The King Country Steam Limited 22

Step onboard our lovingly restored heritage coaches, hauled by steam locomotive Ja1271. Settle into your seats to enjoy this special trip along the North Island Main Trunk from Auckland (Papakura) and Hamilton 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.



King Country Steam Limited | Kirikiriroa-Hamilton-Frankton to Te Kuiti and Return


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 and a half to stretch your legs, visit the Gallagher Meads Brothers Exhibition, or explore the town. 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's food and drinks trolley service will be operating - so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey back.

Arriving into Kirikiriroa-Hamilton-Frankton station at 3.35pm, your journey with us here ends today, with plenty of time to share some fun stories of your little train adventure with us today!


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

Fares

Ex Hamilton (Frankton)/Te Awamutu

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




Timetable

Outward

Hamilton (Frankton)
dep. 11.25am
Te Awamutu dep. 11.45am
Te Kuiti
arr. 12.45pm
Inward

Te Kuiti
dep. 2.15pm
Te Awamutu
arr. 3.15pm
Hamilton (Frankton)
arr. 3.45pm


King Country Steam Limited | Papakura to Te Kuiti and Return

Don't miss out on the action! Make a day of it and travel from Papakura to Te Kuiti and return

Boarding at Auckland's Papakura railway station, hop aboard our steam excursion to Te Kuiti. Upon your return to Hamilton's Frankton Station, you depart the steam hauled service and join KiwiRail's Northern Explorer to take the trip back to Papakura. 

For those wanting a bit more time in Hamilton, there is the opportunity to disembark from the train in the morning in Hamilton and re-join on the return to Papakura as above.

Tickets are strictly limited. By choosing this journey, you agree to both GVR's Terms and Conditions, and KiwiRail Scenic's Fare Conditions

Fares

Ex Papakura - Includes return travel on Northern Explorer

Adult $169 | Child (2-14) $149




Timetable

Outward

Papakuradep.8.55am
Hamilton (Frankton)
arr. 11.00am
Hamilton (Frankton)dep11.25am
Te Kuiti
arr. 12.45pm
Inward

Te Kuiti
dep. 2.15pm
Hamilton (Frankton)
arr. 3.45pm
Hamilton (Frankton)dep.4.25pm
Papakura (via NE)arr.5.55pm






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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 King Country Steam Limited - Friday 7th of October 2022

Your ticket includes return train travel.