Upcoming community events

Featuring Ja 1271 and Ab 608 ​What promises to be one of the highlights of the weekend – a double headed steam excursion on the Central Plateau. A sight not seen for many years – a double headed steam excursion heading up the Main Trunk line! Join Steam Incorporated and the Glenbrook Vintage Railway, as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of FRONZ with an extravagant line up of experiences throughout Matariki Weekend! The Federation of Rail Organisations of New Zealand has long supported and advocated for the work that we, and many other organisations undertake, helping to ensure the sustainable operation and preservation of New Zealand’s rail heritage. What to expect: What promises to be one of the highlights of the weekend – a double headed steam excursion on the Central Plateau. Jump onboard this exclusive day out at Paekakariki, Paraparaumu, Waikanae, Otaki, Levin, Palmerston North, Feilding or Marton and settle in for our journey north with Steam Incorporated & The Glenbrook Vintage Railway. Joining the front of the train at Palmerston North, both steam locomotives should soon get into their stride as we charge north - bound for the mountain! The train will roll into Taihape, New Zealand’s famed “Gumboot Capital” and a railway town that once bustled with activity. To get here, we have weaved through the steep grades and winding curves of the Rangitikei region. Along the way, we've crossed the Rangitikei River several times, passing over a series of striking viaducts — the South Rangitikei, Kawhatau, and North Rangitikei — each a testament to the engineering feats of this route.​ North from Taihape, both locomotives settle into the uphill slog towards the small settlements of Mataroa & Ngaurukehu. Mid way through this climb, the train will pause and enable passengers to disembark at the beautifully orchestrated horseshoe curve at Turangarere – roughly halfway between Taihape and Waiouru. Here the train will set back and provide passengers the opportunity to photograph our train under power as it comes breezing past – making a hiss and a roar! Upon arrival in Ohakune, take the opportunity to stretch your legs and explore the area. Just a short two-minute walk from the station, the local railway museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s history, featuring a compelling exhibit on the 1953 Tangiwai Disaster — New Zealand’s most tragic railway event. Nestle in for the return journey, as the afternoon light begins to fade, listen as the pair of differing exhaust beats sing their way home. Following our last loco change at Palmerston North for the day, our heritage diesels will work the final sector of the excursion to Paekakariki, stopping to drop you home enroute. This excursion will be hauled by heritage diesel locomotives between Paekakariki and Palmerston North in both directions, with steam locomotives Ja 1271 & Ab 608 taking over for the central portion of the excursion. Train Fare Pricing: Adult Fare ex. Kapiti / Horowhenua to Ohakune & Return - $199pp Child Fare ex. Kapiti / Horowhenua to Ohakune & Return - $149pp Adult Fare ex. Palmerston North / Feilding to Ohakune & Return - $169pp Child Fare ex. Palmerston North / Feilding to Ohakune & Return - $129pp Adult Fare ex. Marton to Ohakune & Return - $159pp Child Fare ex. Marton to Ohakune & Return - $109pp Add an optional lunch box for the way home - $30pp