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Great New Zealand Train Journey

Great New Zealand Train Journey

11 - 25 October 2020

Train whistle blowin’, all aboard and we are on the road (or on the train tracks!) for the Greatest New Zealand Train Journey which combines all the bygone glory of train travel, with fun and laughter from Karl Perigo, Suzanne Lynch and Amanda Atlas, as well as incredible musical events in beautiful settings around New Zealand.

$6,750 NZD
per person
twin share
Single Supplement
- ADD $1,960 NZD
Initial Deposit On Booking
$900 NZD
Second Deposit Due
$0 NZD
Final Balance Due 11 August 2020

Great New Zealand Train Journey

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  • Musical experiences include:

    Hamilton Gardens Gala themed event at Hamilton Gardens with themed concerts relevant to the theme of each garden.

    Train Whistle Blowin’ at Cossars, Christchurch.

    Climb Every Mountain at the Chateau.

    Love and Laughter at a fine dining restaurant in Wellington.

    Celebrate the 50s to the 70s at Woodlands Homestead, Hamilton.

    Wine be the Food of Love at a winery in Blenheim.

    Entertainment from our escorts on board our carriage and our coach as we travel through our country, the most beautiful country in the world.

  • 4 fantastic hosts will take you on this musical train journey around New Zealand.

    Karl Perigo one our main managers will manage the trip. For those of you who have been lucky enough to travel with Karl you will know that his passion for us all, his desire to ensure everyone feels loved and his fabulous voice, diversity and entertainment ability ensures a fun as well as a caring time for all.

    Well known as one of New Zealand’s most iconic pop divas Suzanne Lynch will bring you the pizzazz and popular music component to this trip. Suzy loves people and although so famous is very down to earth, loves mixing and is also very generous in sharing her talents so we will be in for a treat hearing her perform.

    Amanda Atlas is one of New Zealand’s finest operatic sopranos but her real passion comes from her music theatre ability. She is a consummate actress which means she can transport us musically as well as being a thoroughly nice person.

    Reg Towers our original accompanist in Operatunity comes out of retirement to play piano for us on this trip. His love of trains makes him the perfect person and he loves playing so many a time during the trip we will find Reg playing quietly with his sensitive touch, those well known tunes perfect to compliment our dinner.

  • OUR TRAIN AND BOAT JOURNEY

    Our train journey takes us through many parts of New Zealand. The plan is we put our luggage on our coach so we don’t need to concern ourselves with luggage on the train. The coach drops us off and we enjoy time on the train while the coach drives our luggage to the next destination.

    Train rides through beautiful farmlands, rugged coastlines, the volcanic plateau, undulating mountains and lush forests.

    Numerous tours and experiences from Hobbiton to the Weta Museum to glimpse behind the scenes of The Lord of the Rings, to the International Antarctic Centre, wine tasting in Blenheim and so much more.

    Northern Explorer - North Island

    We will see fantastic views of New Zealand from farmland, rugged bush landscapes and the engineering masterpiece that is the Raurimu Spiral, to passing the majestic volcanoes of Mt Tongariro, Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Ruapehu - the home of the North Island ski fields.

    We then descend through stunning river gorges to the farming landscapes and rocky sea scapes of the lower North Island - all from large panoramic windows and the open-air viewing deck of the Northern Explorer train.

    Interislander - Wellington - Picton

    The Interislander travels the Cook Strait between the North and South Islands of New Zealand and is one of the most spectacular cruises in the world. The 92 km journey between Wellington and Picton is one of New Zealand’s most iconic tourist experiences.

    Coastal Pacific Train

    On one side of your train you will see the wine growing region of Blenheim and the rugged Kaikoura mountain ranges; on the other side the Pacific Ocean coastline with views of marine wildlife such as seals and penguins, and some of New Zealand’s finest horticultural and farmland areas of the Canterbury Plains.

