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BY MONETT JOHNSTON
Travel Options United Travel, Whitianga
Great rail journeys have evolved to become
part of many a traveller’s ‘Bucket List’
Rail journeys to inspire
Contact us today!
United Travel Whitianga
07 866 4397 / 0800 585758
75 Albert St
traveloptions@xtra.co.nzO
ur own Driving Creek Railway began as an industrial tool for
our illustrious potter, Barry Brickell, and it grew to also become
a fun thing to take the children for a ride on – a Mark Twain style
of adventure – now a ‘must do” for visitors to the Coromandel.
Travelling by rail is no longer just a means to an end; it also plays
an integral part in our travels and is well worth considering when
you are planning your next adventure. Rail journeys can add a
whole new perspective to many amazing countries.
Trains are a relaxed alternative to air travel and can be comparable in
fare. First and premier classes include dining and beverage service
to your seat. Overnight sleeper berths are an alternative to hotel
accommodation, especially good for travelling distances overnight.
Here at home there is no better way to take in our beautiful scenery.
Take the
Northern Explorer
through the middle of the North Island via
the famous Raurimu Spiral, a feat of railway engineering built in 1898.
The
Coastal Pacific
hugs the picturesque coastline between Picton and
Christchurch, and the
Tranz Alpine
is one of the world’s most scenic
journeys across our Southern Alps between Christchurch and Greymouth.
We can explore the vastness of Australia easily with its huge rail network.
Trans-continental, there is
The Ghan
: Adelaide to Darwin,
Indian Pacific:
Sydney to Perth, and
The Overland:
Melbourne to Adelaide. Options are
economical day-nighter recliner seating, twin or single sleeper cabins, or
exclusive private carriages for small parties or conferences.
The Canadian Rockies stunning scenery is now accessible to the
leisure traveller, artist or adventurer via the
Rocky Mountaineer.
It was
constructed by Canadian Pacific Railways to connect East and West
Canada. You can retrace the steps of those early Canadian explorers,
travelling through the legendary Spiral tunnels on the journey from
Vancouver to Banff with the
Rocky Mountaineer
, with your choice of
service from Redleaf, Silverleaf or Goldleaf with its glass dome coaches,
elegant dining and all-inclusive services.
The Alaska Railroad can add another dimension to your cruise of the
famous Inside Passage. Enjoy this vast land of breath-taking scenery
and incredible wildlife with knowledgeable tour guides whilst travelling in
Adventure class or Goldstar’s new all-inclusive service.
Further afield, Machu Picchu’s
Vistadome
immerses you in the Andean
culture with music, local food and incomparable views from panoramic
windows, perfect for photography. Or you could indulge in a more
traditional experience on the
Hiram Bingham
train (see photos above).
You can avoid the congestion of India’s roads and rediscover a bygone
age when you embark on
Maharajas’ Express
. They offer 3-7 day
journeys, a world of high teas with Maharajas, elegance and opulence.
See India’s architectural wonders, the Taj Mahal, the Amber Fort and,
at Ranthambore, maybe a tiger. Visit the sacred city of Varanasi and
experience a cruise on the river Ganges. These off-train excursions are
included in your fare. Or indulge yourself in a Royal retreat when you
board the
Palace on Wheels
to explore majestic Rajasthan.
South Africa offers luxurious
Rovos Rail
with a series of train journeys
from 3-14 days to some of Africa’s greatest destinations. From Capetown
through to Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, on trains that may be hauled by
diesel, electrical or occasional steam locomotives on various stages of
the journey. Or travel on
The Blue Train
, described as a ‘five star hotel
on wheels’. A unique concept is the
Shongololo Express,
offering four
adventures to experience Southern Africa. Travel the long distances at
night in your own comfortable compartment and wake each morning to a
new and exciting destination. Fares include off-rail sightseeing and game
excursions with guided touring in air-conditioned vehicles.
In a similar style, explore Northern Spain on board
El Transcantabrico
.
With two fascinating itineraries from Santiago de Compostela, you will
view this more remote area of countryside from the comfort of the train.
Plus coaches are included for sightseeing to areas not accessible by
train. Enjoy Spain’s exceptional cuisine, with overnight stops at railway
stations along the way.
Step back in time to the Roaring Twenties when you board
Venice
Simplon-Orient-Express
and become part of its history. During the day
your cabin is configured as a lounge, becoming – at night – a cosy
bedroom. Indulge in the two day classic journey from London to Paris
or travel on to Venice, Vienna, Budapest or Prague. Once a year, it is
possible to relive the golden age of travel when the maiden journey of the
Orient Express
of 1883 from Paris to Istanbul is re-enacted.
High speed trains travelling at up to 200km per hour offer easy and fast
connections across Europe. In some countries, stations are located at
the international airports and offer an easy airport-to-city shuttle. When
travelling you can simply purchase a one way ticket to a destination – or
if you have a lot of places to visit, consider purchasing a rail pass that
gives you a reduced rate for specific days and pre-determined stops.
A rail journey is a unique experience and one that will further enhance
your travels around the world.
For help choosing your rail holiday, ring the experts at United Travel in Whitianga
at 07 866 4397, and be sure to say you read about them in
Coromandel Life
.
Above left, Kiwis can travel the South Island on the
Coastal Pacific
or on the
Northern Explorer
for the North Island. Above right, travel in olde world luxury
aboard the
Hiram Bingham
train, which climbs up steep valleys to Machu
PIcchu. Riders enjoy music in the ornate wooden cars below.
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COROMANDEL LIFE 2015 SPRING/HOLIDAY