How much does it cost?

From A$6,975 per person, the operator's advertised from-price, read on its own page on 12 Sept 2026. About $5,003 at ECB reference rates. Departures, room types and dates can price differently; the operator's page is the final word.

Is the train travel included?

Yes, this tour travels by private charter train, included in the price along with accommodation, meals, transfers, excursions and admissions.

Is this an escorted tour?

Yes, fully escorted with expert hosts and a Tour Leader from Rail Mates Tours - Glenbrook Vintage Railway.

How big is the group?

No more than two groups of 35 people.

Can I extend the trip?

Yes, an optional pre-tour extension from Auckland is available, and travellers can choose to end the tour in Wellington.

Railway Adventures · Escorted tour

Spirit of the Antipodes

11-day private charter heritage rail tour of New Zealand's North Island

Railway Adventures' Spirit of the Antipodes is an 11-day, fully escorted heritage rail tour of New Zealand's North Island. The group travels aboard its own private charter train, over railway lines that regular passenger services seldom use, starting at Glenbrook and finishing in Wellington. The route passes through Rotorua, Ohakune, New Plymouth, Palmerston North, Napier and Auckland. A highlight of the journey is the run between Palmerston North and Napier behind steam locomotive JA 1271, one of New Zealand's scenic routes. Accommodation, meals, transfers, excursions, admissions and train travel are all included, and Tour Leaders from Rail Mates Tours - Glenbrook Vintage Railway host the trip throughout. Group size is capped at two groups of 35 people. An optional pre-tour extension from Auckland is available. This trip suits repeat rail travellers and heritage rail enthusiasts who want a private-train journey rather than scheduled public services. One departure is listed, for October 2026, at AUD 6,975 per person.

What to know before you look closer

Railway Adventures publishes no day-by-day itinerary for this package; confirm how the 11 days divide among the listed regions before booking.
Only one departure is listed, for October 2026; confirm current availability with Railway Adventures.

Included

Accommodation
Meals
Transfers
Excursions
Admissions
Train travel

Questions travellers ask

How much does it cost?: From A$6,975 per person, the operator's advertised from-price, read on its own page on 12 Sept 2026. About $5,003 at ECB reference rates. Departures, room types and dates can price differently; the operator's page is the final word.
Is the train travel included?: Yes, this tour travels by private charter train, included in the price along with accommodation, meals, transfers, excursions and admissions.
Is this an escorted tour?: Yes, fully escorted with expert hosts and a Tour Leader from Rail Mates Tours - Glenbrook Vintage Railway.
How big is the group?: No more than two groups of 35 people.
Can I extend the trip?: Yes, an optional pre-tour extension from Auckland is available, and travellers can choose to end the tour in Wellington.
When does it run?: One departure is listed, for October 2026, at AUD 6,975 per person.