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 Te Kuiti 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.
Bring your friends and family along for this school holidays steam train adventure!
Boarding at Hamilton's Frankton Station, this journey south sees our steam locomotive and distinctive yellow & red carriages pass through a quick succession of rural towns. To our right will be the majestic Pirongia Mountain as we traverse the rich Waikato farming pasture. South of Te Awamutu we pass over the Puniu River, entering the King Country. After we pass through Otorohanga, you may catch a glimpse of the Rangitoto Ranges to the left. From here it is only a short gallop into Te Kuiti.
At Te Kuiti you will have an hour to stretch your legs. Meanwhile we will turn the locomotive around on the turntable (this is quite fun to watch from the brand new footbridge), coal and water our steam locomotive then depart back north. Te Kuiti was once home to a locomotive depot with several steam engines based in area, along with goods yards, shedding and servicing facilities.
Our licensed train will have food and drinks available for purchase on board - so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey home.
Arriving into Kirikiriroa-Hamilton-Frankton station at 8.00pm, your journey with us here ends today, we hope you have a safe journey home and enjoy sharing stories of your little train adventure with us today!
Ex Hamilton (Frankton)/Te Awamutu
Adult $59 | Child (2-14) $39
| Hamilton (Frankton) |
dep. | 4.15pm |
| Te Awamutu | dep. | 4.40pm |
| Te Kuiti |
arr. | 5.40pm |
| Te Kuiti |
dep. | 6.45pm |
| Te Awamutu |
arr. | 7.30pm |
| Hamilton (Frankton) |
arr. | 8.00pm |
Sit back, relax and enjoy the on board service of a 3-course meal, served to you at your seat.
Starting with a delectable entree served on departure of Hamilton, you are served your mains on departure of Te Awamutu. Sip on a glass of bubbly - complimentary with the meal. There really is no better way to experience rail travel.
On departure of Te Kuiti our team of talented volunteers will come through with your desserts - what a way to end the evening!
A selection of dietaries are able to be catered for - these must be advised at the time of booking.
This option is only available departing from Hamilton (Frankton) Station
3-course Dinner & return train travel
Adult $129 | Child (2-14) $99
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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.