    TranzAlpine - Christchurch - Southern Alps – Greymouth (and return)

    Travelling west crossing the Canterbury Plains, the train slowly ascends through spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River towards the Southern Alps to the alpine village of Arthurs Pass. From here we descend through the Otira Tunnel to the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island, through lush alpine forests to Greymouth.

  • 14 nights’ accommodation in 4-star hotels: Auckland (1 night), Hamilton (3 nights), Chateau Tongariro (2 nights), Wellington (3 nights), Blenheim (2 nights), Christchurch (3 nights).

     

    Grand Mercure Hotel, Auckland (1 night)

    Located in the heart of Auckland's waterfront district, overlooking the thriving Viaduct Harbour and surrounded by designer boutiques and award winning restaurants, Grand Mercure Auckland boasts 207 guest rooms and a dedicated conference and event floor.

     

    Novotel Hamilton Tainui (3 nights)

    Waikato’s leading 4 star hotel the Novotel Tainui boasts the city’s best location, in the CBD on the banks of the Waikato River.

     

    Chateau Tongariro Hotel (2 nights)

    The historical Chateau Tongariro Hotel impresses with its grand architecture and interiors, location in the Tongariro National Park and facilities, which include a 9-hole golf course and a cinema.

    Chateau Hotel Tongariro features a games room with billiards, sauna, indoor plunge pool and a fitness centre. The in-house cinema shows a range of films daily.

     

    Novotel, Wellington (3 nights)

    Offering direct access to the Lambton Quay shopping area, just 850 m from Wellington Station, this hotel features rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic views. Novotel Wellington is a 1-minute walk from Lambton Quay Cable Car Station, which provides access to the Wellington Botanic Gardens.

     

    Scenic Hotel, Blenheim (2 nights)

    Scenic Hotel Marlborough is a contemporary and stylish property located in the heart of sunny Marlborough. The result of a multi-million dollar upgrade, Scenic Hotel Marlborough offers guests the ultimate in modern comfort and service. The 4 star hotel is located in the heart of Marlborough.

     

    Novotel Cathedral Square Hotel, Christchurch
    (3 nights)

    Novotel Cathedral Square (re-opened 2013), a new, stylish 4 star hotel is elegantly positioned alongside the original Christchurch Cathedral. The hotel boasts 154 spacious rooms and suites, from modern and contemporary to charming and cozy, everyone will be delighted.

This trip includes

  • • 14 nights’ accommodation in 4-star hotels: Auckland (1 night), Hamilton (3 nights), Chateau Tongariro (2 nights), Wellington (3 nights), Blenheim (2 nights), Christchurch (3 nights).

    • Train journeys: Northern Explorer Auckland – Hamilton - National Park - Wellington //Coastal Pacific, Blenheim - Christchurch // TranzAlpine Christchurch - Greymouth (return).

    • Other transport - Interislander Ferry one-way Wellington to Picton, plus all transfers, including luggage and people by coach included.

    • Musical experiences include gala themed event at Hamilton Gardens, Train Whistle Blowin’, Climb Every Mountain at the Chateau, Love and Laughter, Celebrate the 50s to the 70s at Woodlands, Wine be the Food of Love at a winery plus singalongs and fun on the train.

    • Numerous experiences such as tours of Weta Workshop, Hobbiton, Knights of the Sky, International Antarctic Centre, Te Papa, National Army Museum. 

    • Activity highlights include wine tasting in Blenheim, special movie night at the Chateau to watch Murder on the Orient Express and tour of National Park.

    • All breakfasts, 6 lunches and 9 dinners included.

    • Hosted by Karl Perigo, Suzanne Lynch and Amanda Atlas.

     

    PLEASE NOTE: As our travellers are coming from all over NZ, airfares are not included.

EASY TOUR

You will be required to walk to get from place to place tour with lots of times to rest, travel on a coach and walk easy leisurely distances. You will need to be able to get on and off a train with ease and walk through the train stations.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• All trips are subject to change but any changes will be of equal or greater value.

