The Kaimai Steam Express | Waiuku/Glenbrook/Pukekohe & Hamilton to Tauranga and Return

Relax aboard The Kaimai Express as we travel from Waiuku, Glenbrook, Pukekohe and Hamilton to Tauranga and back. The whistle pierces the morning and the steam rises as we begin our journey from Waiuku. Climbing to Glenbrook station we stop to pick up the next group of passengers before we depart down the Mission Bush Branchline, joining the Main Tunk at Paerata before arrving at Pukekohe for more passengers.

Departing from Pukekohe we roll south through the fertile growing areas of Franklin and on into the Waikato. In the cool morning air the steam trail of the loco hangs in the air. Following the Waikato River, through the Whangamarino swamps and beside State Highway 1 we make ou way to Hamilton for our next group of passengers. 

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 stop briefly to "cut off" the steam loco before continuing 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 8.9km of this, the longest tunnel in New Zealand, and emerge on the eastern side at Whatakao before we hug the coast and inlets of the east coast on our approach to Tauranga.

Upon our return, our Steam Locomotive, having been serviced and refuled, will be waiting for us as soon as we exit the tunnel. Coupling back on, Ja 1271 will once more take the lead retunring us home in the afternoon. 

Sit back, relax and enjoy the ambiace of steam power and 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.