First Class Experience

Enjoy the romance and luxury of this premium experience


First Class is the way to travel! You will be welcomed aboard the luxuriously appointed Parlour Carriage by your host. Settle in to the comfortable seating, or wander out onto the open air observation balcony. Enjoy the complimentary High Tea refreshments and take in the sights and sounds of our restored New Zealand Railways Steam Locomotive as you chuff through the countryside...

Your journey


After settling into the lovingly restored wood-panelled carriages or one of the open-air carriages, you'll hear the Guard's whistle blow and the hiss and roar as the steam engine hauls the train out of the station. The Guard will make their way through the carriages to clip your tickets and answer any questions you may have. As the train drops down the hill from Glenbrook, you will see lush farmland before descending through a tree-lined cutting towards Morley Road. Passing over the level crossing, you'll see the small Morley Road station building. At the bottom of the hill you'll see our Water Tank and Windmill which sources water from the Waitangi Stream to fill our steam engine tanks.

The train climbs steadily from here and rounds two gentle curves before arriving at the Pukeoware Workshops. Passing through slowly, you'll get a glimpse of some of our vintage wagons and carriages. The beat of the steam engine will change as it attacks the steep 1-in-42 Goddard Grade which ends when the train passes under the Shakespeare Road bridge. The train cruises through more farmland, and crosses Cornwall Road to begin the descent into Waiuku. You'll pass under three more bridges including the historic Brights Road arch bridge, and watch as the train rounds the sweeping curves dropping into Waiuku. Finally, you will arrive at the Victoria Ave station perched above Lion's Lake in Waiuku.

The return journey time is approximately 70 minutes.

The First Class Experience

We traveled the globe, taking inspiration from lounge and observation carriages from all of the famous railways around the world to design and craft our First Class Parlour Carriage.

You will board the First Class carriage at the head of the train through the velvet-roped walkway. Your host will welcome you aboard and as you settle in for the journey, you will notice the immaculately restored wooden panelling and premium decor. Relax in the comfortable leather seating, or step out onto the large observation deck for an up close look at the steam engine. On the journey to Waiuku you will have a close up view of the steam engine working, and on the return trip back to Glenbrook you will have an unrestricted full 180 degree view of the track as it disappears into the distance.


Included in your fare are complimentary refreshments in 'high-tea' style. These platters will be served at your seat to ensure you can continue to feast upon the view and ambience of traveling behind a steam train. Also included are complimentary tea and coffee, as well as cold non-alcoholic drinks. A perfect morning or afternoon tea in relaxing and romantic surrounds!

There's no better way to ride the rails than in the comfort of our First Class Parlour Carriage.


High Tea Menu

These included refreshments are absolutely scrumptious and are the perfect accompaniment to this relaxed journey.

Something Savoury
Mini Wrap
Cucumber Finger Sandwiches
Chicken & Mango Vol u vents
Smoked salmon & Prawn Blini

Sweet Treats
Brownie bites
Petite Macaroon
Lemon Tartlet
Fresh scones with jam and cream

Drinks
Tea
Coffee
Soft Drink Selection
Water

Limited dietary substitutions are available, please inform us when booking. All items are subject to availability.

Children's High Tea Snack Box

These included refreshments are for our little travellers and served in a box.

Something Savoury
Ham & Cheese Sandwiches
Vegetable Sticks & Dips
Crackers & Cheese

Sweet Treats
Petite Macaroon
Seasonal Fruit Bites
Fresh scones with jam and cream

Drinks
Juice
Soft Drink Selection
Water

Limited dietary substitutions are available, please inform us when booking. All items are subject to availability.



Timetable

Our train departs at 10:00am, 11:30am, 1:00pm and 2:30pm on selected dates. Please check our operating calendar. Your return journey takes 70 minutes. See full train timetable...

Ticket Fares

Seating is strictly limited onboard our First Class Carriage and booking online is strongly recommended to avoid disappointment as this experience often sells out.

Online bookings close 5pm the day prior. Limited seats on the day may be available for walk-ups, please enquire with the Glenbrook Station Ticket Office - call 09 236 3546 on the day.


Under 2 years Children (Up to 14 years) Adult Family (2 Adults, 2 Children)
First Class Experience - Return Trip

Requires child fare$40$60Requires individual fares

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