The Full Whanganui Steam Experience - 20th October 2024

Travel to the beautiful river side town of Whanganui, hauled both steam locomotive Ja1271 and heritage diesel electric locomotive, Da1431. Choose between doing your own thing, jumping on a serene cruise of the Whanganui River onboard the coal fired paddle steamer "PS Waimarie", or spend the day on the rails and venture further north, to Kai Iwi.

Please see below a provisional timetable for the day:

Leaving Kapiti as most others are still sound asleep, we quickly escape the coast and delve into the rurality of the Horowhenua. After a stop in Palmerston North we head up the trunk through the townships of Feilding and Marton before turning onto the Marton - New Plymouth railway line for the last stretch into Whanganui. After crossing the 290km long Whanganui River, we proceed slowly down the short 5km branch line taking us to Taupo Quay.

From here - it's up to you what you wish to do!

Choose one of the following options to maximise your experience:

Sail on the Queen of the River

Salvaged from the bottom of the Whanganui River where she sat for around 50 years, the Paddle Steamer Waimarie was restored to her former glory and re-launched in 2000. She is now the only one of her kind in operation in New Zealand.

The Queen of the River, the Paddle Steamer Waimarie

Your cruise leaves the Riverboat Centre Wharf and heads upriver taking in the scenery and views of Whanganui which can only be experienced from Te Awa Tupua, the Whanganui River. The commentary shares riverboat history and points of interest along the way. Check out the boiler that powers our paddle steamer, and maybe meet the homing pigeons and send a message with them on their flight back to the Riverboat Centre.

Fares
Adult (12+ yrs) - $194
Child (2-12 yrs) - $154
Infant (0-2yrs) - FREE

The above fares cover your return train fares, Waimarie River Cruise, and bus transfers.

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.

There will be 2 cruise departures, you will receive your group allocations prior to arrival into Whanganui on the day.

Lunch onboard the River Cruise - $17pp if you wish to add a light lunch bag into your day onboard the Waimarie River Cruise. Please let us know in the comments of any dietary requirements.

Book your Train Trip & River Cruise here!

Do Your Own Thing & Explore Whanganui

Buses will transport you from your arrival at the station into the heart of Whanganui.

The Durie Hill Elevator

There will be a collection of vintage cruiser bikes for hire for a small fee to those keen to take exploring to the next level, and a couple of food trucks for a bite to eat.

There will be short tours available at the Durie Hill Elevator. It is New Zealand’s only public transport elevator and is still used on a daily basis by locals and visitors.

There are multiple places to go, and things to see. Take a tram ride for a small fee and arrive at the Riverboat museum, be blown away by NZ Glassworks, admire the sculptures and views from the Motua gardens along the river, indulge in local cuisine, or simply shop local.

Fares
Adult (12+ yrs) - $149
Child (2-12yrs) - $109
Infant (0-2yrs) - FREE

The above fares covers your return train fare, and bus transfers.

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.

Book your exploration of Whanganui here!

A Day on the Rails

Spend the day out with us on the rails, whilst others are exploring Whanganui township.

Extend your experience by staying on the train after arrival into Whanganui, and head up the line to Kai Iwi.

Ja 1271 in action

 The fearsome Westmere Bank lies between us and Kai Iwi. This is a steep hill with a gradient of 1 in 35 on our ascent (that is 1 metre climbed for every 35 metres travelled horizontally) and up to 1 in 39 on our descent down the other side. Here you should really hear the engine working!

Just before we come into Kai Iwi, we are traveling on a relatively new part of the line called the Kai Iwi deviation. Completed in 2008, the deviation is just under a kilometre long and bypassed the old No.4 tunnel. See if you can spot some of the old route!

At Kai Iwi, it is now the Da’s turn to make the ascent of the ruling grade. After descending back down the hill towards Whanganui, we make a quick stop at Eastown for our drivers to change ends and then start our return journey home.

Fares
Adult (12+ yrs) - $189
Child (2-12yrs) - $149
Infant (0-2yrs) - FREE

The above fares covers your return train fares.

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.

Book your Day on the Rails here!

Evening Meal

Sandy and the team at the Station Hotel will be on hand to provide an evening meal at your seat on departure from Marton.

Being served is a tasty chicken salad main a freshly baked mini baguette, along with a sweet chocolate brownie to cleanse the palate!

Vegans, Vegetarians and Gluten Free options available, and if there are any allergies, please let us know when booking!

$30 per person to add this to your booking.

Book online now or call 0800 783 264 to book!

We can cater for larger group bookings - these are best dealt with directly through us by emailing admin@steaminc.org.nz or contacting 0800 783 264.

Prior booking is essential. All seating is reserved and allocated.