The Waipukurau Wanderer

Step onboard our lovingly restored heritage carriages, hauled by our classic diesel locomotive DBR1254 and DC4818 for an unforgettable journey into the true Heartland of central Hawkes Bay. Experience a picturesque journey onboard GVR's iconic yellow carriages, enjoying premier scenic views and open air experiences. This unique heartland experience awaits you.

Jump on board with the Glenbrook Vintage Railway for another relaxing day out by train!
Hauled by heritage diesel locomotive DBR1254 and DC4818 - our train will make its way inland into the heartlands of the central Hawkes Bay.

Travelling over a railway line opened 133 years ago, take this opportunity to travel by rail to Waipukurau for a relaxing visit to one of this historic town. Investigate local shops or dine in one of the many cafes.

So hop on board as we step back in time – to how travel used to be – and experience the romance of traveling by rail travelling deep into the heartland of central Hawkes Bay!

The Waipukurau Wanderer | Napier to Waipukurau & Return.

Step onboard, sit back and relax onboard The Waipukurau Wanderer as we travel from the Art Deco capital of Napier, stopping at Hastings, to Waipukurau in the heart of the Central Hawkes Bay. As we travel south, enjoy a complimentary beverage and snack as your window fills with scenic views. Passing wetlands and farmlets along the way, we make our entry into the central Hawkes Bay after climbing the impressive Opapa Bank, climbing one foot for every 40 feet travelled, hear our classic diesel locomotives roar as they tackle this mighty gradient.

We will pass through the townships of Otane and Waipawa, before crossing the mighty Tukituki river viaduct into Waipukurau.

Arriving into Waipukurau, known as the heart of central Hawkes Bay, you have just over an hour to explore the local culture, boutique stores and quaint cafes.

Boarding at Waipukurau at 12.30pm, we retrace our steps in the afternoon warmth, back to Dannevirke to set down and pick up passengers at 3pm, then back towards Palmerston North, and through the Manawatu Gorge once again.

This journey provides not just beautiful vistas, but a true taste of the region's heritage and rural life - perfect for a relaxing and enchanting escape in the heartland.

The Waipukurau Wanderer from Napier or Hastings and Return!

Take a leisurely rail adventure to Waipukurau. Founded in 1860, Waipukurau is now the heart of the Central Hawkes Bay and had a vibrant selection of cafes and shops. With just over a hour here to explore grab a bite to eat at a local bakery or cafe or just explore the town for a while.

Fares

Return Ex Napier or Hastings

Adult: $49

Child (Ages 2 - 14): $39

One child under 2 may sit on each adult's knee. Children under 2 seated in the manner do not require a ticket.

Timetable

Outward

Napier	dep.	9.30am
Hastings	dep.	10.00am
Waipukurau	arr.	11.10am

Inward

Waipukurau	dep.	12.30pm
Hastings	arr.	1.45pm
Napier	arr.	2.20pm

Station Information

Napier Station
Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/vrx9n3dVpDG9rkLV9

Access is off Munroe Street.
Free parking is available on surrounding streets.

Hastings Station
Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/M86u6BewxnhruGN27

Access is off Sir James Wattie Place.
Free parking is available on surrounding streets.

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

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 the 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.

Book now for The Waipukurau Wanderer - Sunday 9th November 2025.

Your ticket includes return train travel.