Trail Journeys' new product: NEW: “Central Train Link” between Dunedin and Queenstown

Trail Journeys
Central Otago

NEW: “Central Train Link” between Dunedin and Queenstown

The Central Train Link is a new service linking Dunedin with Queenstown. The service is run by Trail Journeys, the main Tour Operator on the Otago Central Railtrail, in conjunction with the Taieri Gorge Excursion Train. The service will operate during the train’s summer timetable, linking the train with Trail Journeys’ fleet of buses to take you from Dunedin to Queenstown, or Queenstown to Dunedin, daily.

Since the Otago Central Railtrail has been operating, Central Otago has seen a resurgence in popularity with both cyclists and tourists alike. The Central Train Link will travel through a “World of Difference”, crossing the Maniototo Plains, following the Otago Central Railtrail. The route traveled along the Otago Central Railtrail will link with the spectacular Cromwell and Kawarau Gorges between Clyde and Queenstown. A commentary from our experienced drivers will add an interesting historic story to the passing landscape on the way to either Queenstown or Dunedin.

Schedule:

•              Dunedin to Queenstown.

Pick-up will be from accommodation in Dunedin from 9.00am, linking with the 9.30am departure ofthe Taieri Gorge Train. Shuttle transport will meet the train at Pukerangi, transferring passengers to Middlemarch. At Middlemarch a well timed 30 minute lunch break will offer the opportunity to get food and drinks at one of the two cafés in town, Kissing Gate or Quench. The cost of lunch is not included in price. Shuttle transfer to Queenstown will leave Middlemarch at 12.30pm, arriving in Queenstown between 3.30pm and 4.00pm.

•              Queenstown to Dunedin.

Pick-up will be from accommodation in Queenstown between 11.30am and 12.00pm. The shuttle transport from Queenstown, will link with the Taieri Gorge Train departing Pukerangi Railway Station at 4.45pm. The train will arrive in Dunedin two hours after departure. A shuttle transfer from the Dunedin Railway Station to Dunedin accommodation is included. There will be no stop for lunch in this package, and it is suggested that passengers eat prior to leaving Queenstown.

Note: All pickups and set downs are included in the cost of both packages.

Pricing:

•              One-way Adult fare (aged over 12 years): NZD$135.00p/p
•              One-way Child fare (aged 3-11 years): NZD$87.75p/p Infant (aged 0-2 years): FOC

Luggage Handling:
All luggage will be handled on and off vehicles by the drivers when picking up and delivering passengers.
We would expect the luggage to be in hotel foyers at pickup time.

Cruise Ships:
Due to the cruise ships arriving into Dunedin on selected dates, and booking the morning train for their passengers, the Central Train Link service will operate on the afternoon train schedule from Dunedin, leaving at 2.30pm. These dates (only 11 days in total) are listed on the Taieri Gorge timetable in green. The standard service departing from Queenstown will not be affected by the cruise ship bookings.

Bookings:

The Central Train Link service is jointly operated by Trail Journeys and Taieri Gorge Excursion Train. Both entities will accept bookings for this service.

Contact Details: Trail Journeys Ltd, 16 Springvale Road, RD1, Alexandra.
Phone (03) 449 2150
Website: www.trailjourneys.co.nz
Email: info@trailjourneys.co.nz