Step onboard our lovingly restored heritage coaches, hauled by diesel locomotive DBR1254. Settle into your seats to enjoy this special trip down the Main Trunk Line to Hamilton, then east along the East Coast Main Trunk and Kinleith Branch to Matamata & Tokoroa and return.
Jump on board with the Glenbrook Vintage Railway for another easy day out by train!
Hauled by heritage diesel locomotive DBR1254 - our train will make its way down through the rolling farmlands of the Waikato on the North Island Main Trunk, at Hamilton we join the East Coast Main Trunk before turning on to what is now the Kinleith Branch to Matamata and Tokoroa.
We last offered this sell-out day trip from Auckland and Hamilton in February 2024!
So hop on board as we step back in time – to how travel used to be – and experience the romance of traveling by rail!
Looking for a great Father's Day surprise?
Why not treat the family or special someone to a day out by train for something different! Boarding passengers at Waiuku, Glenbrook, Rotokauri or Frankton stations, jump on board our lovingly restored heritage train, hauled by our heritage diesel locomotive, traveling over a couple of railway lines no longer served by regular passenger trains.
Sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery passing by as you enjoy a complimentary hot or cold drink and snack. Bring some games to play with the family, and a camera too for some great photos from our open air balconies on the train.
Departing Hamilton, we travel east in a straight line through the Ruakura Innovation Park and out towards Morrinsville and eventually onto Waharoa Junction where we begin our journey south towards Matamata and Tokoroa on the Kinleith Branch Line.
With multiple options to choose from, there is something for every family to treat their day to enjoy!! Choose one of the four options below:
A great train trip through the countryside - suitable for the whole family!
After alighting the train at Matamata, transfer by bus to Rotorua's Skyline Gondola.
You will ascend the 778-metre high Mt Ngongotaha onboard a 900-metre long gondola. On the way you will experience 180 degree views of Lake Rotorua, the city, and surrounding districts.
At the top, there is a sumptuous buffet lunch waiting for you at the Stratosfare Restaurant which boasts great views, and signature Kiwi food and hospitality.
Stratosfare Restaurant's decor is inviting and relaxing, and makes use of marble, granite, schist, and timber elements - all which complement the panoramic view.
This option is the perfect treat for that special someone in your life!
Available for purchase will be a good selection of New Zealand and International beers, wines, and spirits.
After your relaxing lunch - you will once again ride down the mountain before being transferred back to Matamata to meet the train for the journey home.
Return Ex Auckland (Waiuku/Glenbrook)
Adult $189 | Child (2-14) $125
Return Ex Hamilton (Rotokauri/Frankton)
Adult $159 | Child (2-14) $115
| Waiuku | dep. | 7.20am |
| Glenbrook | dep. | 7.50am |
| Rotokauri (The Base) | dep. | 9.45am |
| Hamilton (Frankton) | dep. | 10.10am |
| Matamata | arr. | 11.40am |
| Skyline Gondola and Stratosfare Restaurant | arr. | 12.40pm |
| Skyline Gondola and Stratosfare Restaurant | dep. | 2.40pm |
| Matamata | dep. | 3.50pm |
| Hamilton (Frankton) | arr. | 5.15pm |
| Rotokauri (The Base) | arr. | 5.35pm |
| Glenbrook | arr. | 7.20pm |
| Waiuku | arr. | 7.40pm |
Take a transfer by bus from Matamata to Rotorua's i-SITE, in the heart of the town centre - where you will have just under 2 hours to explore.
Wander through town, grab a bite to eat and browse the large number of boutique shops.
Or enjoy some of the free attractions including Kuirau Park (New Zealand's only Free Thermal Park) or the famous Government Gardens (on the shore of Lake Rotorua) - both an easy walk from the town centre.
Return Ex Auckland (Waiuku/Glenbrook)
Adult $120 | Child (2-14) $90
Return Ex Hamilton (Rotokauri/Frankton)
Adult $85 | Child (2-14) $63
| Waiuku | dep. | 7.20am |
| Glenbrook | dep. | 7.50am |
| Rotokauri (The Base) | dep. | 9.45am |
| Hamilton (Frankton) | dep. | 10.10am |
| Matamata | arr. | 11.40am |
| Rotorua i-SITE (Fenton Street) | arr. | 12.50pm |
| Rotorua i-SITE (Fenton Street) | dep. | 2.30pm |
| Matamata | dep. | 3.50pm |
| Hamilton (Frankton) | arr. | 5.15pm |
| Rotokauri (The Base) | arr. | 5.35pm |
| Glenbrook | arr. | 7.20pm |
| Waiuku | arr. | 7.40pm |
If you have chosen to alight at Matamata, then the town is just a stone's throw away. You'll have a little under 4 hours to explore the town!
