The Dairyland Steam Express 22


Step onboard our lovingly restored heritage coaches, hauled by steam locomotive Ja1271. Settle into your seats to enjoy this special trip through the rolling farmlands of the Waikato to Tokoroa and return.


Jump on board with the Glenbrook Vintage Railway and Steam Incorporated as we join forces and celebrate 100 years of the Waiuku Branchline – where the GVR is based – and Steam Inc celebrates its 50th anniversary!
Glenbrook Vintage Railway have teamed up with our Wellington based friends at Steam Inc to bring to Glenbrook their resplendent Ja1271, for a number of joint trips in Auckland & the Waikato.
So hop on board as we step back in time – to how rail travel used to be – and experience steam on the main line.



The Dairyland Steam Express | Kirikiriroa-Hamilton-Frankton to Tokoroa and Return

This October, escape the hustle and bustle of city life, avoid the holiday traffic, and hop aboard for an enjoyable day out with family and friends!

Join us from Hamilton (Frankton) and start your journey by traveling under the centre of Hamilton, through the old underground station, and bursting into the light while steaming across the bridge over the Waikato River.

We then travel east in a straight line through the Ruakura Innovation Park and out towards Morrinsville. At Morrinsville we turn right, passing over the Piako River, and follow gentle curves and undulations through to the junction at Waharoa. Here we proceed straight ahead to continue down the Kinleith Branch Line (the route of the old Rotorua line), shortly after calling at Matamata to pick up and set down passengers, we continue our journey south. The journey has plenty of steep hill climbing so be sure to listen to the steam locomotive working hard through the townships of Tirau and Putaruru and finally into Tokoroa. 

From here you can choose from these three options:

A great train trip through the countryside - suitable for the whole family!




Option 1  | Hamilton to Tokoroa!

For the full adventure, travel another hour down the tracks through the towns and settlements of Hinuera, Tirau, Putaruru and Lichfield to arrive at Tokoroa.

Here our train will run a trip for locals "The Putaruru Flyer" while you get around 3 hours to explore the town, check out the shops and enjoy a lunch with friends and family. 

Fares

Ex Hamilton (Frankton)

Adult $79 | Child (2-14) $55


Timetable

Outward

Hamilton (Frankton)
dep. 9.40am
Tokoroa arr. 12.45pm
Inward

Tokoroa
dep. 3.55pm
Hamilton (Frankton)
arr. 6.35pm


Option 2  | Hamilton to Hobbiton!

Still experience the full length of the railway to Tokoroa all while indulging in a tour and lunch at Hobbiton. Start with a trip to Matamata, where we hop off and head to Hobbiton. After lunch and our tour, we bus to Tokoroa where we rejoin our steam train for the return journey to Hamilton. *Note minimum numbers apply to this option*

Join us and experience the real Middle-earth™ at the Hobbiton™ Movie Set, where, in the heart of the Waikato region, you can step into the lush pastures of the Shire™, as seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies.

Fall in love with the Alexander family sheep farm, just as acclaimed director Sir Peter Jackson did, as you journey through the unequivocal beauty of the land, with the mighty Kaimai Ranges towering in the distance. Your guide will then escort you around the set, showing the intricate detailing, pointing out the most famous locations and explaining how the movie magic was made.

You will be fully guided on a walking tour around the 12 acre set; past Hobbit Holes™, the Mill and into the world-famous Green Dragon Inn where you will be presented with a complimentary, exclusive Hobbit Southfarthing beverage before moving up to the Party Marquee, a fully themed venue where you will enjoy a buffet lunch (approximately 2pm) to conclude your Middle-earth™ adventure.

For those choosing the Hobbiton Tour and Luncheon, your bus transfer will be waiting right by the station where we take the short trip to the Hobbiton™ Movie Set.

Fares

Ex Hamilton (Frankton)

Adult $219 | Child (2-14) $199


Timetable

Outward

Hamilton (Frankton)
dep. 9.40am
Matamata dep. 11.25am
Hobbiton arr. 11.45pm
Inward

Hobbiton dep. 2.45pm
Tokoroa
dep. 3.55pm
Hamilton (Frankton)
arr. 6.35pm


Option 3  | Hamilton to Matamata

If you have chosen to alight at Matamata, then the town is just a stone's throw away. You'll have around 5 hours to explore the town!

Fares

Ex Hamilton (Frankton)

Adult $59 | Child (2-14) $39


Timetable

Outward

Hamilton (Frankton)
dep. 9.40am
Matamata arr. 11.25am
Inward

Matamata
dep. 5.15pm
Hamilton (Frankton)
arr. 6.35pm



Option 4  | Matamata to Tokoroa

Matamata locals rejoice - STEAM is here! Hop on board our train, travelling from Matamata to Tokoroa hauled by steam locomotive Ja1271. Pack a picnic, bring the family, friends and your camera and join us for a rare steam adventure over the hilly terrain heading to Tokoroa. In Tokoroa you will have time to explore the town, check out the shops and grab a coffee, before jumping back on the journey to return home. 

Fares

Ex Matamata

Adult $59 | Child (2-14) $39


Timetable

Outward

Matamata
dep. 11.35am
Tokoroa arr. 12.45pm
Inward

Tokoroa
dep. 3.55pm
Matamata
arr. 5.50pm


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COVID-19 Information
As this is a pre-booked allocated-seating tour, face coverings are not compulsory but are strongly encouraged. For more info see the official NZ Government COVID-19 website.
In the event that the NZ Government or its agencies prevent the operation of this tour taking place due to COVID-19, refunds of fares paid (net of outgoings made from those fares) may be made by GVR upon written application being received from booked passengers.

Seating Information
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 travelling 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
  • Smoking or the consumption of Alcohol (not served by your train crew) is prohibited anywhere onboard our trains, including on any viewing platform, this includes the use or charging of e-cigarettes.
  • Due to the heritage nature of our carriages there is limited accessibility for people travelling with Wheelchairs. Please contact us in advance to discuss your requirements.
  • Animals apart from seeing and hearing guide dogs may not travel onboard our trains.
  • Only the named passengers on your booking will be allocated seats. One child under 2 may sit on each adult's knee. Children under 2 seated in the manner do not require a ticket.
  • There are toilets onboard our train which can be used throughout the journey.
  • Cold food or drink may be brought and consumed onboard the train provided that this does not disturb our passengers and that you take all rubbish and food scraps with you.

Book now for The Dairyland Steam Express - Saturday 8th of October 2022

Your ticket includes return train travel. Tickets for Option 2 - Hamilton to Hobbiton also includes bus transfers, tour of Hobbiton and a buffet lunch.