Step onboard our lovingly restored heritage coaches, hauled by diesel locomotive DC4818 and steam locomotive Ww 644. Settle into your seats to enjoy this special trip on the Main Trunk Line to Taumarunui and return.
Jump on board with the Glenbrook Vintage Railway for another easy day out by train!
Hauled by heritage diesel locomotive DC4818 - our train will make its way down through the heartland of the North Island along the Main Trunk Line to Taumarunui. At Taumarunui we meet with our steam locomotive Ww 644, making it's way back after a holiday in the lower North Island. On our return journey Ww 644 will lead us from Taumarunui to Poro-O-Tarao. For the first time in many years, the heart of the King Country will echo with the whistle and beat of a steam locomotive.
By popular demand, we are offering this rare opportunity to ride behind steam power in the King Country. Departing from Glenbrook, Pukekohe and Hamilton to Taumarunui!
We think it is one not to be missed.
So hop on board as we step back in time – to how travel used to be – and experience the romance of traveling by rail!
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Relax aboard The King Country Explorer as we travel from Glenbrook, Pukekohe, and Hamilton to Taumarunui and back, showcasing spectacular scenery and the rare oppotrunity to ride behind steam power through the heart of the King Country. Enjoy complimentary refreshments as we pass through the Waikato farmlands. Cross the Waiteti Viaduct and navigate steep grades and rugged terrain to the Poro-O-Tarao Tunnel.
Glimpse Mt Ruapehu as we descend into the Ongarue River valley, continuing through Ongarue, Okahukura, and then into Taumarunui. At Taumarunui we meet up with steam locomotive Ww 644, making it's way home after a series of adventures in the Manawatu!
On our return north, as we depart Taumarunui Ww 644 takes charge to take us on the climb up to the saddle and through the tunnel at Poro-O-Tarao. We may even have a special photo stop along the way. Stopping on the other side of the tunnel to change motive power, our diesel takes over agian to whisk us home on the return to Hamilton.
Enjoy the changing landscapes, take in the atmosphere of steam in the King Country, sip on a drink, and savour the open-air views as you relax on your way home.
A great train trip through the countryside to the heart of the King Country - suitable for the whole family!
Please note: if you are boarding from Glenbrook or Pukekohe - add the return coach at check out. Numbers are limited for the coach.
After alighting the train at Taumarunui, you will be transferred by bus to Bradley's Gardens!
Arriving at these beautifully maintaned private gardens you will be greeted by a succulent lunch in the Black Barn function centre. After enjoying the fare take some time to stroll the meticuliously landscaped grounds, or test your golfing on the 9 hole mini putt course.
Bus transfers, garden admission, lunch and 9 hole mini golf included.
After your relaxing time in the garden - you will be transferred back to Taumarunui with some extra spare time to meet the train for the journey home.
Relax in your seat or take in the open air balconies as steam locomotive Ww 644 takes charge for the departure, leading us on the climb up to and through the tunnel to Poro-O-Tarao before our diesel takes over agian for the final leg through to Hamilton. From Hamilton those who joined us from Auckland will be transferred by coach back to their boarding location.
Food and refreshments are available, and our train is licensed. Our friendly onboard staff will travel through the train with refreshments trolleys throughout the journey.
Return Ex Auckland (Glenbrook/Pukekohe)
Adult $214 | Child (2-14) $184
*Requires add-on return coach ticketReturn Ex Hamilton (Frankton)
Adult $179 | Child (2-14) $149
Please note: if you are boarding from Glenbrook or Pukekohe - add the return coach at check out. Numbers are limited for the coach.
| Glenbrook | dep. | 6.10am |
| Pukekohe | dep. | 6:30am |
| Hamilton (Frankton) | dep. | 8.00am |
| Te Awamutu | dep. | 8.30am |
| Otorohanga | dep. | 9.00am |
| Te Kuiti | dep. | 9.30am |
| Taumarunui | arr. | 11.10am |
| Bradley's Gardens | arr. | 11.30am |
| Bradley's Gardens | dep. | 2.00pm |
| Taumarunui | dep. | 3.05pm |
| Te Kuiti | arr. | 5.30pm |
| Otorohanga | arr. | 6.00pm |
| Te Awamutu | arr. | 6.30pm |
| Hamilton (Frankton) | arr. | 7.00pm |
| Coach - Return to Auckland | ||
| Hamilton (Frankton) | dep. | 7.05pm |
| Pukekohe | arr. | 8.20pm |
| Glenbrook | arr. | 8.45pm |
Take time in Taumarunui, with the main street just behind the Station it is an easy stroll to the shops.
With just over 3.5 hours in Taumarunui, you have ample time to stretch your legs and grab some lunch. Perhaps visit the local railway museum on the other side of the yard. This museum features some great local artifacts, including a large model train layout. Another great option is to enjoy a short walk down to the river to spot the trout before returning to the station!
Relax in your seat or take in the open air balconies as steam locomotive Ww 644 takes charge for the departure, leading us on the climb up to and through the tunnel to Poro-O-Tarao before our diesel takes over agian for the final leg through to Hamilton. From Hamilton those who joined us from Auckland will be transferred by coach back to their boarding location.
Food and refreshments are available, and our train is licensed. Our friendly onboard staff will travel through the train with refreshments trolleys throughout the journey.
