Steam Train Returns to Taihape's Gumboot Day Festivities

Saturday 11th April 2026

All aboard for a gumboot-good adventure!

Join the Steam Incorporated & Feilding & District Steam Rail Society's teams on this special joint excursion as we depart the Kāpiti Coast and steam our way to the heart of the Rangitīkei — Taihape, the Gumboot Capital of the World, on the town’s biggest and quirkiest day of the year.

Headed by one of our grand steam locomotive, Ab 608 'Passchendaele', we depart Paekākāriki and quickly leave suburbia behind, collecting passengers at Paraparaumu, Waikanae, Ōtaki, Levin, Palmerston North, Feilding and Marton. 

North of Marton, we take the spectacular 1981 deviation, built to bypass unstable terrain and now regarded as one of the most impressive feats of railway engineering on the North Island Main Trunk. The line crosses the Rangitīkei River twice and the Kawhatau River once, soaring over a series of majestic viaducts. The standout is the North Rangitīkei Viaduct, the highest on the ‘Trunk at 81 metres above the riverbed. This bold $17 million project was cutting-edge for its time — and best of all, you’ll enjoy every dramatic curve and crossing from the comfort of heritage carriages and even our massive open viewing carriage!

On arrival in Taihape, the party begins. Step straight into Gumboot Day celebrations — expect colourful characters, community stalls, live entertainment, and of course the legendary gumboot throwing competition. While you soak up the atmosphere (and maybe measure your throwing arm against the locals), our steam locomotive will be turned on the turntable and readied for the run home.

As the afternoon sun settles over the Rangitīkei, sit back and enjoy the southbound sprint behind our hard-working Ab. An optional evening meal will be available as we depart Marton, before we whisk you back to the station you left that morning — tired, happy, and possibly still debating your gumboot-throwing technique.

This excursion is being run as a joint venture between Steam Incorporated & Feilding & District Steam Rail Society.

Fares

Departing Paekakariki/Paraparaumu/Waikanae/Otaki/Levin
Adult 13+ yrs - $179
Child 2-12yrs - $149

Departing Palmerston North/Feilding/Marton
Adult 13+ yrs - $159
Child 2-12yrs - $129

Infants under 2 travel free of charge, provided they are on the knee of a full fare paying adult.

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!

$32 per person to add this to your booking.

Provisional Timetable

Here's our provisional timetable for the day's running:

Steam, scenery, and a whole lot of gumboot-powered fun — Taihape awaits. Click to book!

Please note that if booking online, our booking system does add on a 5% booking fee 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.

Limited Mobility Disclaimer
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!

All tickets and seating allocations are sent via email, 48 hours prior to the departure of this excursion.

If you have any questions or need a hand with your booking, please contact us on 0800 783 264 or email admin@steaminc.org.nz.