TRAIN enthusiasts and garden lovers can board an historic steam train for a three-day package from Kiwi Tours to this year's Taranaki Rhododendron & Garden Festival running from October 30 to November 8 this year.
Leaving Paekakariki on Friday, October 30, the JA1271 steam train operated by Steam Incorporated will stop
at all major stations en route to New Plymouth to pick up passengers.
While the steam train was built in 1956, it will be hauling four historic passenger cars and a buffet car that have all been refurbished and date back as early as 1908.
Hosting and entertaining passengers for the seven-hour journey will be TV One's Good Morning celebrity and regular presenter, Astar who specialises in demonstrating floral, craft and cooking segments for the morning television show.
Costing $750 per person, the three-night package includes hotel accommodation, three cooked breakfasts, two lunches, entry to nine Festival gardens and all coach transfers by Kiwi Tours.
Festival gardens in the package include premiere gardens such as Pukeiti, Tikorangi - The Jury Garden, Ngamamaku, Rosedale and more, said Kiwi Tours managing director, Stewart Erb.
"From our experience we have put together a great cross-section of gardens in the package," he said.
"And while the train is in Taranaki, we are planning day trips to Hawera and Wanganui, so Taranaki folk can experience the joy of travelling by steam train."
Now in its 22nd year, the 10-day Taranaki Rhododendron and Garden Festival will open the garden gates to more than 50 stunning gardens, including 13 Gardens of Significance as designated by the New Zealand Gardens Trust the greatest concentration of such gardens anywhere in New Zealand.
Visitors will also be able to enjoy gardens in development, vegetable gardens as well as a new, yet to be announced category.
The Festival programme is due out in mid-July and will include details about guest speakers, workshops, jazz and wine garden events and the popular Landscape Design Installation.