Return Ex Auckland (Glenbrook/Pukekohe)
Adult $134 | Child (2-14) $104
*Requires add-on return coach ticket
Return Ex Hamilton (Frankton)
Adult $99 | Child (2-14) $69
Please note: if you are boarding from Glenbrook or Pukekohe - add the return coach at check out. Numbers are limited for the coach.
| Glenbrook | dep. | 6.10am |
| Pukekohe | dep. | 6:30am |
| Hamilton (Frankton) | dep. | 8.00am |
| Te Awamutu | dep. | 8.30am |
| Otorohanga | dep. | 9.00am |
| Te Kuiti | dep. | 9.30am |
| Taumarunui | arr. | 11.10am |
| Taumarunui | dep. | 3.05pm |
| Te Kuiti | arr. | 5.30pm |
| Otorohanga | arr. | 6.00pm |
| Te Awamutu | arr. | 6.30pm |
| Hamilton (Frankton) | arr. | 7.00pm |
| Coach - Return to Auckland | ||
| Hamilton (Frankton) | dep. | 7.05pm |
| Pukekohe | arr. | 8.20pm |
| Glenbrook | arr. | 8.45pm |
Travel from Auckland or the Waikato and then ride the side trip from Taumarunui to Ongarue behind 110 year old Ww 644.
Once at Taumarunui, you have some time to stretch your legs, but don't go too far. We departy shortly to take a short jaunt south with steam locomotive Ww 644 as we head to Ongarue and return.
Relax in your seat or take in the open air balconies as steam locomotive Ww 644 takes charge for the departure, leading us to Ongarue and return to Taumarunui. Departing north from Taumarunui we cross the Taringamotu River following it till we cross the Ongarue River which we will follow for the rest of our journey. Taking a short stop at Okahukura, the junction of the now mothballed Stratford-Okahukura line, we wait briefly to let a freight train pass us. With a toot of the whistle and the hiss of steam we again embark northwards to the former logging settlement of Ongarue. At Ongarue our locomotive will "run-around" swapping ends for the return journey to Taumarunui. You will have a little time at Ongarue to disembark and stretch your legs.
Once back in Taumarunui there is time to take a short stoll from the station to the shops and grab a bite to eat before our homeward journey.
Relax in your seat or take in the open air balconies as steam locomotive Ww 644 takes charge for the departure, leading us on the climb up to and through the tunnel to Poro-O-Tarao before our diesel takes over agian for the final leg through to Hamilton. From Hamilton those who joined us from Auckland will be transferred by coach back to their boarding location.
Food and refreshments are available, and our train is licensed. Our friendly onboard staff will travel through the train with refreshments trolleys throughout the journey.
Return Ex Auckland (Glenbrook/Pukekohe)
Adult $174 | Child (2-14) $144
*Requires add-on return coach ticketReturn Ex Hamilton (Frankton)
Adult $139 | Child (2-14) $109
Please note: if you are boarding from Glenbrook or Pukekohe - add the return coach at check out. Numbers are limited for the coach.
| Glenbrook | dep. | 6.10am |
| Pukekohe | dep. | 6:30am |
| Hamilton (Frankton) | dep. | 8.00am |
| Te Awamutu | dep. | 8.30am |
| Otorohanga | dep. | 9.00am |
| Te Kuiti | dep. | 9.30am |
| Taumarunui | arr. | 11.10am |
| Taumarunui | dep. | 11.30am |
| Ongarue | arr. | 12.40pm |
| Ongarue | dep. | 1.25pm |
| Taumarunui | arr. | 2.20pm |
| Taumarunui | dep. | 3.05pm |
| Te Kuiti | arr. | 5.30pm |
| Otorohanga | arr. | 6.00pm |
| Te Awamutu | arr. | 6.30pm |
| Hamilton (Frankton) | arr. | 7.00pm |
| Coach - Return to Auckland | ||
| Hamilton (Frankton) | dep. | 7.05pm |
| Pukekohe | arr. | 8.20pm |
| Glenbrook | arr. | 8.45pm |
Glenbrook Station
Google Maps Link: https://goo.gl/maps/PoopdP7Y9mPnCG6H9
Departing from the Short Loading Platform.
Access is via Glenbrook Station Road.
Free parking is available in the main carpark.
Pukekohe Station
Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JZb3jZ8eofa3Sk8TA
Platform to be advised.
Access is via Manukau Road or Station Road. Free parking is available.
You can connect via AT Metro train services. Please see https://at.govt.nz/ for timetable information.
Hamilton (Frankton) Station
Google Maps Link: https://goo.gl/maps/xfhqKMjU2mRJ88zQA
Boarding from Platform 1 (west side of station next to the lawn)
Access is signposted and is via Fraser Street, off Queens Ave in Frankton.
Ample free parking is available at the Station and in neighbouring streets.
Te Awamutu Station
Google Maps Link: https://goo.gl/maps/vnJwkfaWFSrDBd72A
Access is off Station Road. Free parking is available at the station.
Taumarunui Station
Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/zQDxHRgs4NJAkMQU9
Access is off Hakiaha Street. Free parking is available in surrounding streets.
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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
Refund Information
Your ticket includes return train travel. Tickets for Option 1 - Auckland/Hamilton to Bradley's Garden also includes bus transfers & Lunch. Tickets for Option 2 - Auckland/Hamilton to Taumarunui incldues return train travel. Tickets for Option 3 - Take 2 Trains includes return train travel from Auckland/Hamilton to Taumarunui and seats on the steam shuttle to Ongarue .
