Marlborough Flyer Train Tour
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Port
Picton, New Zealand
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Activity Level
Easy
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$169.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 4¾ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
The Marlborough Flyer is a heritage train from a bygone era.
Built in the late 1800’s the Picton to Blenheim line heads south from Picton across the Waitohi viaduct travelling up the Picton Elevation- one of the steepest gradients in the country at 1 in 37.
Upon reaching the plateau, the journey then takes on a more sedate nature and the train engages in a graceful gallop meandering alongside the Para Wetlands, home to an abundance of birds, game fish and unique wetland vegetation.
The long river crossing across the wide Wairau River is another tour highlight, providing entry to the magnificent Wairau Valley with the distant southern mountains in the backdrop.
A sea of vineyards on both sides, shoulders the train on the stretch through Blenheim town – clear evidence that Marlborough is indeed home to 80% of New Zealand’s wine production, most famously the sauvignon blanc variety.
South of Blenheim, The Marlborough Flyer Train then traverses the rolling southern hills of Marlborough, snaking through Dashwood Pass, bursting into Awatere Valley, and the magnificent sea of vineyards with the often snow-capped peak of the majestic sentinel, Mount Taupuae-o-Uenuku in the background.
The final stretch crosses the Awatere River on the historic Awatere Road Rail Bridge built in the same era as the carriages. Enjoy some time to stretch your legs in Seddon with a photo opportunity, before the return journey to Picton and your ship.
Voted Top 10 “Best Train Journeys in Australasia” – The Telegraph UK, 2018.
Notes:
Minimum age is 14 years. Tour involves a shuttle transfer from the port to Picton Town Centre.