Take part in the Tangiwai "70 Years On Memorial", on Sunday 21st January 2024 (Wellington Anniversary Weekend) - Travel by special train from Paekakariki, with passenger stops along the way.
The Glenbrook Vintage Railway, Auckland and Steam Incorporated, Wellington present the Tangiwai "70 Years On Memorial" Special Train.
Travel behind Glenbrook Vintage Railway's Diesel Locomotive DBR1254, on board Steam Incorporated's vintage Steel Carriages from Kapiti and Manawatu to the Tangiwai "70 Years On Memorial".
The Ruapehu Lions 'Tangiwai Memorial Committee', Glenbrook Vintage Railway, and Steam Incorporated invite you aboard this special train to the Tangiwai "70 Years On Memorial".
The special train, jointly operated by the Glenbrook Vintage Railway and Steam Incorporated, will travel north up the North Island Main Trunk from Paekakariki and make several passenger pick up stops along the way. A fast dash up the Kapiti Coast and Horowhenua plains will bring us quickly into the Manawatu.
After picking passengers at Palmerston North, we will continue our journey north through the gentle foothills of Halcombe and Kakariki then onto Marton where we truly begin our journey up the 'old trunk line'.
A little further up from Hunterville, we are soon to cross the first of our famous viaducts today, towering 73 metres high over the Makohine stream, this 229 metre long viaduct was completed in 1902. Next up, we burst through the Mangaweka tunnel, being greeted by the township of the same name along the way. The railway line here was diverted during 1980s, which saw the construction of three large viaducts over the Rangitikei and Kawhatau rivers.
Marvel at the beauty of the Rangitikei river and its sheer vertical paapa cliffs (unique to this part of New Zealand), as we cross over the Rangitikei south viaduct (78 metres high, 315 metres long). Then onto the 73 metre high, 160 metre long Kawhatau viaduct where you can catch a glimpse of the joining of the Kawhatau and Rangitikei rivers. Finally crossing the third of the big three viaducts, the Rangitikei north viaduct at 81 metres high and 160 metres long.
A while later, we cross over the Toi Toi viaduct whilst clinging to the cliffs edge of the Rangitikei river as it guides us north through Utiku and onto another passenger stop at Taihape.
From Taihape, the V8 diesel engine will work hard climbing the grades through Mataroa up to Waiouru.
Shortly, we cross over the Whangaehu River and arrive at the Tangiwai - where you will be guided on the short walk to the memorial site.
Another option for passengers is to continue on to Ohakune where the locomotive will be turned and there will be two hours of free time to grab some lunch and look around some of the railway buildings at the Ohakune Junction precinct.
Onboard the train will be Steam Incorporated's famous Buffet Carriage "The Biscuit" and their newly commissioned open-air viewing van.
Ex Kapiti Stations - Paekakariki, Paraparaumu, Waikanae, Otaki, Levin
Adult $139 | Child (2-14) $89
Ex Manawatu Stations - Palmerston North, Feilding, Marton, Hunterville, Taihape
Adult $109 | Child (2-14) $79
| Paekakariki | dep. | 6.50am |
| Paraparaumu | dep. | 7.00am |
| Waikanae | dep. | 7.10am |
| Otaki | dep. | 7.27am |
| Levin | dep. | 7.50am |
| Palmerston North | dep. | 8.40am |
| Feilding | dep. | 9.00am |
| Marton | dep. | 9.32am |
| Hunterville | dep. | 9.55am |
| Taihape | dep. | 10.44am |
| Tangiwai | arr. | 11.50am |
| Ohakune | arr. | 12.20pm |
| Ohakune | dep. | 2.20pm |
| Tangiwai | dep. | 2.55pm |
| Taihape | arr. | 4.05pm |
| Hunterville | arr. | 4.50pm |
| Marton | arr. | 5.13pm |
| Feilding | arr. | 5.43pm |
| Palmerston North | arr. | 6.00pm |
| Levin | arr. | 6.50pm |
| Otaki | arr. | 7.13pm |
| Waikanae | arr. | 7.33pm |
| Paraparaumu | arr. | 7.44pm |
| Paekakariki | arr. | 7.57pm |
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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
Your ticket includes return train travel.
