The Kai Iwi Cruiser 22

This LABOUR DAY - step onboard our lovingly restored heritage coaches, hauled by steam locomotive Ja1271. Settle into your seats to enjoy this special trip through the riverside city of Whanganui to Kai iwi and return.


Jump on board with the Glenbrook Vintage Railway and Steam Incorporated as we join forces and celebrate 100 years of the Waiuku Branch Line – where the GVR is based – and Steam Inc celebrates its 50th anniversary!
Glenbrook Vintage Railway have teamed up with our 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.



The Kai Iwi Cruiser | Whanganui to Kai Iwi and return

This Labour Day - bring your friends and family along for this epic steam-hauled train adventure.

Departing Whanganui in style, we will cross the river and after a short stop at East Town to fill the steam engine with water and run it around to the front we will begin the journey north!

The fearsome Westmere Bank lies between us and Kai Iwi. This is a steep hill with a gradient of 1 in 35 on our ascent (that is 1 metre climbed for every metre travelled horizontally) and up to 1 in 39 on our descent down the other side. Here you should really hear the engine working!

Just before we come into Kai Iwi, we are traveling on a relatively new part of the line called the Kai Iwi deviation. Completed in 2008, the deviation is just under a kilometre long and bypassed the old No.4 tunnel. See if you can spot some of the old route.

At Kai Iwi, watch as the engine passes round us again to take us home. The climb from this side of the Westmere Bank is not as steep but is still no walk in the park!

After another short stop at East Town we will steam our way back into town for where you will disembark from your train adventure today.


An epic evening excursion up the fearsome Westmere Bank hauled by steam - suitable for the whole family!

Fares

Whanganui to Kai Iwi

Adult $59 | Child (2-14) $45


Timetable

Outward

Whanganui
dep. 4.25pm
East Town dep. 5.20pm
Kai Iwi
arr. 5.55pm
Inbound

Kai Iwi
dep. 6.20pm
East Town
dep. 7.15pm
Whanganui
arr. 7.35pm


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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 Kai Iwi Cruiser - Monday 24th of October 2022

Your ticket includes return train travel.