Whanganui Vintage - Steam Trains
Embark on a vintage steam train journey from Whanganui!
Steam Incorporated is proud to be working with the Whanganui Vintage Trust in bringing a steam and diesel hauled train to Whanganui for Vintage weekend!
Each day has something different, from a quick family trip to Kai Iwi and return to a Vintage Steam and Cuisine evening. Have a scroll below and check out what we have to offer! Tell all of your friends and pick a trip or 2…or 3?
Arrive in Style - 17th Jan & 20th Jan 2025
Now in its 14th year, Whanganui’s Vintage Weekend celebrates nostalgia, entertainment, and community spirit. This four-day extravaganza promises to take you back to an era filled with vintage allure, classic cars, retro fashion, and nostalgic entertainment. Arrive in style on Friday afternoon, on Steam Incorporated’s heritage train into Whanganui’s Taupo Quay!
Board this special train at Paraparaumu, Levin, Palmerston North or Feilding and indulge in a weekend of festivities. Options available for one-way or return travel.
One Way & Return Fares are available, and start at $129pp
Accomodation is at your own expense!
Please find below a provisional timetable for the two days:
Book online here!
We can cater for larger group bookings - these are best dealt with directly through us by emailing admin@steaminc.org.nz or contacting 0800 783 264!
The Kai Iwi Trekker – 18th & 19th Jan 2025
Join Steam Incorporated on this special excursion train between Whanganui’s Eastown & Kai Iwi. Behind a combination of steam & diesel motive power, explore the famed stretch of track north of Whanganui!
Board our heritage train comprising of our steel carriages at Whanganui’s Eastown, on the corner of Eastown Road & Benefield St. With Ja 1271 at the front of the train, we make immediate headway northwest through the outskirts of Whanganui enroute to Kai Iwi. The fearsome Westmere Bank lies between us and Kai Iwi. This is a steep hill with a gradient of 1 in 35 on our ascent (that is 1 metre climbed for every 35 metres travelled horizontally) and up to 1 in 39 on our descent down the other side. Here you should really hear the engine working!
Just before we come into Kai Iwi, we are travelling on a relatively new part of the line called the Kai Iwi deviation. Completed in 2008, the deviation is just under a kilometre long and bypasses the old No.4 tunnel. See if you can spot some of the old route on our trip down the hill!
At Kai Iwi, it is now the Da’s turn to make the climb towards the top! After dropping back down the hill towards Eastown, disembark the train after a fun and nostalgic experience!
Fares
General Admission - Single - $49
General Admission - Family (2A & 2C) - $179
Infant (0-2yrs) - FREE provided they remain on the lap of a fare-paying adult.
Please note that if booking online, our booking system does add on a small percentage to the above fares. Steam Incorporated does not see this revenue.
Available Dates & Times
- Saturday 18th January – Departs Eastown at 10:15am, returning at 12pm
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Saturday 18th January – Departs Eastown at 12:05pm, returning at 1:50pm
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Sunday 19th January – Departs Eastown at 4:05pm, returning at 5:50pm
The Ruatangata Wanderer - 18th Jan 2025
Climb onboard our heritage train, and travel between Whanganui’s Eastown & the small settlement of Ruatangata. Behind a combination of steam & diesel motive power, explore the unique stretch of track south of Whanganui!
Heading south behind our heritage diesel electric locomotive, we travel down through the Fordell Tunnel where our train plunges into darkness for a few minutes! As we escape the darkness, look out on the left hand side and see the Whangaehu River snaking it’s way through the countryside.
A little further down the track, we cross over the river on our approach to Ruatangata. A river firmly etched in New Zealand’s railway history, its headwaters are the crater lake of Mount Ruapehu on the central plateau, before flowing for 161 kilometres southward to the South Taranaki Bight near the settlement of Whangaehu.
