A First Class welcome
Board the Parlour Carriage at the head of the train through the velvet-roped walkway and be welcomed aboard by your host.
Glenbrook to Waiuku & return
First Class Experience
Settle into our luxuriously appointed Parlour Carriage, step onto the open-air observation balcony and enjoy high-tea style refreshments as steam carries you through the Franklin countryside south of Auckland.
Parlour Carriage
Comfortable seating and an immaculately restored wooden interior.
High tea included
Refreshments plus tea, coffee and cold non-alcoholic drinks.
Open-air balcony
Enjoy a close-up view of the locomotive and a 180-degree view on the return.
Approx. 70 minutes
A complete First Class return journey between Glenbrook and Waiuku.
Seasonal service notice
Winter 2026
We are currently closed for winter maintenance on our locomotives, carriages, track and buildings. We will re-open on Labour Weekend — 24, 25 and 26 October 2026. Available First Class dates will appear online as they are released.
First Class is the way to travel
A more relaxed, refined way to experience steam.
Your First Class experience begins with a welcome aboard the luxuriously appointed Parlour Carriage. Settle into the comfortable seating, admire the restored wooden panelling and premium decor, or wander out onto the open-air observation balcony as the locomotive prepares to depart.
During the journey, your host serves high-tea style refreshments at your seat, allowing you to continue enjoying the scenery, ambience and unmistakable sights and sounds of steam-powered rail travel.
The best seat on the train.
Premium surroundings, a dedicated host, refreshments at your seat and an open-air view of the railway.
See steam up close
Step onto the large observation deck for a close-up view of the steam locomotive working on the outward journey to Waiuku.
Refreshments at your seat
High-tea style platters, tea, coffee and cold non-alcoholic drinks are included in your First Class fare.
Inspired by the great trains of the world
The First Class Parlour Carriage
We travelled the globe, taking inspiration from lounge and observation carriages from famous railways around the world to design and craft our First Class Parlour Carriage.
On the journey to Waiuku, the balcony gives you a close-up view of the steam locomotive working. On the return journey to Glenbrook, the view opens out behind the train with an unrestricted 180-degree outlook along the track as it disappears into the distance.
- Comfortable leather seating
- Immaculately restored wooden panelling and premium decor
- Open-air observation balcony
- Dedicated onboard host
- High-tea style refreshments served at your seat
The heritage railway runs from Glenbrook through the countryside and Pukeoware Workshops to Victoria Avenue Station in Waiuku.
Glenbrook to Waiuku
Your journey behind steam
After settling into the Parlour Carriage, the Guard's whistle sounds and the steam locomotive hauls the train away from Glenbrook. The railway drops through farmland and a tree-lined cutting towards Morley Road before passing the water tank and windmill beside the Waitangi Stream.
Glenbrook Station
Board the First Class Parlour Carriage at the head of the heritage train.
Morley Road & Waitangi Stream
Descend through farmland and pass the railway's water tank and windmill.
Pukeoware Workshops & Goddard Grade
See heritage rolling stock before the locomotive tackles the steep 1-in-42 climb.
Victoria Avenue, Waiuku
Arrive above Lion's Lake after sweeping curves and the historic Brights Road arch bridge.
Beyond Pukeoware Workshops, listen as the beat of the locomotive changes while it attacks the 1-in-42 Goddard Grade. The line then crosses the countryside towards Waiuku, passing beneath several bridges before descending to Victoria Avenue Station.
🌿 Two different balcony views
On the outward journey the balcony gives a close-up view towards the steam locomotive. On the return to Glenbrook, enjoy an unrestricted 180-degree view back along the railway.
Take a look onboard
First Class in pictures
A glimpse inside the Parlour Carriage, the railway journey and the atmosphere that makes First Class something special.
Travel First Class
A premium heritage railway experience aboard the Parlour Carriage.
Comfort and character
Restored wooden panelling, comfortable seating and a railway atmosphere designed for a more relaxed journey.
A different view of the railway
Step onto the observation balcony and experience the sights and sounds of steam from the head of the train.
Make the journey the occasion
High-tea style refreshments, a dedicated host and the atmosphere of heritage rail travel.
Plan your journey
First Class timetable
First Class operates on selected dates and departures. Each card shows the standard timetable for the complete return journey.
Train 1
10:00am departure
Depart Glenbrook10:00am
Victoria Ave, Waiuku10:20–10:30am
Photo stop10:35–10:50am
Arrive Glenbrook11:10am
Train 2
11:30am departure
Depart Glenbrook11:30am
Victoria Ave, Waiuku11:50am–12:00pm
Photo stop12:05–12:20pm
Arrive Glenbrook12:40pm
Train 3
1:00pm departure
Depart Glenbrook1:00pm
Victoria Ave, Waiuku1:20–1:30pm
Photo stop1:35–1:50pm
Arrive Glenbrook2:10pm
Train 4
2:30pm departure
Depart Glenbrook2:30pm
Victoria Ave, Waiuku2:50–3:00pm
Photo stop3:05–3:20pm
Arrive Glenbrook3:40pm
Limited seating
First Class fares
The Parlour Carriage has strictly limited seating and the First Class Experience often sells out, so online booking is strongly recommended.
First Class Experience — Return Trip
Includes First Class travel and complimentary refreshments.
Adult
$67
Child — up to 14 years
$45
Under 2 years
Free
Must sit on an adult's lap. No food or drink included.
Family — 2 Adults, 2 Children
Individual fares
Good to know
Visitor information
Useful information for planning your First Class visit to Glenbrook.
At Glenbrook Station
Enter the main car park from Glenbrook Station Road through the white wooden gates. Accessible parking is available behind the station building from Farm Park Road.
Under the station veranda you will find the Ticket Office, Refreshment Rooms and Souvenir Shop. Fully accessible toilets and baby-change facilities are also available at Glenbrook Station.
Boarding the Parlour Carriage
The First Class Parlour Carriage travels at the head of the train. You will board through the velvet-roped walkway and be welcomed aboard by your host.
Your First Class ticket is for the selected date and departure shown on your booking.
High Tea & dietary requirements
High-tea style refreshments and non-alcoholic drinks are included in the First Class fare and are served during the journey.
Limited dietary substitutions are available. Please advise us when booking. All menu items are subject to availability.
Children & under-2s
A Children's High Tea Snack Box is provided with a paid child's First Class fare.
Children under two travel free but must sit on an adult's lap and do not receive food or drink.
Toilets & Victoria Avenue
There are no toilets onboard the standard heritage train or at Victoria Avenue Station. Please use the facilities at Glenbrook Station before boarding.
At Victoria Avenue, follow the Guard's instructions when alighting and reboarding.
Bookings & availability
First Class seating is strictly limited and online booking is strongly recommended. Online bookings close at 5:00pm on the day prior.
Limited seats may sometimes be available on the day; enquire at the Glenbrook Station Ticket Office.
Travel differently
Make the journey the occasion.
Relax in the Parlour Carriage, enjoy high-tea style refreshments and experience the sights and sounds of steam from one of the most distinctive seats on the Glenbrook Vintage Railway.