The East Coast Endeavour

You've missed this event.

Hop on board our beautifully restored heritage carriages, hauled by our classic diesel locomotive DBR1254, for an unforgettable journey along a usually freight-only rail line. Experience the stunning views as we venture into the heartland of central Hawkes Bay, travelling to Dannevirke or Woodville. Viaducts, scenic rivers and soft, sweeping countryside awaits you on this journey.

Jump onboard with the Glenbrook Vintage Railway for another easy day out by train!
Hauled by heritage diesel locomotive DBR1254 - our train will make its south into the central Hawkes Bay heartland.

Travel over this historic railway line where construction began from Napier in 1872, connecting Palmerston North in 1891. Your journey treats you to winding rivers, viaducts, bridges and rolling countryside panoramas.

So hop on board this truly unique rail adventure, as we step back in time - to how travel used to be - and experience the romance of travelling by rail!

The East Coast Endeavour | Napier to Woodville or Dannevirke & Return + Dannevirke to Woodville & Return.

Step onboard, sit back and relax onboard The East Coast Endeavour as we travel from the Art Deco capital of Napier, stopping at Hastings, to Dannevirke and Woodville. As we travel south, enjoy a complimentary beverage and snack as your window fills with scenic views. Passing wetlands and farmlets along the way, we make our entry into the central Hawkes Bay after climbing the impressive Opapa Bank, climbing one foot for every 40 feet travelled, hear our classic diesel locomotive roar as it tackles this mighty gradient.

We will pass through the townships of Otane and Waipawa, before crossing the mighty Tukituki river viaduct into Waipukurau. Your train will now navigate its way over the gentle undulations through Hatuma, famous for its lime fertiliser, and the foothills around Takapau. Our train traverses viaducts and travels though peaceful farming hamlets like Ormondville and Makotuku (try to spot their heritage station buildings!) before arriving at Dannevirke.

If you have chosen Option 1, you'll hop off here and have just on two hours to explore this proud historical town with nordic roots. Check out some of the local shops or grab a coffee or lunch in one of the many cafes on the main street. Remember to be back at the station ten minutes before we depart at 2.35pm.

At Dannevirke, we will welcome locals who will join us for the trip through to Woodville.

Our train soon skips along through Tahoraiti and the Maharahara plains. Passing through Oringi and the now disused rail freight sidings into the Oringi Industrial Park. From here, our train will shortly be descending towards Papatawa and finally into the country town of Woodville - famous for its many antique stores and Yummy Mummy's Cheesecakes!

At Woodville, you can disembark from the train and venture into the Woodville station museum project. This heritage station has been resurrected from a sad state and is currently being lovingly restored to its former glory. It hosts a lovely collection of railway memorabilia and an enthusiastic team of volunteers, passionate about preserving this important Woodville history.

After we board the train at Woodville and Dannevirke for our return journey home, sit back and enjoy the afternoon light over the flowing green slopes, gently flowing rivers, whilst reminiscing of days gone by and the romance of travel by rail.

A great train trip through the ever-changing countryside into the central Hawkes Bay heartland - suitable for the whole family!

Option 1 | Napier/Hastings to Dannevirke and Return!

Check out the historic township of Dannevirke, founded in 1872 by Scandinavian settlers, reflecting the rich heritage of Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish pioneers who built a close-knit community in New Zealand’s heartland. Check out the local shops and cafes for a couple of hours before rejoining us for the journey back towards Napier.

Fares

Return Ex Napier/Hastings

Adult: $85

Child (Ages 2 - 14): $65

Timetable

Outward

Napier	dep.	9.20am
Hastings	dep.	9.55am
Dannevirke	arr.	12.35pm

Inward

Dannevirke	dep.	2.35pm
Hastings	arr.	5.10pm
Napier	arr.	5.45pm

Option 2 | Napier/Hastings to Woodville and Return!

This option for the full train ride experience! Journey to Woodville where you will get a chance to inspect the Woodville station restoration project. A 30 minute leg stretch here will give you plenty of opportunity to check out this wonderful little museum and heritage railway station recreation.

Fares

Return Ex Napier/Hastings

Adult: $99

Child (Ages 2 - 14): $79

Timetable

Outward

Napier	dep.	9.20am
Hastings	dep.	9.55am
Woodville	arr.	1.25pm

Inward

Woodville	dep.	1.55pm
Hastings	arr.	5.10pm
Napier	arr.	5.45pm

Option 3 | Dannevirke to Woodville and Return!

Calling all Dannevirke locals!!! Catch this amazing chance to ride a short train trip from Dannevirke to Woodville and return. Great fun for the whole family and a rare opportunity to ride the rails from YOUR railway station!

Fares

Return Ex Dannevirke

General Admission (Ages 2+): $25

Timetable

Outward

Dannevirke	dep.	12.40pm
Woodville	arr.	1.25pm

Inward

Woodville	dep.	1.55pm
Dannevirke	arr.	2.30pm

Station Information

Napier Station
Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/vrx9n3dVpDG9rkLV9

Access is off Munroe Street.
Free parking is available on surrounding streets.

Hastings Station
Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/M86u6BewxnhruGN27

Access is off Sir James Wattie Place.
Free parking is available on surrounding streets.

Dannevirke Station
Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/vpQsxQbXDws1wK817

Access is off Hall Street.
Things to do: https://www.tripadvisor.co.nz/Attractions-g1799563-Activities-Dannevirke_Tararua_District_Manawatu_Wanganui_Region_North_Island.html

Places to dine: https://www.tripadvisor.co.nz/Restaurants-g1799563-Dannevirke_Tararua_District_Manawatu_Wanganui_Region_North_Island.html

Woodville Station
Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/coeAVzwgQXNkAGcU7

Access is off SH 2 Woodville.

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

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 traveling 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.

Refund Information

Refunds of fares paid, net of any payments made by GVR from those fares, requested and received by GVR up to and including fourteen clear days before the commencement of the trip or tour will be made without deduction other than a $30 administration charge per person booked. However no administration charge will apply where refunds arise as a consequence of the trip or tour being fully booked, cancelled prior to commencing, or postponed to a later date and the refund application is received within four days of the original trip or tour date.
No refunds will be given in the event of breakdown en route or unavailability of the advertised means of conveyance.
No refunds will be made if after departure, for whatever reason, passengers do not utilise the included trip or tour arrangements. Travel insurance may provide some degree of relief in limited cases.
No refunds of fares paid or any other form on recompense will be given as a result of any person missing any aircraft, train, bus or ferry in connection with this trip or tour for whatever reason.
No refunds will be given for cancellations unless the request is notified in writing to the GVR at least fourteen clear days before commencement of the trip or tour. Each such cancellation will be subject to the $30 administration charge per person booked.

Book now for The East Coast Endeavour - Sunday 10th November 2024

Your ticket includes return train travel.