Some questions about getting around NZ with our bikes by train. We would like to get to Rotorua by train from Auckland, then bike SH 5 and 38 to Wairoa, then SH 2 to Napier. We would then ideally train or bus to Welly for the ferry. We looking at the rail option because, while buses have limited space for bikes, trains do not. I have not located any rail transport to Rotorua as yet. Can one do this? Is it possible to get a rail connection between Napier and Welly?
Also, were we to take the Northerner or Overlander direct from Auckland to Welly, does anyone know if we can get off at say National Park, bike for a while, and then get back on for the rest of the journey?
I have not located any rail transport to Rotorua as yet. Can one do this?
No
Quoted message said:
Is it possible to get a rail connection between Napier and Welly?
No. This service stopped a couple of years ago. You would have to find alternative transport from Napier to Palmerston North, and then catch the train to Wellington. Why not bike, distances in NZ are not huge.
Quoted message said:
Also, were we to take the Northerner or Overlander direct from Auckland to Welly, does anyone know if we can get off at say National Park, bike for a while, and then get back on for the rest of the journey?
Don't know. Years ago you used to be able to purchase these sorts of tickets. You could always just purchase 2 tickets. One say to National Park, one from National Park.
Also, were we to take the Northerner or Overlander direct from Auckland to Welly, does anyone know if we can get off at say National Park, bike for a while, and then get back on for the rest of the journey?
I have caught a train from National Park to Wellington about 1.5 years ago and you still can. Although on this occation the train didn't arrive. When we rang the train company they told us the next train will arrive at 1am, 12 hours away. Buses came 3 hours later to pick us up which was OK I guess. One thing you don't want to do is arrive at National Park after dark. Its a bit run down. If you arrive at National Park late in the day Whakapapa Village is about 20k away on a flat road. There is tonnes of accomidation there but I recomend you book. Whakapapa Village is at the foot of Mt Tongariro, Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Raupehu making an excellent place to stay over night. (don't miss the sunset. Ride up the road a little towards Iwikau Village to get a great view) Next day you can start early up SH47 to Turangi, around the lake to Taupo then make your way to Rotorua.
Or, get off at Hamilton
Have a good trip
"dswarthout" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:
Hi again,
Some questions about getting around NZ with our bikes by train. We would like to get to Rotorua by train from Auckland, then bike SH 5 and 38 to Wairoa, then SH 2 to Napier. We would then ideally train or bus to Welly for the ferry. We looking at the rail option because, while buses have limited space for bikes, trains do not. I have not located any rail transport to Rotorua as yet. Can one do this? Is it possible to get a rail connection between Napier and Welly?
Also, were we to take the Northerner or Overlander direct from Auckland to Welly, does anyone know if we can get off at say National Park, bike for a while, and then get back on for the rest of the journey?
