Marlborough Train Tour

(Shore Excursion)

Price: 

• Per Person Price is NZ$199

Tour Includes:

• A RETURN trip Picton - Seddon on the Train
• Approx. 4 hours duration
• Includes 30-min of leisure time in Seddon

Departure is from Picton Railway Station which is conveniently located across the road from the cruise ship shuttle drop off point.

The Journey:

Departing Picton Station powered by the vintage red and white, classic Da1431 locomotive (to haul our original renovated Victorian carriages) and travelling up the Picton Elevation – one of the steepest gradients in the country at 1-in-37 this incline. Upon reaching the plateau, the journey then takes on a more sedate nature and the train meanders alongside the Para Wetlands, home to an abundance of birds, game fish and unique wetland vegetation.

Crossing the Wairau River, which is a key water source for Marlborough’s Vineyards and sits as an entry to the magnificent Wairau Valley with the distant southern mountains in the backdrop.

A sea of vineyards shoulders the Train on the stretch through the town of Blenheim – clear evidence that Marlborough is indeed home to 80% of New Zealand’s wine production, most famously the sauvignon blanc variety. South of Blenheim, The Marlborough Flyer then traverses the rolling southern hills of Marlborough, snaking through the Dashwood Pass, bursting into the beautiful Awatere Valley, and more magnificent seas of vineyards with the often snow-capped peak of the majestic sentinel, Mount Tapuae-o-Uenuku in the background.

The final stretch crosses the Awatere River on the historic Awatere Road Rail Bridge built in the same period as the carriages.

The Marlborough Flyer has the advantage of balconies at both ends of each carriage which enables passengers a convenient viewing position.

Enjoy some time to stretch the legs in Seddon and make the most of this stop to photograph the Locomotive as it decouples from the carriages moves around tracks at Seddon to couple again to the northern end, before the return journey to Picton.

TOUR DURATION: Approximately 4 hours return.

Departure is from Picton Railway Station which is conveniently located across the road from the cruise ship shuttle drop off point. On your return to Picton Railway Station, there will be a fleet of shuttles to transfer passengers back to the ship timeously for the ship’s departure.

Mobility:

• Unfortunately, due to the heritage nature of our carriages, wheelchair and mobility scooters access is not available.
• Passengers are required to walk approximately 200m from the ship to either the Bus or Train, unaided.
• Carriages are 1940’s vintage and not the same height as ground level, therefore
• for safety reasons, passengers must be able to climb 3 vertical steps, unaided.
• We can carry lightweight mobility devices that fold/compact down (like walkers).

Special Notes:

• Snacks and assorted beverages are available for purchase from your onboard hosts.
• Please wear suitable footwear. We recommend guests wear closed, flat, comfortable shoes.
• Bathroom facilities are available on board.
• Children under 14 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
• Prepare for various weather conditions. New Zealand’s climate can change quickly.
• Carriage seating is pre-allocated. If you would like to be seated with friends or family that are not included on your booking ie. they have booked separately, then please add their names in the Note section when completing your booking.