Marlborough Flyer Train
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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
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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
Voted among the top ten train journeys of Australasia, the Marlborough Flyer is a heritage train from a bygone era. The line it travels dates back to the late 1800s.
Hop aboard and relax for a very scenic trip, crossing the Waitohi Viaduct and climbing the Picton Elevation — one of the steepest gradients in the country at 1:37. From the plateau, the journey then takes on a more sedate nature and the train engages in a graceful gallop past the Para Wetlands — home to an abundance of birds, game fish, and protected wetlands vegetation.
The long river crossing of the wide Wairau River is another highlight, providing access to the magnificent Wairau Valley, with the distant Wither Hills as a backdrop.
With a sea of vineyards on both sides, the stretch to Blenheim offers clear evidence that Marlborough is indeed home to 80% of New Zealand's wine production — most famously the Sauvignon Blanc varietal.
South of Blenheim, the Flyer traverses the rolling southern hills of Marlborough, snaking through Dashwood Pass and into Awatere Valley with the often snow-capped peak of Mount Taupuae-o-Uenuku visible on a clear day.
Cross the historical Awatere Rail Bridge and enjoy some time to stretch your legs in the town of Seddon before the return journey to Picton.
Notes:
Minimum age is 14 years. Tour includes a shuttle transfer from the port to Picton's rail station. Please note a walk of approximately 500m will be required to pick up the return shuttle to the ship at the end of your tour. Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress to the conditions. Guests are required to board the train unaided; there is no wheelchair or scooter access. Meals are not included in this tour. This is not a steam-operated train. Please note that the train line is shared with freight-rail, there may be occasional delays.