The Kaimai Coast Express

Step onboard our lovingly restored heritage coaches, hauled by heritage diesels DBR1254 and DC4818. Settle into your seats to enjoy one of these short trips from Tauranga to Whatakao and return - perfect for all the family!

Jump on board with the Glenbrook Vintage Railway - Bringing railway adventures to the Bay of Plenty for the first time in 14 years!

So hop on board as we step back in time – to how rail travel used to be.

The Kaimai Coast Express | Tauranga to Whatakao & Return

From harbour to hills, this memorable rail journey showcases the changing landscapes of the Bay of Plenty.

Departing Tauranga’s waterfront, we follow the edge of the harbour through estuaries and wetlands, passing Te Puna and Omokoroa as the scenery gradually shifts inland. Beyond Pahoia, the line turns toward the orchards of Apata, where the large packhouse and coolstores hint at the region’s thriving horticulture industry. The climb continues toward the Kaimai foothills, crossing the impressive Wainui River Viaduct before reaching Whatakao.

Here, on one of New Zealand’s busiest freight corridors - the “Golden Triangle” - we pause briefly as our locomotive performs a run-around, often sharing the line with passing freight trains.

Then sit back and enjoy the return journey as we descend from the hills, rolling past orchards and coastline once more on the way back to Tauranga. A short but striking journey - coastal views, rural landscapes, and a nostalgic and memorable experience for passengers of all ages

Fares

Ex Tauranga

Seat (ages 2+) $40

Timetable

Train 2

Tauranga (Dive Cres Carpark)	dep.	3.20pm
Whatakao (stay onboard)	arr.	4.30pm
Whatakao (stay onboard)	dep.	5.00pm
Tauranga (Dive Cres Carpark)	arr.	5.40pm

Station Information

Tauranga - Dive Cres Carpark (Trinity Wharf end)
Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/YN6ZGpiGeDCzp97C8

Access is off Dive Cres. Parking is available near by off Dive Cres or Cliff Rd.

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 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

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 traveling 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.

Refund Information

Refunds of fares paid, net of any payments made by GVR from those fares, requested and received by GVR up to and including fourteen clear days before the commencement of the trip or tour will be made without deduction other than a $30 administration charge per person booked. However no administration charge will apply where refunds arise as a consequence of the trip or tour being fully booked, cancelled prior to commencing, or postponed to a later date and the refund application is received within four days of the original trip or tour date.
No refunds will be given in the event of breakdown en route or unavailability of the advertised means of conveyance.
No refunds will be made if after departure, for whatever reason, passengers do not utilise the included trip or tour arrangements. Travel insurance may provide some degree of relief in limited cases.
No refunds of fares paid or any other form on recompense will be given as a result of any person missing any aircraft, train, bus or ferry in connection with this trip or tour for whatever reason.
No refunds will be given for cancellations unless the request is notified in writing to the GVR at least fourteen clear days before commencement of the trip or tour. Each such cancellation will be subject to the $30 administration charge per person booked.

Check out Full Terms and Conditions.

Book now for The Kaimai Coast Express - Saturday 2nd May 2026

Your ticket includes return train travel between Tauranga and Whatakao & return.