History through the Heartland Rail Tour

An 11 day Rail Tour Experience focusing on the historical influences through the North Island’s Central Heart

Welcome aboard...

We would like to warmly invite you onboard our first multi-day rail tour in many years, exploring “History through the Heartland”. An 11 day rail experience focusing on different historical influences through the North Island’s central heart, with our steam & diesel hauled heritage trains linking your journey together - on a journey into the shaping of a nation.

For the full tour itinerary and list of inclusions, please download the brochure by clicking here!

Email us or call 0800 783 264 to chat to our reservations team!

Itinerary

Thursday 19th February - Wellington to Napier

Gather together with the rest of your travel companions at Wellington’s Platform 9, and board your luxury coach for the short sprint towards Paekakariki. Here, you will be transferred onto your beautifully restored steam hauled train, bound for Napier. Settle into vintage comfort as you glide through the heart of the island. Travel through the scenic Manawatu Gorge, rail providing the perfect view, and see the start of the new Te Ahu a Turanga highway. Watch the dramatic coastlines unfold outside your window as we approach Napier, our Art Deco Capital. Upon disembarking the train, reboard your luxury coaches and travel through to your accommodation, and settle in for the evening with dinner out, getting to know your tour peers a little more. 

Friday 20th February - Wine & Dine

Enjoy breakfast with the group at East Pier Hotel before embarking on your first day of exploration in Napier. We arrive by coach at Marine Parade for As the Dust Settles, an immersive experience showcasing life just after the 1931 earthquake.  After an insightful look into the impacts that shaped Napier as it is today, we head out of town, for a lunch like no other. Crab Farm has been in the Jardine family for over 100 years. Originally purchased sight unseen, Hamish Jardine’s great-grandfather was surprised to find the land partially underwater. With tidal pools, rushes and hundreds of crabs, it was jokingly named ‘Crab Farm’. Today, enjoy a wine tasting followed by a sumptuous lunch under the Hawke’s Bay sun. Return by coach to the hotel to relax before heading out for dinner with the group.

Saturday 21st February - Get Down to Deco

The day begins with breakfast, catching up with the group, ahead of an ‘Art Deco’ themed day in the Napier . Travel by coach into Napier CBD, where you’ll have two hours at your leisure to explore the plenty of Art Deco festivities filling the city. Sit back and witness a festival highlight, the Vintage Car Parade.  Later in the afternoon, we will jump back onboard the coach for a private guided ‘Art Deco’ tour, lead by representatives of the Art Deco Trust. This tour explores the old port area at Ahuriri, and the Art Deco suburb of Marewa before finishing at the inner-city Deco precinct. Following this insightful tour around Napier, we will head back to our accommodation, where you’ll have a chance to freshen up ahead of an evening meal out with the group.

Sunday 22nd February - Steam to Waipukurau

Spend today travelling with the Steam Incorporated team on our day excursion with the public behind Ja 1271 and our heritage diesel electric locomotive through to Waipukurau and return. Sample the delights of Woburn Homestead alongside Hawkes Bay Locals, in the beautiful Central Hawkes Bay country. The fully restored 1893 homestead is the perfect destination for our steam-hauled train today!  Coach transfers to and from your accommodation and Napier Station, as well as transfers from Waipukurau to Woburn Homestead.

Monday 23rd February - Departing the Deco

We board our heritage train for our journey south, leaving behind Art Deco as we begin our journey west. With our heritage Diesel Electric locomotive at the front of the train, we whisk our way through the country side, enroute to a special destination, in the heart of the Horowhenua district. Recognised as an architectural landmark, Tatum House remains a significant piece of New Zealand’s modernist heritage and a testament to William Toomath’s enduring legacy. Recently subjected to a multi million dollar restoration, and rejuvenation, we are one of the first tour group to utilise the fresh spaces. We disembark the train, ‘on the back door step’ of Tatum, and it’s just a short walk to your accommodation within the grounds. Greeted by a glass of bubbles, the Tatum team are excited to host us and host a fabulous evening, just for our group.

