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 New Zealand's unique indigenous culture, famous geothermal activity and be part of movie history on an action-packed day trip around Rotorua and the Central North Island.
Start with a tour of the top Rotorua visitor attractions: Te Puia, the Agrodome and Rainbow Springs. At Te Puia's cultural centre you'll learn about Maori culture and history, then visit the neighbouring Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley where you can see geysers, bubbling pools of volcanic mud and steam shooting out of the earth.
Then see Kiwi agriculture in action with a sheep-shearing display and sheep dog trials at the Agrodome, a working organic farm where you can learn all about farming in New Zealand. At Rainbow Springs Nature Park, see the famous New Zealand kiwi bird and other native birds, animals and wildlife.
After enjoying these highlights of Rotorua, your tour travels over the Kaimai Ranges to Matamata for your Hobbiton Movie Set tour. Visit the farm where Sir Peter Jackson built the village of Hobbiton for the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies. Learn how the private farm was transformed into The Shire from Middle-earth and see Hobbit holes, the Green Dragon Inn and the Mill on a guided Hobbiton tour before returning to Rotorua.
Tour details
Full day tour
Operates daily
Departs and returns: Tourism Rotorua
Tour includes
Te Puia cultural tour and Thermal Valley
Agrodome sheep show
Rainbow Springs Nature Park
Tour of Hobbiton Movie Set
Free WiFi available on board
