Thursday 3 December. Our journey begins aboard the Northern Explorer, travelling through the rural heart of the North Island on an epic rail journey from Auckland to Ohakune. There is an excellent café on board where you can purchase breakfast, along with that much-needed tea or coffee after your early start. They also offer a selection of hot and cold meals, as well as beer and wine.

We arrive into Ohakune in the early afternoon. After a relaxed wander around town, we check in to our motel and later head out to a local restaurant for a welcome drink and dinner.

Dinner.

Friday 4 December. The Central Plateau has endured a harrowing chapter in its recent history. Wildfires have swept through the region, leaving significant ecological damage in their wake. Local Iwi and DOC now face the immense challenge of restoring and protecting this treasured landscape. Today, we visit the area to gain a first-hand understanding of the impact these fires have had and the recovery efforts now underway.

The iconic Chateau Tongariro, an architectural treasure and a symbol of New Zealand heritage, narrowly escaped destruction. But questions remain about its long-term future. What lies ahead for this grand old landmark? Will it be restored, or left to fall into disrepair? We also explore the broader picture of what’s been happening on our ski fields. Who owns them now? What changes are underway? And what does the future hold for skiing and tourism on Mt Ruapehu?

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Saturday 5 December. Pack your binoculars, as today the real excitement kicks off. Watch on as foals, mares, yearlings, and stallions frolic in their family bands. We’ll learn all about where they came from, how they’re managed, the effect they have on the environment and how they survive.

The landscape that is home to these horses belongs to the Waiouru Military Training Area. It is both barren and breathtaking and requires a special concession, granted only once a year for civilian access. While on the land, we enjoy a picnic lunch at a scenic stop, and hear from a DOC representative who shares details on the land and its history. 

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Sunday 6 December. This morning we farewell Ohakune and begin our journey home, stopping first at the iconic Horopito Motors. We meet Colin, whose family has spent decades collecting vehicles and rare parts from around the world. This sprawling, character-filled site featured in Smash Palace, Goodbye Pork Pie, Pork Pie, and Hunt for the Wilderpeople, adding to its legendary status.

We then visit Lauren’s Lavender Farm on the banks of the Whanganui River. Surrounded by fragrant blooms and peaceful countryside, we enjoy time to wander and a relaxed lunch before travelling north, taking home wonderful memories of our Kaimanawa adventure.

Breakfast, Lunch.