Americarna Rail Experiences
Exciting rail travel out of New Plymouth on our red train!
26th February - 1st March 2026
Steam Incorporated and it's heritage train returns to AmeriCARna for it's second year! Jump onboard one of these special experiences with the Steam Incorporated team and see Taranaki and all it has to offer from the comfort of our heritage train!
Quick Reference Guide
- Delivery Delights - 26th February departing Kapiti and heading to Taranaki
- The Americarna Cruiser - Friday 27th departing the Wind Wand at 10:05am
- Lepperton Shuttle Trains - Sat 28th departing the Wind Wand at 10:10am | 11:15am | 12:20pm | 1:25pm
- The Stratford Express - Sat 28th departing the Wind Wand at 2:30pm
- Delivery Delights - 1st March departing Taranaki and heading to Kapiti & Wellington
Delivery Delights
Thursday 26th February - Sunday 1st March 2026
Experience the charm of New Zealand’s rugged landscapes aboard our diesel-hauled train from Paraparaumu to Taranaki! One-Way & Return options available, Train Travel Only!
Immerse yourself in breathtaking scenery as you journey through rolling countryside, picturesque country towns, and coastal vistas. Our comfortable, red heritage train offers a relaxing ride with modern amenities, perfect for enjoying the views. Travel on the notable Marton to New Plymouth Line, rarely travelled by passenger trains - a not-to-be-missed opportunity!
Fares
One Way
-
Boarding / Disembarking Paraparaumu or Levin
Adult (13+ yrs) - $179
Child (3-12yrs) - $129 -
Boarding / Disembarking Palmerston North
Adult (13+ yrs) - $159
Child (3-12yrs) - $109
Return
-
Ex. Paraparaumu or Levin
Adult (13+ yrs) - $299
Child (3-12yrs) - $199 -
Ex. Palmerston North
Adult (13+ yrs) - $269
Child (3-12yrs) - $179
Infant (0-2yrs) - FREE provided they remain on the lap of a fare-paying adult.
Please see below a provisional timetable for both Thursday & Sunday:
Please be at your boarding station minimum 10 minutes prior ready to roll, with your tickets, carriage number and seating allocations at the ready.
The Americarna Cruiser
Friday 27th February 2026
Embark on a unique adventure with Steam Incorporated & Americarna, where the timeless allure of classic American muscle cars meets the nostalgic charm of rail travel.
Join us on Steam Incorporated’s big red train, hauled by heritage diesel electric locomotives trailing a convoy of roaring, chrome-clad legends as they cruise down the highways of South Taranaki, turning heads and capturing hearts. Departing from the Wind Wand making stops at Inglewood & Stratford, heading as far south as Hawera.
This day out has 3 options to choose from, so have a read below and book in now!
Option 1 - The Need for Speed
Get ready to rev up your engines and witness a spectacular showcase of American automotive power from all eras at the Acceleration Display! This event is all about high-octane fun, where participants unleash their American vehicles with a competitive spirit that’s more about having a blast than taking things too seriously.
As the enthusiastic competitors assemble at the start line, anticipation fills the air. The moment the flag descends, the engines roar to life, propelling the drivers towards a series of strategically positioned cones at the far end of the straight. It’s an electrifying race against time as they push their machines to their limits, each aiming to achieve the fastest time in their respective categories.
Fares
Adult (13+ yrs) - $99
Child (2-12yrs) - $69
Infant - Free
Book your Acceleration Display Day Out to Hawera!
Option 2 - Refuel & Refresh
This is an 18+ Experience!
Disembark the train at Stratford, and embark on a Gin Tasting and a tasty lunch at Fenton St Distillery, after your visit to Fenton Street, board the bus to Hawera and soak up the last of the Acceleration Display, before jumping on the train home.
Fenton Street Arts Collective is a collective of their passions and interests: art, history, gin and espresso. "We are 310 metres up a mountain so our aspirations are just as high for each of them."
Fares
Adult 18+ - $159
Fares include bus transfers, gin tasting at Fenton St Distillery, and a packed lunchbox.
Book your Refuel & Refresh Experience!
