Hawkes Bay Wine & Food by Rail Experience

In 1994 the Ashworth family planted the first of their grapes on stony  gravels of the Takapau plains and have progressively planted productive varietals of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris,  Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Syrah and Flora, with the vineyard today  producing award-winning, intense, aromatic wines. Junction Wines, brings  the best there is in Hawkes Bay grapes.

Nestled  amongst the mature trees in the grounds of Oruawharo Homestead is St  Vincent’s which is the perfect venue for a function indoors or out. The  historic St Vincent’s Church was relocated to Oruawharo in 2012 from the  nearby township of Takapau. Oruawharo Homestead, what better place to  taste some local wines and relax.

You've  got a unique way to get there - by your own private train. Hauled by a  pair of 1950s era diesel locomotives, departing from the Kapiti Coast  just north of Wellington just as the clock strikes 8am, we make our way  north through the Kapiti and Horowhenua districts, picking up at all  intermediate stations. Following our last pick up of passengers at  Palmerston, we curve around into the Manawatu Gorge. A drawcard for many  tourists, the road through here that used to make up SH3, was wiped out  a few years ago with heavy slips. Rail is now the only way to transit  through this gorgeous area. After departure north east from Woodville,  we follow the railway up the steep grades through Papatawa, through the  populated township of Dannevirke. Further north, we pass through the  beautifully restored railway precinct at Ormondville before travelling  over the ever-impressive Ormondville Viaduct, spanning over 281m long  and 39m above the Mangarangiora Stream. These grades are no match for  our heritage horse power, as we arrive into Takapau.

Buses  will be waiting to take you the short 3min trip into the serene gardens  that surround Oruawharo Homestead. From here, located inside the St  Vincents church, allow the families behind Junction Wines and Oruawharo  Homestead to immerse you in the fresh produce that the Central Hawkes  Bay can offer. It is here where your "Gold" or "Silver" token will  ultimately come into play.

The Gold Package If  you hold a "Gold" token, you are entitled to four free tasters of Wine  from Jo and John from Junction Wines. Take the time to speak to  winemaker Leith, and learn about the contents of your glass.

Chef  William Lauder will take you through a series of complex flavours, in  the form of a selection of 4 canapes to accompany your glass, as well as  a freshly prepared entree using only the best ingredients.

The Gold Package includes:

4 x samples of Junction Wines best drop!

Chef  William Lauder will take you through a series of complex flavours, in  the form of a selection of 4 canapes and a delectable entree to  accompany your glass:

Canapé - Truffle Butter | Dinner Roll - Roasted Agria & Dashi Soup | Sherry Vinaigrette - Coriander Prawn | Salsa Verde | Seasonal Fruit - Beef Carpaccio | Black Pepper Cream | Crostini

Entree - Galantine Chicken Cassoulet | Waipawa Butchery sausage | black garlic

Included is your heritage train travel to and from the Central Hawkes Bay

The Silver Package If  you hold a "Silver" token, you are entitled to two free tasters of Wine  from Jo and John from Junction Wines. Take the time to speak to  winemaker Leith, and learn about the contents of your glass.

The Silver Package includes:

2 x samples of Junction Wines best drop!

Chef William Lauder will take you through a series of complex flavours, in the form of a selection of 4 canapes:

Canapé - Truffle Butter | Dinner Roll - Roasted Agria & Dashi Soup | Sherry Vinaigrette - Coriander Prawn | Salsa Verde | Seasonal Fruit - Beef Carpaccio | Black Pepper Cream | Crostini

Following  your exploration into some beautiful local Hawkes Bay produce, it's  time to head home, so board the buses and head back to the train as we  whisk you back down country and drop you off back to where your day  commenced. The train will be licensed, and drinks, both alcoholic and  non, are available to purchase from our bar & lounge carriage as  well as a range of hot and cold food available from our Buffet Car.

Included is your heritage train travel to and from the Central Hawkes Bay

Gold Package - $224pp | Silver Package - $199pp Board  the train at Paekakariki, Paraparaumu, Waikanae, Otaki, Levin, Shannon  or Palmerston North. (Tickets are $30 less pp ex. Palmerston North)

Book online or call 0800 783 264 to book directly with the team!

We take cash or Eftpos. 

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