• Deposits refundable until final payment date minus any costs incurred, or an administration fee of up to $300.

• Travellers need to be independently mobile and fit to travel.

• Travellers are required to obtain comprehensive travel insurance for all international trips.

• Please refer to terms & conditions on our booking form.

Travel Insurance

Every customer is required to take out insurance for all international travel when taking a trip with Operatunity Ltd. 

DOMESTIC INSURANCE
Insurance for Domestic travel is currently available from many companies. Insurance for New Zealand trips is entirely at your discretion. Please email our office for our current recommendation if you wish our advice.


INTERNATIONAL INSURANCE
Insurance for International travel is currently available from many companies. For our trips overseas it is a requirement that proof of cover be sent to our office some time before departure from NZ. We can not accept travellers who hold no cover for international travel as per our term and conditions.
Please email our office for our current recommendation if you wish our advice. Email travelbookings@operatunity.co.nz Phone 0508 886 489

 

MOBILITY

Operatunity provides group senior travel and with this in mind we plan trips to suit our target market. But not every trip is created equal in terms of mobility. We want to give you the best possible experience but that will only be achieved if you are able to enjoy everything that our trips have to offer.
Most of our long haul trips require a better level of mobility. We will look after everyone as well as we possibly can, but we cannot look after one at the expense of the rest of the group. We also cannot have one person slowing the rest of group to the point where the group is not able to enjoy every experience we are able to provide.
With this in mind we have put a mobility clause into every trip. Under each explanation here I have popped a statement. Ask yourself if this is ‘you’, when booking on a trip.

None of the following mobility clauses preclude you from ordering a wheelchair at the airport if required.

1. GENTLE TOUR This tour will suit most people, even with a stick or a walker, but sorry not someone in a wheelchair. The activity level is gently paced, but you still need to be able to get on and off buses easily. There will be walking, but not a lot. “I love travelling, but at a gentle pace. I like to avoid stairs or too much activity, but I am able to get on and off buses easily.” 

2. EASY TOUR This tour will suit people with a stick, but not a walker. You will be required to walk to get from place to place and stand in museums, but it is designed to be an easy tour with lots of times to rest, travel on a coach and walk easy leisurely distances.  ”Walking is fine. I can get on and off a coach. I am happy to stand for an hour or two in museums and galleries and gently stroll through places of interest. I am happy to climb the odd set of stairs.” 

3. MODERATE WALKING TOUR This tour requires a better level of fitness with no wheelchairs or walkers. Generally, there may be times when we can’t get the coach close. In some of our Pacific Island tours we will need you to transfer onto a tender and walk on soft sand. We also will have much longer flights and long walks through airports. “I like walking at a moderate pace. I love to keep my days full and experience everything the tour has to  offer. Stairs, tender transfers and cobblestones don’t bother me.” 

4.  EXPLORING TOUR This is still a moderately paced tour, but you will be required to walk longer distances, walk on cobblestones and stand in museums. To really get the best out of this tour you need to be able to stand or walk for a couple  of hours comfortably, be it at a leisurely pace.  “I like to spend most of the day exploring. Whether walking historic neighbourhoods on cobblestones at a moderate pace or out and about on a coach, I want my days full. Stairs don’t bother me and I am keen to see and do as much as I can with the odd day off to recuperate.” 

  • Operatunity is a company specialising in music lovers tours to the senior market. Each trip has been especially planned to include music and arts experiences and has a level of friendliness and care which cannot be found anywhere else! Our trips are packed with features not found anywhere else

  • Yes we have lots of people who travel on their own. We endeavour to match you up with someone who lives close to you or is close in age to you. Often you will get a chance to meet with your matchup or ring them before you leave on your trip. You also may prefer to travel solo and pay the single supplement price. We travel as a happy band so there will be lots of chances to meet people. You will find fellow music lovers and those with other similar interests. In fact those like the nicer things of life so you will travel with like-minded people. It is also important to remember that our singers are our escorts so you will see at least a couple of familiar faces as you leave.