Return Ex Auckland (Waiuku/Glenbrook)
Adult $80 | Child (2-14) $50
Return Ex Hamilton (Rotokauri/Frankton)
Adult $45 | Child (2-14) $30
| Waiuku | dep. | 7.20am |
| Glenbrook | dep. | 7.50am |
| Rotokauri (The Base) | dep. | 9.45am |
| Hamilton (Frankton) | dep. | 10.10am |
| Matamata | arr. | 11.40am |
| Matamata | dep. | 3.50pm |
| Hamilton (Frankton) | arr. | 5.15pm |
| Rotokauri (The Base) | arr. | 5.35pm |
| Glenbrook | arr. | 7.20pm |
| Waiuku | arr. | 7.40pm |
For the full adventure, travel another hour down the tracks through the settlements of Hinuera, Tirau, Putaruru and Lichfield to arrive at Tokoroa.
Here the carriages will stay for just over an hour and a half while the locomotive is detached and turned at the nearby Kinleith rail terminal. You are welcome to remain onboard or go for a short (350m) walk to browse the shops or grab a bite to eat.
Return Ex Auckland (Waiuku/Glenbrook)
Adult $99 | Child (2-14) $65
Return Ex Hamilton (Rotokauri/Frankton)
Adult $75 | Child (2-14) $45
| Waiuku | dep. | 7.20am |
| Glenbrook | dep. | 7.50am |
| Rotokauri (The Base) | dep. | 9.45am |
| Hamilton (Frankton) | dep. | 10.10am |
| Tokoroa | arr. | 12.50pm |
| Tokoroa | dep. | 2.30pm |
| Hamilton (Frankton) | arr. | 5.15pm |
| Rotokauri (The Base) | arr. | 5.35pm |
| Glenbrook | arr. | 7.20pm |
| Waiuku | arr. | 7.40pm |
Waiuku (Victoria Ave) Station
Google Maps Link: https://goo.gl/maps/Sh1MFtQDmrET45w89
Access is off Victoria Ave or Kitchener Road (old New World).
Street parking is available along Victoria Avenue. Please do not park in the Waiuku Cosmopolitan Club on Victoria Ave.
Glenbrook Station
Google Maps Link: https://goo.gl/maps/PoopdP7Y9mPnCG6H9
Departing from the Short Loading Platform.
Access is via Glenbrook Station Road.
Free parking is available in the main carpark.
Rotokauri (The Base) Station
Google Maps Link: https://goo.gl/maps/U7TUoQ4JVXrQ3PMT6
Access by road is off Kiriwai Kaui Drive - accessible from Tasman Road, Arthur Porter Drive or Clem Newby/Winders Road.
Ample free parking is available at the Station off Kiriwai Kaui Drive (west side of station) or on street.
Hamilton (Frankton) Station
Google Maps Link: https://goo.gl/maps/xfhqKMjU2mRJ88zQA
Boarding from Platform 2 (east side of station next to the lawn)
Access is signposted and is via Fraser Street, off Queens Ave in Frankton.
Ample free parking is available at the Station and in neighbouring streets.
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We aim to seat passengers from the same booking together. You will be allocated at least one window seat for bookings of 2 or more (subject to availability). Where possible, seats will be turned to face the direction of travel (pairs and singles) or to face each other (groups). If you are traveling with people on a different booking or have another specific request then please email us as soon as possible at [email protected] and we will try and accommodate your request the best we can. Your allocated seat and carriage details will be on your boarding pass which will be emailed to you at least 2-3 days before your departure date.
Onboard Information
Your ticket includes return train travel. Tickets for Option 1 - Auckland/Hamilton to Skyline Rotorua also includes bus transfers, gondola ride and a buffet lunch. Tickets for Option 2 - Auckland/Hamilton to Rotorua also includes bus transfers to Rotorua.
