Thursday 28 January. Our 6-day Highland to Heartlands journey begins aboard KiwiRail’s Northern Explorer, travelling from Auckland to Palmerston North through rolling farmland, volcanic terrain and winding river valleys. Relax and enjoy panoramic views as we journey into the rural heart of the North Island.

Arriving in Palmerston North late afternoon, we meet our driver and transfer to our hotel for our overnight stay. This evening, we gather in the bar for a welcome drink before enjoying dinner together – maybe a wee dram of whisky?

Dinner.

Friday 29 January. Today we enjoy a fascinating exploration of some of the region’s historic homes and gardens. Our guide, John Vickers, brings a lifelong passion for New Zealand heritage, bringing each property’s story vividly to life.

These remarkable homes were designed by renowned architects including Charles Natusch, Chapman-Taylor, and Russell & Bignell.

As we admire the fresh summer colour in the gardens, we’ll also enjoy lunch with one of the homeowners – a special opportunity to experience these beautiful properties more intimately.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Saturday 30 January. The 162nd Turakina Highland Games immerse us in a full day of Scottish celebration – pipe bands, Highland dancing, traditional field events and plenty of tartan spirit in this proud rural gathering honouring Scotland’s rich heritage.

Feel the skirl of the bagpipes echo across the grounds as massed pipe bands march in full regalia, kilts swaying in time to the drums. Watch the strength and skill of the heavyweight athletes competing in classic events like the caber toss and hammer throw, and admire the grace of Highland dancers performing time-honoured routines. Wander through the lively clan tents and market stalls, savour hearty Scottish fare, and soak up the warm community atmosphere that has made Turakina a beloved celebration of heritage for over 160 years.

Breakfast, Dinner.

Sunday 31 January. Explore Whanganui, a riverside city celebrated for its vibrant arts scene and heritage charm. Step aboard the lovingly restored Waimarie Paddle Steamer – New Zealand’s only operating coal-fired paddle steamer – and enjoy a nostalgic cruise along the Whanganui River, as stories of the region’s pioneering past bring the golden era of river travel to life.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Monday 1 February. Today, we offer two options to cater to different preferences. First option is to depart for Pipiriki where you will board a jetboat and coast down the river to experience the famous Bridge to Nowhere. Alternatively, you may choose to depart with the local mail runner and do a fabulous tour of the road that follows the river – meet lots of locals and visit some hidden gems. This option also includes a 30-minute blast down the river on a jetboat.

Note for those doing the Bridge to Nowhere: Good trekking / tramping shoes are recommended. You must be able to walk 3 km unaided over a well-graded bush track in each direction (total 6 km). We recommend similar-distance training walks prior to departure.

Later, we’ll all meet and continue to Taumarunui for our final night’s stay.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. 

Tuesday 2 February. Farewell the heartland as we head north, stopping in Hamilton for lunch at The Sculpture Park at Waitakaruru Arboretum, a magnificent art-in-nature experience set within a beautifully rehabilitated quarry. Wander along the 2 km trail dotted with more than 100 striking sculptures and installations, framed by a stunning arboretum of over 20,000 trees from around the world – a serene interplay of creativity and landscape that nourishes the imagination and soothes the spirit.

Then, we’ll mark the end of the 6-day tour with a visit to Pōkeno Whisky, New Zealand’s acclaimed single malt distillery nestled in a lush valley near the volcanic hills of Pōkeno. Here you’ll enjoy an insider look at how their handcrafted whiskies are made – from the rich volcanic spring water and locally grown barley to their slow-distilled spirits – before savouring a celebratory wee dram of their distinctive Aotearoa-inspired whisky. Slàinte!

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.