The Kaimai Coast Express

Step onboard our lovingly restored heritage coaches, hauled by heritage diesel locomotives DBR 1254 and DC 4818. Settle into your seat and enjoy this special short journey from Tauranga to Whatakao and return - perfect for the whole family!

Jump onboard with the Glenbrook Vintage Railway and experience the Bay of Plenty by rail. Sit back as we travel from Tauranga’s waterfront, along the harbour and into the Kaimai foothills.

So hop onboard as we step back in time - to how rail travel used to be.

A short journey with plenty to see: Travel from harbour to hills through estuaries, wetlands, orchards and rural landscapes, crossing the Wainui River Viaduct before reaching Whatakao.

Harbour views, Bay of Plenty orchards, heritage diesel locomotives and classic rail travel - all in one memorable afternoon.

Glenbrook Vintage Railway heritage diesel train

What’s included

Return heritage train travel from Tauranga to Whatakao
Travel aboard lovingly restored heritage carriages
Heritage diesel haulage
Onboard toilets

A relaxed afternoon railway adventure suitable for passengers of all ages.

Fares

Return ex Tauranga

Seat (ages 2+) $40

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 Ōmokoroa as the scenery gradually shifts inland.

Beyond Pahoia, the line turns towards the orchards of Apata, where the large packhouse and coolstores hint at the region’s thriving horticulture industry. The climb continues towards the Kaimai foothills, crossing the impressive Wainui River Viaduct before reaching Whatakao.

Here, on one of New Zealand’s busiest freight corridors within the “Golden Triangle”, we pause briefly while our locomotive performs a run-around. We may also share 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 featuring coastal views, rural landscapes and a nostalgic rail experience for passengers of all ages.

🪑 A Note About Seating

Our heritage carriages are generally arranged with two seats on each side of the aisle, so bookings of an even number of passengers are best suited to the seating layout.

Single travellers will be seated with other passengers. We cannot guarantee a window seat or an unoccupied neighbouring seat for single-seat bookings.

Travelling on your own but want a guaranteed window seat with the seat beside you vacant? Simply book two seats.

🚂 Heritage diesel hauled 🌊 Harbour views 🌳 Orchards & countryside 🌉 Wainui River Viaduct 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family friendly

Timetable

Tauranga to Whatakao & Return

Tauranga (Dive Crescent car park)	dep.	12.05pm
Whatakao (stay onboard)	arr.	12.30pm
Whatakao (stay onboard)	dep.	12.45pm
Tauranga (Dive Crescent car park)	arr.	1.10pm

Tauranga — Dive Crescent car park (Trinity Wharf end)
Google Maps Link: View map

Access is off Dive Crescent.
Parking is available nearby off Dive Crescent or Cliff Road.

Seating Information

Due to the heritage nature of our carriages, seating is generally arranged two abreast on each side of the aisle.
Most seats can be turned to face the direction of travel, or arranged as facing groups of four. For this reason, even-numbered groups are best suited to the seating layout.
We aim to seat passengers travelling on the same booking together. For bookings of two or more, we will allocate at least one window seat where possible, subject to availability.
Single travellers will be seated with other passengers. A window seat or an unoccupied neighbouring seat cannot be guaranteed. If you would like to guarantee a window seat with the neighbouring seat vacant, please book two seats.
Where possible, seats will be arranged to face the direction of travel for singles and pairs, or facing each other for larger groups.
Travelling with friends or family across multiple bookings? You must email [email protected] at least one week before departure with the relevant booking details. Requests received after this time cannot be accommodated.
Other specific seating requests should be made as early as possible. We will do our best to accommodate requests, but specific seats cannot be guaranteed. Your allocated carriage and seat details will be shown on your boarding pass, emailed approximately 24 hours before departure.

Onboard Information

Smoking or the consumption of alcohol not served by your train crew is prohibited anywhere onboard, including on any viewing platform. This includes the use or charging of e-cigarettes.
Due to the heritage nature of our carriages, accessibility for passengers travelling with wheelchairs is limited. Please contact us in advance to discuss your requirements.
Animals, apart from seeing-eye and hearing guide dogs, may not travel onboard our trains.
Only the named passengers on your booking will be allocated seats. One child under two may sit on each adult’s knee and does not require a ticket when seated in this manner.
There are toilets onboard our train which can be used throughout the journey.
Cold food or drink may be brought and consumed onboard provided it does not disturb other passengers and 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, passengers do not utilise the included trip or tour arrangements for any reason. Travel insurance may provide some degree of relief in limited cases.
No refunds of fares paid or any other form of 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 any reason.
No refunds will be given for cancellations unless the request is notified in writing to GVR at least fourteen clear days before commencement of the trip or tour. Each cancellation will be subject to the $30 administration charge per person booked.

Check out the full Terms and Conditions.

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Book now for The Kaimai Coast Express | Sunday 18 October 2026

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