Steam in the Bay - February 2026
Join Steam Incorporated on a selection of steam & diesel excursions in the Hawkes Bay!
19th - 23rd February 2026
We are back and better than ever! Our steam train returns to the Art Deco Festival! Working alongside the Art Deco Trust, as well as a special collaboration with the Central Hawkes Bay Cancer Society - we are pleased to be bringing you 'Steam in the Bay - Art Deco Heritage Trains'. There's plenty of opportunities to jump onboard, tell all of your friends and pick a trip or two…or three? All trips sell quickly, so book in now to secure a spot on these unforgettable experiences!
Quick Reference Guide
- Delivery Delights - Thursday 19th Northbound & Monday 23rd Southbound
- Huff 'N' Puffs - Friday 20th & Sunday 22nd - Departing Napier and Hastings - Times Vary
- The Woodville Wanderer - Saturday 21st departing Napier at 7:40am
- The Waipukurau Steam Express - Saturday 21st departing Waipukurau at 9:45am back at 2:50pm
- Death Aboard the Deco Express - Saturday 21st departing Napier at 5:20pm back at 10pm
- Hawkes Bay Steam & Cuisine - Sunday 22nd departing Napier at 10:25am back at 4:25pm
- Takapau Steam Express - Sunday 22nd departing Waipukurau at 12:35pm back at 1:40pm
Travel In Style
13th & 17th February
Arrive in style on the afternoon of Thursday the 19th, head home on the Monday the 23rd or do both, on Steam Incorporated’s heritage train hauled by a diesel electric locomotive & steam locomotive working together – the steam train’s first appearance this year! Board this special train at Paraparaumu, Levin, Palmerston North or Waipukurau and indulge in a weekend of festivities. Options available for one-way or return travel.
Train Fares
One Way
- Boarding / Disembarking Paraparaumu / Levin - $129
- Boarding / Disembarking Palmerston North / Waipukurau - $99
Return
- Ex. Paraparaumu / Levin - $189
- Ex. Palmerston North / Waipukurau - $159
Infant (0-2yrs) - FREE provided they remain on the lap of a fare-paying adult.
Please see a provisional timetable for each day:
Book online here!
Please be at your boarding station at least 10 minutes prior ready to roll.
Huff ‘N’ Puffs – Departing Napier & Hastings!
20th & 22nd February
Jump on a steam train between Napier and Hastings! Enjoy the rhythmic chuff of the engine, breathtaking views as we follow Marine Parade, heading inland towards small-town Clive, the industrial settlement of Whakatu and experience the delightful ambience of a bygone era! Perfect for families, history buffs, and anyone looking for a unique adventure.
Train Fares
General Admission - $39
Family of 4 - $139
Infant (0-2yrs) - FREE provided they remain on the lap of a fare-paying adult.
Available Dates/Times Departing Napier & Return
Click your timeslot below to book!
Friday 20th February
- Departing Munroe St at 8:50am
- Departing Munroe St at 10:20am
- Departing Munroe St at 11:50am
- Departing Munroe St at 1:20pm
- Departing Munroe St at 2:50pm
Sunday 22nd February
Available Dates/Times Departing Hastings & Return
Friday 20th February
- Departing Sir James Wattie Place at 9:35am
- Departing Sir James Wattie Place at 11:05am
- Departing Sir James Wattie Place at 12:35pm
- Departing Sir James Wattie Place at 2:05pm
The Hawkes Bay Flyer
Saturday 21st February
Join the Cancer Society of Hawkes Bay, and Steam Incorporated and jump onboard for a grand day out, heading from Napier, down toward Waipukurau & Woodville. This train will be hauled by steam locomotive Ab 608 (subject to locomotive availability) and will comprise our fleet of steel passenger cars, featuring our open viewing car! Spend the day in beautifully restored carriages as we travel through the Central Hawkes Bay, south to the heart of the Tararua district. Choose to travel through to Woodville, OR jump off the train at Waipukurau for a layover to explore the famous Art Deco market before travelling back to Napier on the train later in the afternoon.
Available Options and Times (choose one):
Option 1 - A Day on the Rails
Napier/Hastings to Woodville & Return
Join the train from Napier or Hastings and spend the day on the rails right through to Woodville. Upon arrival at Woodville, the entire train will be turned on the famous balloon loop for the return journey. Whilst we briefly stop at Woodville, sample the delights of the recently restored Woodville Station.
Nestle into your seats for a relaxed afternoon cruising back toward Waipukurau, where we stop for passengers, and to take on water in the steam locomotive, before travelling onward toward Hastings & Napier to finish off the day.
Train Fares
Adult (13+ yrs) - $169
Child (3-12 yrs) - $129
Infant - FREE provided they remain on the lap of a fare-paying adult.
Click here to book Option 1 - A Day on the Rails!
Option 2 - Waipukurau Market Day
Napier/Hastings to Waipukurau & Return
Join the train from Napier or Hastings and head out for a day at the markets!
Skip Woodville and disembark the train at the Waipukurau Market Day (4hr stopover in Waipukurau).
With over 60 New Zealand-made craft, produce and artisan stalls, multiple food trucks and bougie picnic tables and cheese boards. Waipukurau will be transformed back to the Art Deco era with live music, classic cars and entertainment. There is a variety of options available throughout the Waipukurau stop over if you've selected to spend your day at Waipukurau.
Train Fares
Adult (13+ yrs) - $139
Child (3-12 yrs) - $109
Infant - FREE provided they remain on the lap of a fare-paying adult.
