The Waimiha Steam Wanderer - Glenbrook Vintage Railway

The Waimiha Wanderer - 4 October 2026

Step onboard our lovingly restored heritage coaches, hauled by Steam Incorporated's Steam Locomotive Ab 608 - Passchendale! Settle into your seats, savour the sight, sound and smell of steam power at it's finest and enjoy this special trip on the Main Trunk Line from Taumarunui to Waimiha and return.

Jump on board with the Glenbrook Vintage Railway and experience rail travel as it used to be, behind a steam locomotive! We're bringing steam back to the trunk this October.
This is a perfect opportuinity for King Country Locals to get on board for a trip up the Main Trunk!

So hop on board as we step back in time – to how travel used to be – and experience the romance of traveling by rail!

The journey and the destination: Behind a steam locomotive the journey is just as important as the destination. Spectacular scenery awaits as we head towards the heart of the King Country, powered by the rhythmic beat of steam power.

What’s the plan?

The Waimiha Wanderer | Taumarunui to Waimiha and Return.

Pack some snacks and bring the family along for this little train adventure.

Departing Taumarunui Station, we head north on the "Main Trunk Line". With a toot of the whistle and the hiss of steam we again embark northwards to the former logging settlement of Waimiha. Departing from Taumarunui we cross the Taringamotu River following it till we cross the Ongarue River which we will follow for the rest of our journey. Passing Okahukura, the junction of the now mothballed Stratford - Okahukura line we make our way north.

At Waimiha, our steam locomotive will "run-around" the train, this means it will detach from the train, run past our carriages (have your cameras ready!!) and back onto the other end, ready to pull us back to Taumarunui. Wait for the whistle, and we'll be on our way, southbound back to Taumarunui.

On our journey today, feel free to take advantage of our open air viewing platforms throughout the train. Take in the atmosphere and sounds of steam, and relive the adventures of a bygone era. Fun for kids of all ages! Bring along the whole family, and share in the adventure of steam together.

Before arriving into Taumarunui station, we take a short stop to allow the Norther Explorer to pass us. Arriving back on the platform at 2.20pm, your journey with us here ends today, with plenty of time to share some fun stories of your little train adventure with us today! A great train trip through the countryside - suitable for the whole family!

🪑 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.

Due to the popularity of our steam-hauled trips, 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.

🚂 Steam hauled 🛤️ Main Trunk Line 🏔️ Mt Ruapehu views

Option 1 • Mt Ruapehu & Sky Waka Gondola

What’s included

Return heritage train travel
Steam hauled from Taumarunui to Waimiha and return!
Food & beverages available to purchase onboard

Fares

Return Ex Taumarunui

General Admission $45 | Family (4 People) $170

Option 1 | Taumarunui to Waimiha & Return

Steam from Taumarunui!

Taumarunui will once again echo to the unmistakable sound of steam as Ab 608 takes us north through the heart of the King Country to Waimiha and return.

Settle in and enjoy the rhythmic beat of the locomotive as the train travels through the rugged countryside and rural settlements of the North Island Main Trunk. It’s a great opportunity for locals and visitors alike to experience the sights, sounds and atmosphere of a classic steam-hauled journey.

On the train food and refreshments are available, and our train is licensed.

Timetable

Outward

Taumarunui	dep.	11.50am
Waimiha (stay on board)	arr.	1.00pm

Inward

Waimiha	dep.	1.20pm
Taumarunui	arr.	2.20pm

Taumarunui Station
Google Maps Link: View map

Access is off Hakiaha Street.
Free parking is available in surrounding streets.

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. This may include another solo traveller or passengers from another booking. 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 at least one week prior to departure: [email protected] with the relevant booking details. Requests received after this time cannot be accommodated.
Other specific seating requests should also 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 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 this 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 Waimiha Wanderer | Sunday 4 October 2026

Your ticket includes train travel from Taumarunui to Waimiha and return.