Due to unscheduled maintenance between Blenheim and Picton, our train is unable to travel on a small section of the line while repairs take place. We are very pleased to advise that the Coastal Pacific service will go ahead as planned however a 25-minute portion of your journey, between Blenheim & Picton, will be replaced by Bus.
If you are starting your journey from Picton, you are able to check in at the train station as usual and will be advised by train staff on the location of our private bus transfer.
For those doing a day return from Christchurch, you will have your break time in Blenheim. The station is in the centre of town, so lots of time to explore.
Experience the natural wonders and cultural highlights of Waitomo Caves and Rotorua with an action-packed full day sightseeing tour.
Travel north into the King Country region, home of the world famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Travel through these underground limestone caverns on a 45-minute guided tour and hear how the amazing stalactites, stalagmites, and other weird and wonderful rock formations were formed over 30 million years. The magical Glowworm Grotto is a highlight – travel by boat along an underground stream, while above you thousands of tiny glowworms illuminate the cavern.
Enjoy a picnic-style lunch served on board the coach (vegetarian and other dietary options available on request) as you return to Rotorua. On the outskirts of the city, get a taste of New Zealand's farming industry with a four-wheel drive tour of the Agrodome, a working organic farm. You'll also witness an entertaining farm show, including sheep-shearing and a sheep dog trial.
Continue to Te Puia where you will enjoy a performance of Maori culture including singing and dancing, followed by a guided tour of the neighbouring Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley where you will see the mighty geysers and boiling mudpools, signs of the geothermal activity for which Rotorua is famous.
The tour concludes in Rotorua.
Tour details
Half day tour
Operates daily
Departs and returns: Tourism Rotorua
Tour includes
Waitomo Caves guided tour
Agrodome organic farm tour and show
Te Puia Maori cultural performance
Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley
Free WiFi available on board