These train fares include return train travel between Napier/Hastings and Waipukurau, and entry into the Central Hawkes Bay Market at Waipukurau.
Optional add-ons for the Waipukurau Stopover
- High Tea at Waipukurau Station's Espresso Loco - $40pp - Limited to 50 guests!
- Clay Target Shooting - Travel by coach from Waipukurau to the Patangata Clay Target club for a fun filled excursion of busting clays in the beautiful Central Hawke’s Bay - $80pp - Limited to 40 guests!
- E-Bike Tour on a portion of the Tuki Tuki Trail, guided by members of the Rotary River Pathway Trust - $40pp - Limited to 16 guests!
Click here to book Option 2 - Waipukurau Market Day!
Option 3 - The Waipukurau Steam Express
Waipukurau to Woodville & Return
Join the train from Waipukurau and head through to Woodville. Upon arrival at Woodville, the entire train will be turned on the famous balloon loop for the return journey. Whilst we briefly stop at Woodville, sample the delights of the recently restored Woodville Station.
Nestle into your seats for a relaxed afternoon cruising back toward Waipukurau.
Train Fares
Adult (13+ yrs) - $109
Child (3-12 yrs) - $79
Infant - FREE provided they remain on the lap of a fare-paying adult.
Click here to book Option 3 - The Waipukurau Steam Express!
Lunch add-on - $27.50 each
For those travelling south of Waipukurau (Option 1 and 3), we are offering a lunch, to be served at your seat courtesy of Hawkes Bay-based Dish Catering. This is available to add on when booking. Sample menu can be found here: Menu Sample
Please see below a provisional timetable for the day:
Please be at your boarding station at least 10 minutes prior ready to roll.
A portion of all ticket sales from the 21st February will go towards the Cancer Society of the Hawkes Bay, supporting their important work in the region.
Death Aboard the Deco Express
Saturday 21st February
Step aboard Steam Incorporated's historic diesel hauled train where champagne flows, jazz crackles through the air, and the world of Art Deco decadence surrounds you. But beneath the glittering surface, danger lurks in the shadows. When murder strikes mid-journey, every passenger becomes a suspect… and every clue brings you closer to uncovering the killer.
Will you solve the crime before the train reaches its final stop—or will the murderer slip away into the night?
An evening of intrigue, elegance, and deadly secrets awaits. Dress to impress, sharpen your wits, and prepare for a first-class journey into the golden age of mystery.
Art Deco dress is greatly encouraged! This is an 18+ event.
Train Fares
General Admission (18+ yrs) - $199
Ticketing includes your return train journey, an immersive theatre performance onboard, and canape's throughout our Waipukurau layover. Both onboard the train, and at Waipukurau Station, a cash bar will be operating.
Please see below a provisional timetable for the day:
Please be at your boarding station at least 10 minutes prior ready to roll.
Click here to book Death Aboard the Deco Express!
A portion of all ticket sales from the 21st February will go towards the Cancer Society of the Hawkes Bay, supporting their important work in the region.
Hawkes Bay Steam & Cuisine
Sunday 22nd February
Jump on Steam Incorporated’s red heritage train and indulge in an afternoon of Steam and Hawkes Bay cuisine! Board the train at Napier and nestle in for an exclusive excursion down through to Waipukurau. Enjoy a beverage from the train’s bar and pick a light refreshment to accompany. Having travelled by rail down to Waipukurau, disembark the train and jump on one of the coaches to the stunning Woburn Homestead.
This historic homestead is set amongst hundreds of roses, with sweeping lawns, a forest underplanted with thousands of daffodils and English bluebells, where you can stroll through to the equally historic old original barn and stables. You can get a peek of the glory days of yesteryear and stroll about to view the old harness room, and all the Victorian antiques.
Amongst the roses is where you get to indulge in a tasty summer long lunch and endless tea and coffee.
Following your meal, we will return to our waiting train, where our heritage locomotive is all set to lead us back up the line to Napier, finishing a unique afternoon out on the rails!
Train Fares
General Admission Single - $159
General Admission Pair - $299
Infant - FREE provided they remain on the lap of a fare-paying adult.
Fares include your train travel, lunch at the homestead and bus transfers.
Please see a provisional timetable below:
Please be at your boarding station at least 10 minutes prior ready to roll.
Click here to book Hawkes Bay Steam & Cuisine!
Takapau Steam Express
Sunday 22nd February
Step aboard Steam Incorporated’s red heritage train for a delightful family outing during Art Deco Weekend! Enjoy a short return journey from Waipukurau to Takapau, designed with families in mind. Experience travel behind our 110-year-old steam locomotive in one direction and our classic 1955 heritage diesel on the other. Ride in authentic 1930s-era carriages and take in the sights from our open viewing platform for a truly nostalgic experience.
Train Fares
General Admission - $29
Family of 4 - $99
Infant (0-2yrs) - FREE provided they remain on the lap of a fare-paying adult.
Available Dates & Times
Sunday 22nd February
Please be at your boarding station at least 10 minutes prior ready to roll.
Click here to book Takapau Steam Express!
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.
Group bookings of 10+ please contact us via email admin@steaminc.org.nz or call us on 0800 783 264 for a personalized package
Steam Incorporated maintains a close and collaborative relationship with Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) to ensure the utmost safety of our operations, especially in areas designated as high fire risk. In alignment with FENZ's guidelines and recommendations, we prioritize the safety of our passengers, staff, and the environment. During periods of heightened fire risk, Steam Incorporated reserves the right to substitute diesel locomotives for scheduled steam services. This decision will be made in line with Steam Incorporated's existing Fire Mitigation Framework.
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