Steam train package to the Taranaki Rhodo Fest

News Release For Immediate Release
09 June 09

Steam train package to the Taranaki Rhodo Fest

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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 who have been running coach tours to the Festival for the last 14 years.

Festival gardens in the package include premiere gardens such as Pukeiti, Tikorangi - The Jury Garden, Ngamamaku, Rosedale and more, says Kiwi Tours managing director, Stewart Erb.

“From our experience we have put together a great cross-section of gardens in the package – as well as offering visitors a unique travel experience to this premiere Festival,” says Mr. Erb.

“The Festival Manager, Lisa Haskell has also assisted with marketing the trip which has been great and there is a competition currently running in the popular gardening magazine Weekend Gardener so look out for that as some lucky person could win a free trip – entries close July 8!”

“And while the train is in Taranaki, we are planning day trips to Hawera and Wanganui so Taranaki folk can experience the joy of traveling by steam train!”

Now in its 22nd year, the 10-day Taranaki Rhododendron & 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 of the Festival’s Events Programme featuring guest speakers, workshops, Jazz & Wine in Gardens events as well as the popular Landsape Design Installation.

ENDS

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