  • If you live outside of Auckland, we can arrange travel and accommodation on your way to meet up with our group. We have access and can book domestic airfares in conjunction with Air New Zealand international airfares. Plus we can book your pre and post tour accommodation if required.

  • It is compulsory for our international trips and highly recommended for our domestic tours. 

  • No as most airlines offer various special meals and any restaurants we visit are happy to accommodate special dietary requirements.

  • We seek to accommodate the needs of guests with disabilities whenever possible. However in most cases we are unable to take customers with walkers, wheelchairs or other mobility issues. Certain trips may be unsuitable due to walking or limited availability of accommodation with disabled facilities. We cannot be responsible for the care of customers suffering from significant cognitive illness (such as dementia). We ask such customers to consult with your doctor to obtain medical clearance. Guests needing assistance mustbe accompanied by an able companion who will be available to assist them and assume full responsibility for their wellbeing.

  • We ask that you can walk at least 100 metres unaided and be able to get on and off buses with little or no assistance. We cater for a senior market but it is important that you do not jeopardise the enjoyment of others by requiring more care and holding up the rest of the group. Talk to our office or staff at concerts and any advisory notes for individual trips to get a better idea of your suitability for each trip.

  • We stay at 4 and 5 star character hotels, avoiding package, tourist or big hotel chains. We choose  hotels with a more personal feel often with historic content or hotels of beauty and character, centrally located or in parks, by the water, or with beautiful gardens.

  • Breakfast is included daily, and many dinners and lunches are also included as per our itinerary.

  • There are no hidden costs. Included in the trip are tips, taxes, porterage, breakfast, meals where specified, inclusions listed in the itinerary, entry fees where listed in the itinerary, concert/show tickets where listed in the itinerary, tour escorts and local specialised guides. 

  • Some of our trips sell out very quickly and we recommend you make your booking as soon as you can to avoid disappointment. 

  • We will ask you to pay an initial deposit when making your booking. We will then follow up for a second deposit and then a final balance payment prior to travel.

  • All deposits up until final payment are refundable minus an administration fee of up to $500 plus any non-recoverable costs the company may incur.

    After final deposit refunds are unlikely and the refund becomes an insurance claim.

  • Our numbers vary from destination to destination, please contact our office for further information.  We have a minimum number required to operate a tour. Should minimum numbers not be met, a full refund will be made. 

  • For international trips, all guests must have a valid passport that does not expire earlier than at least 6 months beyond their intended stay. 

  • Music is a key element in making our experiences special. There are special experiences and events every day, such as themed dinners, impromptu concerts, music, art tours with art experts and garden tours with garden experts.

  • Most hotels now have internet connection and all hotels have telephones in the room or at reception. If using your mobile telephone check calling and text rates, and disable data roaming before leaving New Zealand. Consider purchasing a prepaid SIM card. And you can keep in touch using social media such as Facebook. We have a copy of your next of kin details in case of emergency and we are also happy to help out with texts, phone calls and emails if you can’t get in touch with your family and need to while away. We are also happy to help out with getting your phones, ipads and cameras to work if needed while away.

  • We spend less time travelling between regions, allowing more time to enjoy experiences when you arrive. We avoid one night stops and “conveyor belt” travel, so you really can capture the local colour and vitality of the region. Our trips are planned so that there is a balance of included activities and free time for you to relax or do some exploring on your own.

  • Contact Operatunity Travel 

    Phone toll free: 0508 886 489
    Mail your booking form to PO BOX 132 150, Sylvia Park, Auckland 1644
    Email: travel@operatunity.co.nz

  • Phone toll free: 0508 886 489
    Email: travelbookings@operatunity.co.nz

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