Great Journeys New Zealand has launched two new luxury packages incorporating scenic train journeys from Christchurch.
Alpine Luxe is a premium experience travelling on the TranzAlpine through the expansive landscape of the South Island’s mountains known as the Great Divide. The four-day experience culminates in a stay at Flockhill Lodge, one of New Zealand's most luxurious wilderness lodges.
Valerie Wetmore, Digital Media and Marketing Manager at Flockhill Lodge, says “The TranzAlpine Scenic Plus carriage offers a leisurely arrival to Flockhill, blending comfort and beauty on your journey into the Southern Alps”.
The three-day Luxury Marlborough Getaway allows guests to experience breathtaking views on the Coastal Pacific before unwinding at Marlborough’s finest vineyard accommodation, The Marlborough Boutique Hotel.
Angela Dillon, Managing Director of The Marlborough & Harvest Restaurant, says “Journeying via the Scenic Plus to The Marlborough will be the best start to your boutique food and wine experience in the heart of New Zealand wine country”.
Both tours include a Scenic Plus rail journey on the first and final days, welcome drinks, gourmet meals, a full breakfast each morning, five-star accommodation and convenient transfers throughout the journey.
Tracey Goodall, General Manager of Great Journeys New Zealand and Commuter, says the new packages were created to meet demand from international visitors.
“We were seeing a real increase in customers looking for tailored rail and luxury experiences, with people wanting unique and original experiences,” she says. “We also wanted to encourage low-carbon travel to the regions, allowing visitors to spend more time off the beaten track while seeing parts of New Zealand that tourists don’t always get to see.”