Tuesday 24th February & Wednesday 25th February - To the River City

Wake up to the sweet surrounds of the Horowhenua district, a slice of rural paradise. Our diesel hauled private heritage train arrives behind Tatum’s great hall complex, ready and waiting to take us on our quest north towards Whanganui via the Marton - New Plymouth Line. At Whanganui, our coaches await, taking us to our accommodation, and onwards to a private dinner at Bushey Park Homestead - a surviving feature of Whanganui’s edwardian history.  After a  night’s rest, Whanganui has much in store! We tour round the Sarjeant Gallery, and visit NZ Glassworks before enjoying the late afternoon on the Waimarie enjoying some sumptuous local cuisine.

Thursday 26th February - A Taste of the Weekend

Enjoy a relaxed morning at your leisure before boarding your own private heritage train bound for Inglewood. Sit back in comfort as you journey through stunning Taranaki countryside. On arrival, dive into the vibrant energy of Americarna—Inglewood’s iconic celebration of classic American cars, live music, and street festivities. Soak up the atmosphere, explore the displays, and enjoy the local hospitality. As the festival winds down, you’ll be comfortably transferred by coach to your central New Plymouth hotel, ready to unwind or continue exploring. A perfect blend of relaxation, rail adventure, and automotive excitement in one unforgettable day.

Friday 27th February - Immerse in the Muscle

After a delicious breakfast at your hotel, you’ll travel by coach down to New Plymouth’s Wind Wand, to take part in something truly unique! Our specially curated train experience offers you a front row seat to witness the power and elegance of iconic muscle cars in action, all from the comfort of our heritage carriages. At Stratford, take a short walk down Broadway to view the muscle car line up, and at Hawera, take a wander down to High St to continue your look at the beautifully restored cars on show. Capture stunning photos and immerse yourself in a celebration of automotive history! A day of adrenaline, nostalgia and enjoyment.

Saturday 28th February - Explore the West

Today is entirely at your leisure. New Plymouth’s CBD offers a delightful mix of coastal and cultural attractions, all within an easy walk! Possibilities include a stroll along some of the stunning 13 km Coastal Walkway, where the iconic Wind Wand sculpture bends in Tasman Sea breezes and art‑adorned piers dot the route. Wander inland to Pukekura Park, a 52‑hectare botanical garden with lakes, fernery, free zoo and Teahouse on the Lake. Pop into Puke Ariki for interactive local history and a café, then dive into contemporary art at the Govett‑Brewster/Len Lye Centre. Finish by exploring heritage gems: the stone‑built St Mary’s Church, or the lush Huatoki Walkway through town. Perfect for a relaxing yet vibrant city adventure. Coach Shuttles available for those wishing to travel into the CBD.

Sunday 1st March - Homeward Bound

The final day! We invite you to sit back, relax and enjoy the view as we take you all the way from New Plymouth into the nation’s capital city of Wellington. Having loaded your luggage on the coach, you will soon board your private train for the leisurely run south. The journey continues through the rugged King Country, where deep gorges and native bush dominate the view. Curving southward, the track traverses viaducts and tunnels carved into the hill country, offering glimpses of remote settlements and river valleys. As we edge toward civilisation, the landscape opens into wide plains dotted with sheep and dairy farms. Beyond Palmerston North, the line parallels the Kapiti Coast, where the sea once again glimmers beside the track. As we roll into Wellington, nestled between harbour and hills, reflect on a special journey with those whom have accompanied you, concluding a special 11 days away onboard Steam Incorporated’s inaugural ‘History through the Heartland’ rail tour.

Bookings

Per Person Twin Share - $6990

Per Person Single Supplement - $1490

For the full tour itinerary and list of inclusions, please download the brochure by clicking here!

Email us or call 0800 783 264 to chat to our reservations team!

Prior booking is essential. All seating is reserved, and accommodation is limited.