Option 3 - Echoes of the Past: Journey Through Tawhiti Museum
Disembark the train at Hawera and spend a couple of hours enjoying the wonders of the Tawhiti Museum.
The Tawhiti Museum is a truly unique enterprise. The creation of artist Nigel Ogle, its attention to detail is simply stunning. Now widely acclaimed as one of the most innovative museums in New Zealand, Tawhiti uses life size exhibits and scale models to capture the past in a series of super-realistic displays.
Fares
Adult (13+ yrs) - $139
Child (2-12yrs) - $89
Infant - Free
Fares include bus transfer, and Entry to the Tawhiti Museum.
All these displays are designed and built on the premises in the 'Body Shop' and accompanying studios, which can be viewed as part of a museum visit. Take in five and a half thousand square metres of stunning displays and dioramas.
Book your Tawhiti Museum Experience!
Please see a provisional timetable for the day below:
Please be at your boarding station minimum 10 minutes prior ready to roll, with your tickets, carriage number and seating allocations at the ready.
All seating is reserved and allocated. Prior booking is essential.
Lepperton Shuttle Trains
Saturday 28th February 2026
Relax onboard heritage carriages as we escape the surrounds of central New Plymouth, and head east towards Lepperton. At Lepperton, our train drivers will change ends, and give you another chance to spot the mountain above us as we head back to New Plymouth.
Upon arrival back at the Wind Wand, make sure to go and check out the AmeriCARnival! Between 10am & 3pm, go and see some of the countries most vibrant American muscle cars! Let the kids unleash their excitement with free activities at Puke Ariki Landing. Explore craft stalls at Huatoki Plaza and Currie Street. The CBD will buzz with energy!
Find out more details, and choose your timeslot below:
- Saturday 28th Feb – Departs New Plymouth Wind Wand at 10:10am
- Saturday 28th Feb – Departs New Plymouth Wind Wand at 11:15am
- Saturday 28th Feb – Departs New Plymouth Wind Wand at 12:20pm
- Saturday 28th Feb – Departs New Plymouth Wind Wand at 1:25pm
Each departure time is a 1 hour round trip. Please be at your boarding station minimum 10 minutes prior ready to roll. Trains depart from HERE!
Fares
General Admission (3+ yrs) - $35
Family (2A 2C) - $120
Infant - Free
All seating is reserved and allocated. Prior booking is essential.
The Stratford Express
Saturday 28th February 2026
Embark on an afternoon rail adventure with Steam Incorporated, travelling from New Plymouth to Stratford aboard our heritage carriages. Leaving the Tasman Sea behind, the line winds through cuttings, road crossings, and the suburbs of East End and Fitzroy before curving into Lepperton, where it meets the Waitara branch line.
From here we head south through Inglewood, a township with roots dating back to 1873, before following State Highway 3 towards Stratford. Nestled beneath the eastern slopes of Mt Taranaki, Stratford was once a busy railway junction for the Stratford–Okahakura line, remnants of which can still be spotted near the station.
On arrival, enjoy around 40 minutes to stretch your legs or get a closer look at the diesel-electric locomotives hauling our train!
Please see a provisional timetable for the day below:
Please be at your boarding station minimum 10 minutes prior ready to roll, with your tickets, carriage number and seating allocations at the ready.
Fares
General Admission (3+ yrs) - $49
Family (2A 2C) - $169
Infant (0-2yrs) - Free
Book your Stratford Express!
All seating is reserved and allocated. Prior booking is essential.
Important Information
Limited Mobility Disclaimer
The primary boarding and disembarking points, do NOT have platforms. Throughout the weekend, you will have to board from ground level (3-4 steps). Due to the age, design and nature of our heritage carriages, these are not suitable for passengers with limited mobility. If you have any concerns, please contact us on 0800 783 264 to discuss options with our bookings team!
Please note that if booking online, our booking system does add on a small percentage to the above fares. Steam Incorporated does not see this revenue.
Got a few of your mates, or your family keen to travel?
Group bookings of 10+ please contact us via email admin@steaminc.org.nz or call us on 0800 783 264 for a personalized package.
Book online or call 0800 783 264 to book directly with the team!
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