Step onboard our lovingly restored heritage coaches, hauled by steam locomotive Ja1271. Settle into your seats to enjoy this special trip through the rolling farmlands of the Waikato to Tokoroa and return.
Jump on board with the Glenbrook Vintage Railway and Steam Incorporated as we join forces and celebrate 100 years of the Waiuku Branchline – where the GVR is based – and Steam Inc celebrates its 50th anniversary!
Glenbrook Vintage Railway have teamed up with our Wellington based friends at Steam Inc to bring to Glenbrook their resplendent Ja1271, for a number of joint trips in Auckland & the Waikato.
So hop on board as we step back in time – to how rail travel used to be – and experience steam on the main line.
Pack some snacks, and bring the family along for this little train adventure.
Departing Kirikiriroa-Hamilton-Frankton station, we head east, passing under the city (past the old underground station) before popping out of the tunnel and steaming across the Waikato river. After passing through the suburbs of Claudelands and Ruakura, our train travels along the Eureka and Motumoaho straights towards Morrinsville. We pass through Morrinsville (spot the cow statues as we pass through!) and head towards Waharoa.
Through gentle undulations and countryside, the Kaimai ranges are getting nearer and nearer. As our train arrives at Waharoa we curve off to the right. It is here that you will experience something unique - turning the train on a "triangle". We need to turn the train at Waharoa to face the right direction to come home to Hamilton, so our train will go around a "triangle".
We arrive at Waharoa facing Matamata, that's the first leg of the triangle, our train then reverses back towards the Kaimai ranges on the second leg of the triangle before finally pointing west towards Hamilton where we enter the third and final leg of the triangle as the train pulls forward towards Hamilton for the return journey - who knew you could turn a train on a triangle?!
Hot and cold food and drinks are available onboard the train while we are stopped.
On our way back, your seat will now give you a view out of the other side of the carriage, where you can enjoy the view on the way home.
Arriving into Kirikiriroa-Hamilton-Frankton station at 2.45pm, your journey with us here ends today, with plenty of time to share some fun stories of your little train adventure with us today!
Ex Hamilton (Frankton)
Adult $59 | Child (2-14) $39
Hamilton (Frankton) |
dep. | 12.10pm |
Waharoa (stay onboard) |
arr. | 1.20pm |
Waharoa (stay onboard) |
dep. | 1.45pm |
Hamilton (Frankton) |
arr. | 2.45pm |
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COVID-19 Information
As this is a pre-booked
allocated-seating tour, face coverings are not compulsory but are
strongly encouraged. For more info see the official NZ Government
COVID-19 website.
In
the event that the NZ Government or its agencies prevent the operation
of this tour taking place due to COVID-19, refunds of fares paid (net of
outgoings made from those fares) may be made by GVR upon written
application being received from booked passengers.
Seating Information
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 travelling 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.