The East Coast Endeavour | Napier to Ashhurst or Dannevirke & Return + Dannevirke to Ashhurst & 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 ordic 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 before we head into the mighty Manawatu Gorge. At Ashhurst our locomotives will 'run around' for our return journey. While the train is stopped we will kindly ask all passengers to swap sides in the carriage. This will give everyone a fair chance to view the Gorge and to see the alternate views on the return journey. 

On our return journey we make a short stop at Woodville where 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.

Food and beverages are available to purchase on the train, but you can also add a delicious lunch pack that will be delivered to your seat on board the train.  

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. 

Timetable

Option 2  | Napier/Hastings or Waipukurau to Ashhurst via the Manawatu Gorge and Return!

This option is for the full train ride experience! Journey to Ashhurst through the Manawatu Gorge, now only accessible by rail, bike or foot. At Ashhurst we stop for our locomotives to 'run around' for the return journey. On our way back we will stop briefly at 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.

When stopped at Ashhurst we will kindy request all passengers swap sides in the carriage to give all passengers a fair chance to see the river side of the gorge. It will also give everyone a chance to see the alternaive views on the return journey. 

Timetable

Option 3  | Dannevirke to Ashhurst and Return!

Calling all Dannevirke locals!!!  Catch this amazing chance to ride a short train trip from Dannevirke to Ashhurst via the Manawatu Gorge and return. Great fun for the whole family and a rare opportunity to ride the rails from YOUR railway station! Seats are limited.

Timetable