Step onboard our lovingly restored heritage coaches, hauled by diesel locomotives DBR1254 and DC4818. Settle into your seats to enjoy this special trip to Tauranga and return.
Jump on board with the Glenbrook Vintage Railway for another day out by train!
Hauled by heritage diesel locomotive DC4818 and DBR1254 - our train will make its way down through the Waikato along the Main Trunk Line to Hamilton. At Hamilton we head east On the East Coast Main Trunk for a rare opportuity to travel through the Kaimai Tunnel to Tauranga.
Choose from free time in the city, take the train to Mt Maunganui and back then visit the Classic Flyers Museum or a coach transfer to Rotorua and a late afternoon cruise and dinner on the Lakeland Queen.
We think it is one not to be missed, so get in quick this will sell out!
Hop on board as we step back in time – to how travel used to be – and experience the romance of traveling by rail!
Relax aboard The Kaimai Express as we travel from Waiuku, Glenbrook, Pukekohe, and Hamilton to Tauranga and back. This is the first time in over a decade that a passenger train will travel throught the 8.9km Kaimai Tunnel, the longest tunnel in New Zealand.
Sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery passing by as you enjoy a complimentary hot or cold drink and snack. Bring some games to play with the family, and a camera too for some great photos from our open air balconies on the train.
Departing Hamilton, we travel east in a straight line through the Ruakura Innovation Park and out towards Morrinsville and eventually onto Waharoa Junction. Here we stay on our eastward route towards Hemopo and the Western Portal of the Kaimai Tunnel. It will take us about 10 minutes to travel the full distance and emerge on the eastern side at Whatakao before we hug the coast and inlets of the east coast on our approach to Tauranga.
With multiple options to choose from, there is something for everyone to enjoy!! Enjoy a day free to explore Tauranga at your leisure or catch up with friends and relatives. Stay on the train for the first of our local shuttles to Mt Maunganui and return before disembarking and being transferred to the Classic Flyers Museum to explore the wide array of unique aircraft and aviation displays before having free time in the afternoon to explore. Head back inland again to Rotorua and enjoy an late afternoon cruise on the iconic Lakeland Queen paddle boat on Lake Rotorua, including dinner and return coach transfers. After all of this board the train again for the return home in the eveing.
Choose one of the options below:
Travel from Auckland or the Waikato upon arrival into Tauranga and board your coach for a trip through the Bay Of Plenty to the lake side in Rotorua where the newly refurbished Lakeland Queen awaits.
Cruise on the sternwheel paddleboat with tasty local foods, scenic lake views, and a retelling of Rotorua’s very own famous love story of Hinemoa and Tutanekai. Experience rich Māori culture as you cruise past the historic village of Ohinemutu, where you will see the iconic buildings of St Faith’s Church and the paramount meeting house of the Te Arawa people, Tamatekapua. Knowledgeable guides will share the Te Arawa legends and history that have shaped Rotorua for centuries. Once your cruise is complete you will be transferred back to Tauranga to meet the train for your return journey home.
On the return train journey food and refreshments are available on board, 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 $229 | Child (2-14) $175
Return Ex Hamilton (Frankton)
Adult $209 | Child (2-14) $155
| Waiuku | dep. | 7.50am |
| Glenbrook | dep. | 8:20am |
| Pukekohe | dep. | 8.50am |
| Rotokauri (The Base) | dep. | 10.45am |
| Hamilton (Frankton) | dep. | 11.05am |
| Tauranga | arr. | 1.10pm |
| Tauranga | dep. | 1.25pm |
| Lakeland Queen (Rotorua) | arr. | 3.00pm |
| Lakeland Queen (Rotorua) | dep. | 5.30pm |
| Tauranga | arr. | 7.00pm |
| Tauranga | dep. | 7.40pm |
| Hamilton (Frankton) | arr. | 9.50pm |
| Rotokauri (The Base) | arr. | 10.05pm |
| Pukekohe | arr. | 11.35pm |
| Glenbrook | arr. | 12.00am |
| Waiuku | arr. | 12.20am |
Spend a little longer on the train and take the first side trip to Mount Maunganui.
Upon your return to Tauranga you will have a bit of time to explore the market before boarding your coach back to 'The Mount' with several hours to explore the remarkable aviation collection at Classic Flyers and the township of Mount Maunganui.
