Great Journeys New Zealand has announced two new rail-based tourism packages that will see the Northern Explorer regularly stop at Taumarunui, bringing more visitors to the Ruapehu region.
These packages are part of the tourism brand’s 10 short break packages and multi-day tours, which include travel on three of its scenic trains, accommodation, regional tourism experiences and fully guided multi-day tours.
The first package, “Escape to the Forgotten World”, includes a half-day rail cart tour and a visit to a lavender farm on the banks of the Whanganui River, embarking on the Northern Explorer from either Auckland or Wellington.
The second package, “Forgotten World Adventure”, offers a multi-day stay in the regions. It includes a two-day rail cart tour along the railway from Okahukura to Stratford, an overnight stay in the Republic of Whangamomona, three nights in Taumarunui and a visit to the King Country.
Previously, Taumarunui was not a scheduled stop for the Northern Explorer. The train would only stop if 10 or more visitors requested to get on or off the train.
KiwiRail’s General Manager Scenic Journeys Tracey Goodall hopes that these offerings will allow visitors to explore regions off the beaten track and help the tourism industry recover from the impacts of Covid-19 border closures.
“Both tourism operators and residents alike are very excited about rail services resuming. The return of the iconic Northern Explorer to Taumarunui will be a huge boost to the township and our visitor industry. We expect the service to be very well supported”.
The “Escape to the Forgotten World” and “Forgotten World Adventure” packages are available for booking from 16 November.
