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Cruise Express Launches New 13-day Heritage Steam Train Trip Across North Island
With the trend of train travel continuing to gather pace, Cruise Express has created an exciting new rail journey through New Zealand’s North Island.
The inaugural New Zealand Steam Adventure includes a four-day steam train trip from Wellington to Auckland, taking in some of the North Island’s most spectacular destinations from the comfort of a heritage train.
Enhancing its reputation for world-class rail journeys, Cruise Express has exclusively chartered the heritage steam train to take guests on a nostalgic, private rail experience complete with a lounge car and open-air carriage.
A highlight for heritage rail enthusiasts will be watching 1950s steam locomotive Ja1271 haul the train through scenic landscapes as it weaves its way from Paekākāriki to Whanganui, Ohakune, Hamilton and Waiuku, through deep canyons, over soaring viaducts, along rolling pastures, and with views of volcanoes such as the legendary Ruapehu.
The one-off rail and coach tour offers the chance to explore the treasures of the North Island including the otherworldly geothermal landscapes of Rotorua, beautiful Lake Taupō, Art Deco Napier, Wellington and have lunch in a working rail yard with the chance to meet the volunteers and see what it takes to run steam trains.
Departing October 11, 2025, the new 13-day New Zealand Steam Adventure is priced from $9990* per person twin share, or $11,990* for solo travellers, and includes:
12 nights’ accommodation
Most meals including breakfast daily and some dinners at hotels, dinner at Mission Estate Winery, lunch at Soljans Estate Winery, farewell drinks and dinner, a gondola ride to Skyline Rotorua’s Stratosfare Restaurant for lunch, an evening Maori cultural experience with dinner
Visit Waikino Goldfields Railway, tour of Waiotapu and thermal area, tour of the Te Puia thermal area, visit to New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, visit to Huka Falls, cultural cruise on Lake Taupo, ride aboard the Hawke’s Bay Express, visit Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony, visit Pahiatua Railcar Society, half day Wellington sightseeing tour and admission to Wellington Cable Car, afternoon tea cruise aboard coal-fired Paddle Steamer Waimarie, visit Ohakune Railway Museum and half-day Auckland sightseeing tour
Four days’ daylight travel aboard an exclusive steam-hauled heritage train including a transit of the Raurimu Spiral and run past photo opportunities
Group transfers throughout
Cruise Express tour manager and escorts
Flights to and from New Zealand are not included but can be arranged by Cruise Express.
Cruise Express Managing Director Meg Hill said rail travel was booming and this trip offered the ultimate way to experience the culinary and cultural highlights of New Zealand combined with the romance and nostalgia of train travel.
“We are expecting a lot of interest among rail enthusiasts keen to step back in time aboard a steam-hauled heritage train, but this tour is also so much more than just a nostalgic rail journey. It’s a relaxing way to slow down and take in a beautiful part of New Zealand from the unique vantage point of a heritage train. We’ve packaged up the very best of the North Island in this value-packed itinerary which includes accommodation, meals, four days of train travel and a suite of destination highlights that tick all the boxes for a memorable New Zealand holiday,” Meg said.
For more information or to book call 1300 766 537 or visit cruiseexpress.com.au
*Subject to availability, conditions apply
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