Step into a world where aviation history is brought vividly to life at Classic Flyers, one of Tauranga’s most distinctive attractions. More than a traditional museum, it is a living aviation experience, with over 26 aircraft represented and many of them still operational, alongside classic engines, memorabilia, models and full scale replicas.
Visitors can get up close to and in some cases into iconic aircraft including the Harvard, Spitfire replica, CT-4B Airtrainer and A-4K Skyhawk, while the museum’s open hangars and display spaces create an atmosphere that will appeal to both serious enthusiasts and curious first-time visitors.
Following you expereince at Classic Flyers you will be returned to central Tauranga where you will have time to explore the city and the cafés bars and restaurants before we depart homeward in the evening. Tauranga's Flavours of Plenty Festival is on - so there is plenty to see and do while in town. See more here: https://flavoursofplentyfestival.com/festival-events-2026/
On the return train journey food and refreshments are available on board, 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 $139 | Child (2-14) $119
Return Ex Hamilton (Frankton)
Adult $119 | Child (2-14) $99
| Waiuku | dep. | 7.50am |
| Glenbrook | dep. | 8:20am |
| Pukekohe | dep. | 8.50am |
| Rotokauri (The Base) | dep. | 10.45am |
| Hamilton (Frankton) | dep. | 11.05am |
| Tauranga (Stay on board) | arr. | 1.10pm |
| Mt Maunganui | arr. | 2.05pm |
| Mt Maunganui | dep. | 2.30pm |
| Tauranga | arr. | 2.55pm |
| Tauranga (coach) | dep. | 3.15pm |
| Classic Flyers | arr. | 3.20pm |
| Classic Flyers | dep. | 5.10pm |
| Tauranga | arr. | 5.30pm |
| Tauranga | dep. | 7.40pm |
| Hamilton (Frankton) | arr. | 9.50pm |
| Rotokauri (The Base) | arr. | 10.05pm |
| Pukekohe | arr. | 11.35pm |
| Glenbrook | arr. | 12.00am |
| Waiuku | arr. | 12.20am |
Enjoy the freedom to make your own memorable day out in Tauranga. With time to catch up with family or friends, share a meal, explore or simply soak up the atmosphere of the city centre and waterfront.
On arrival, head to the Little Big Markets at Tauranga Waterfront, running from 10am to 4pm, where you’ll find market stalls, food and plenty of good vibes in the heart of the city.
Tauranga's Flavours of Plenty Festival is on - so there is plenty to see, do and taste while in town! Find out more about what is on here: https://flavoursofplentyfestival.com/festival-events-2026/
You might like to visit Toi Tauranga Art Gallery, there is time for a harbour cruise if you are feeling adventurous, go to the movies or explore the shops. If you’d prefer a relaxed wander, there are plenty of cafés and central-city spots and parks to enjoy before rejoining the train for the evening journey home.
You may also want to book on one of the side trips if more train travel is for you.
On the return train journey food and refreshments are available on board, 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 $115 | Child (2-14) $95
Return Ex Hamilton
Adult $95 | Child (2-14) $75
| Waiuku | dep. | 7.50am |
| Glenbrook | dep. | 8:20am |
| Pukekohe | dep. | 8.50am |
| Rotokauri (The Base) | dep. | 10.45am |
| Hamilton (Frankton) | dep. | 11.05am |
| Tauranga | arr. | 1.10pm |
| Tauranga | dep. | 7.40pm |
| Hamilton (Frankton) | arr. | 9.50pm |
| Rotokauri (The Base) | arr. | 10.05pm |
| Pukekohe | arr. | 11.35pm |
| Glenbrook | arr. | 12.00am |
| Waiuku | arr. | 12.20am |
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 2 (east side of station)
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.
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.
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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 Tauranga and Lakeland Queen includes return train travel from Auckland/Hamilton to Tauranga, coach transfer to/from Rotorua, cruise on the Lakeland Queen. Tickets for Option 2 - Auckland/Hamilton to Tauranga and Classic Flyers includes return train travel, travel on Mt Maunganui side trip, coach to/from and admission to Classic Flyers. Tickets for Option 3 - Auckland/Hamilton -Free Time in Tauranga includes return train travel.
