is required. A minimum of 2 nights at the Chateau is required.
SCENIC FLIGHTS
To really appreciate the spectacular beauty of the mountains and Lake Taupo we strongly recommend a scenic flight from the Chateau airfield (transfers from the Chateau provided)
15 minute flight - Tongariro Crossing. $125
25 minute flight - Northern Circuit. $205
35 minute flight - Volcanic Explorer. $255
Tour 211A
GRAND CHATEAU - WAIRAKEI RESORT (TAUPO) - 5 day/4 nights
This package is flexible if you wish to amend the number of days away as all services operate daily except the "Northern Explorer"
Departs Auckland 7.45am every Monday, Thursday, Saturday.
Departs Wellington 7.55am every Tuesday, Friday, Sunday
Day 1. AUCKLAND OR WELLINGTON TO THE GRAND CHATEAU
Join the "Northern Explorer" train to National Park and shuttle to Grand Chateau for 2 nights accommodation and breakfast
Day 2. GRAND CHATEAU - WHAKAPAPA Free day for your own activities. Ski or snowboard in winter, enjoy a guided hike on the Tongariro Crossing year round, or whatever you wish. We strongly recommend a ride on the new Sky Waka in enclosed cabins to the Knoll Ridge cafe 2.020 metres above sea level. All activities are extra expense.
Day 3. GRAND CHATEAU - WAIRAKEI. Free time and transfer to Taupo and Wairakei Resort for 2 nights accommodation and breakfast
Day 4. WAIRAKEI RESORT - TAUPO Free day to enjoy your choice of activities in the Taupo area. Enjoy an exciting jet boat ride to the Huka Falls, bunjy jump over the Waikato River, or Tandem parachute over Lake Taupo, take a leisurely cruise to the Maori carvings, try fishing, golf on the excellent golf courses, visit the geothermal valley and volcanic interp[reation centre. We recommend staying longer!
Day 5. TAUPO - AUCKLAND OR WELLINGTON Return to Auckland or Wellington by Intercity coach. Various departures available during the day. Tour ends at Skycity coach terminal or Wellington rail station. You may start Auckland and end Wellington or vice versa if you wish - no extra cost.
Tour cost per person:
2 per room $890. 3 per room $ 820. Single room $1,290.
Tour cost includes:
** All travel from Auckland or Wellington back to Auckland or Wellington by train and coach
** Arrival and departure transfers at each point
** 4 nights accommodation and breakfast at 4 star hotels
On mountain and sightseeing costs are not included.
This tour cannot currently be requested on line. Please email us
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