The Woodville Wanderer

A Steam hauled train journey from Napier to Woodville - with the Cancer Society of the Hawkes Bay

Saturday 15th February 2025

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 Ja 1271 and will comprise our fleet of steel passenger cars, featuring our open viewing car!

Heading south as we escape the Art Deco hustle & bustle of Napier, and pick up more passengers at Hastings enroute, we head up and over the Opapa Bank, climbing steadily towards the small towns of Otane & Waipawa. Arriving at Waipukurau, the largest town in the Central Hawkes Bay district, we will stop here for our steam locomotive to have a well-earned drink before navigating the rolling hills south, and you may choose to disembark the train here to spend your day!

With close to 100 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. The market is available to visit throughout your time in Waipukurau. Choose from an optional High Tea or walking tour around the Pukekaihau Pā Site - additional charges apply when booking for these exclusive experiences.

Espresso Loco High Tea - Limited to 60 people

Pukekaihau Pā Site Tour

Nga Ara Tipuna Operational Trust proudly offer a special guided walking tour of the Pukekaihau Pā Site for 2025 Art Deco Steam Train travellers. Learnings from the past, appreciation of the present, and hope for the future; all these are evoked by Ngā Ara Tipuna, a history trail sharing the stories of the people of Tamatea – Central Hawke’s Bay.

Tour starts and finishes at the Waipukurau railway station and takes between 45-60mins.  Includes a short walk up to the Pā site lookout which gazes out over the township of Waipukurau. Pathways are a mix of even, well-drained limestone with concrete steps in the steeper areas to gain access to the lookout.  Suitable for people of most ages and fitness levels - comfortable shoes for walking recommended.

The train slows right down as we approach Ormondville, and the wonderfully unique viaduct that we cross before entering the preserved station precinct. At 281m long, and 39m high, the viaduct dates to 1906. Take in the views from our open viewing car! We then continue downhill, toward Dannevirke and on to Woodville – our destination for the day.

For those travelling all the way down to Woodville, we are offering a lunch option, to be served at your seat courtesy of Hawkes Bay-based Dish Catering. This is available to add on when booking, for $27.50pp.

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. An ongoing project for the volunteers of the Woodville Station Group, the 60s era station is a testament to their hard work.

Jump back onboard the train for our run back north, grab a hot or cold drink from the Lounge Car, and sit back and relax. We are scheduled to cross the Pahiatua Railcar Society’s heritage RM 31 at Waipukurau on our return journey, whilst our steam locomotive takes on water, so you’ll have the rare chance to be apart of two heritage train services passing each other out in the wild!

The train will drop you back where you began your day – having enjoyed a unique day out down the track that rarely carries passengers!

Please see below our provisional timetable:

Please arrive at your boarding station no later than 10min prior to your departure time.

Booking Options - Click to book now!

Train travel to Woodville is SOLD OUT - however look at our other exciting options...

Waipukurau Market Day - Napier/Hastings to Waipukurau & Return 

Adult Fare - $139 | Child Fare - $109

High Tea & Walking Tour - $55pp | High Tea - $30pp | Walking Tour - $25pp

Departs Napier at 7:40am, returning to Napier at 4:55pm

The Waipukurau Steam Express - Waipukurau to Woodville & Return

Adult Fare - $109 | Child Fare - $79

Departs Waipukurau at 9:45am, returning to Waipukurau at 2:30pm

Call 0800 783 264 to book directly with our team!

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

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

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.