At Ruatangata, our crew swap to the steam locomotive, and we get underway on a fantastic north bound excursion back to Whanganui! Listen to the noise of the steam locomotive as we gather pace through the rolling hills east of Whanganui, before arriving back into town. A fantastic afternoon for the family!
Fares
General Admission - Single - $49
General Admission - Family (2A & 2C) - $179
Infant (0-2yrs) - FREE provided they remain on the lap of a fare-paying adult.
Please note that if booking online, our booking system does add on a small percentage to the above fares. Steam Incorporated does not see this revenue.
Available Dates & Times
The Feilding Flyer – 19th Jan 2025
A rare steam train experience between Whanganui’s Taupo Quay & Feilding. Hauled by Ja 1271, and comprising our heritage steel passenger cars including our open viewing platform.
Heading south, we travel down through the Fordell Tunnel where our train plunges into darkness for a few minutes! A little further down the track, we cross over that very same river on our approach to Ruatangata. A river firmly etched in New Zealand’s railway history, its headwaters are the crater lake of Mount Ruapehu on the central plateau, before flowing for 161 kilometres southward to the South Taranaki Bight near the settlement of Whangaehu. We also pass through the Turakina tunnel, just over 2km in length and dating back to 1947 as we approach Marton.
Passing through Marton, a farming town in the heart of the Rangitikei district situated at roughly the half-way point geographically between Whanganui & Feilding. The arrival of the railway to the town in 1878 led to rapid growth in the area, which soon added industries such as engineering, sawmilling, and textile production to its economy.
Feilding, a kiwi town located in the Manawatū-Whanganui region of New Zealand, is known for its vibrant culture and beautifully preserved heritage – a community ready to welcome you with open arms! Spend nearly 2 hours exploring the town’s charming sites, grab a coffee and a spot of lunch before hopping back on the steam train to head back to Whanganui for the rest of your Vintage Weekend Sunday!
Fares
Adult (12+ yrs) - $99
Child (2-12yrs) - $69
Infant (0-2yrs) - FREE provided they remain on the lap of a fare-paying adult.
Please note that if booking online, our booking system does add on a small percentage to the above fares. Steam Incorporated does not see this revenue.
Available Dates & Times
Vintage Steam & Cuisine – 18th January 2025
A one-off evening train experience, alongside a beautiful meal. Hauled by Ja 1271, and comprising our heritage steel passenger cars including our open viewing platform.
Heading south, we travel down through the Fordell Tunnel where our train plunges into darkness for a few minutes! A little further down the track, we cross over that very same river on our approach to Ruatangata. A river firmly etched in New Zealand’s railway history, its headwaters are the crater lake of Mount Ruapehu on the central plateau, before flowing for 161 kilometres southward to the South Taranaki Bight near the settlement of Whangaehu. We also pass through the Turakina tunnel, just over 2km in length and dating back to 1947 as we approach Marton.
Arriving into Marton, a farming town in the heart of the Rangitikei district situated at roughly the half-way point geographically between Whanganui & Feilding. The arrival of the railway to the town in 1878 led to rapid growth in the area, which soon added industries such as engineering, sawmilling, and textile production to its economy.
Here at Marton, we will have a short time for you to disembark the train and collect a pre-packed meal from Sandy and her team at Hunterville’s Station Hotel. Offering a true country dining experience, enjoy your meal at your seat on our steam-hauled return journey back to Whanganui, with the option to travel all the way back into Taupo Quay if you so wish.
Fares
Single - $99
Pair - $169
Fares include your meal from the Station Hotel, being served at Marton
We can accomodate most dietary requirements, get in touch with our team to discuss your needs.
Please note that if booking online, our booking system does add on a small percentage to the above fares. Steam Incorporated does not see this revenue.
Available Dates & Times
We can cater for larger group bookings - these are best dealt with directly through us by emailing admin@steaminc.org.nz or contacting 0800 783 264.
Book online or call 0800 783 264 to book directly with the team!
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