There are many tourist railways in New Zealand. Vintage trains usually operate seasonally. In the article, I have gathered information about the most important heritage railways in New Zealand. Timetable, running days and ticket prices should be checked on official websites – timetable changes throughout the week and year.
The list does not include miniature railways (except for Driving Creek Railway)
Tourist railways in New Zealand
Bay of Islands Vintage Railway – a heritage railway operating on a few kilometers stretch from Kawakawa to Taumarere on the oldest passenger railway line in New Zealand (opened in 1864). Return journey from 90 minutes return journey from Kawakawa to the station at Te Akeake lasts 90 minutes. Train passes through the main street in Kawakawa. The train is hauled by a steam or diesel locomotive with two retro carriages along with one open carriage with benches. It is the only one that runs down the middle of a State Highway anywhere in the world. Trains run 5-days per week in autumn, Thursday-Monday, public and school holidays, and cruise ship days.
Bay of Islands Vintage Railway – official website
Blenheim Riverside Railway – a narrow-gauge railway operates a few days each month on two short routes: Brayshaw Park to Beaver (central Blenheim) or Brayshaw Park to Omaka (Aviation Heritage centre). The railway traverses along the picturesque Taylor River and meanders its way through the middle of the town.
Blenheim Riverside Railway – official website
Driving Creek Railway – an interesting 381 mm railway. Passengers are carried to a height of 172m up a wooded hillside in spectacular fashion on a line with numerous loops, switchbacks and viaducts. It operates daily. The entire trip lasts 1 hour 15-minute.
Driving Creek Railway – official website
Ferrymead Heritage Park – an open-air museum located in the suburbs of Christchurch, this park (a living museum) offers rides on vintage trams and a steam train. In addition to the railway, the park exhibits several other historic attractions. You need to buy an additional ticket for tram and train rides.
Ferrymead Heritage Park – official website
Gisborne City Vintage Railway – a steam-hauled train with retro carriages occasionally operating in the Gisborne area. The railway management offers, among others, a two-hour trip from Gisborne through the airport to Poverty Bay and back. Another option is a longer three-hour ride. Recently, the railway has acquired new carriages. Besides organizing rides, the association managing the railway offers railway-related gadgets such as pens, cans, and even caps. Trains leave from Gisborne Railway Station
Gisborne City Vintage Railway – official website
Glenbrook Vintage Railway – a vintage train occasionally operating on a 7.5-kilometer route between Glenbrook and Waiuku. This section is a remnant of a former railway line active from 1922 to 1967. The railway exists thanks to volunteers and, besides scheduled rides, offers the possibility of charter the train throughout the year. There are no public transportation options to Glenbrook; one can only reach it by car, which takes 45 minutes from Auckland. The return journey takes one hour. Tourists can buy souvenirs related to the railway at the Glenbrook shop.
Glenbrook Vintage Railway – official website
Goldfields Railway – historic steam or diesel-hauled trains operating between Waihi and Waikino. The railway initially (1905-1927) served for freight transport for local mines. From 1927 to 1978, it was part of the railway line connecting the Bay of Plenty with Auckland. The society for preserving the railway was established in 1980. Trains run daily, with one trip on weekdays and three trips on Saturdays and Sundays. The one-way journey takes 30 minutes, covering a distance of 6.5 kilometers.
Goldfields Railway – official website
The Kingston Flyer – a tourist steam train operating on a fourteen-kilometer route between Kingston and Fairlight. The headquarters of the train operator is located in Kingston, a 40-minute drive from Queenstown. The train is very popular among railway enthusiast and route is scenic. Rides are available daily, twice a day. A one-way journey takes an hour. The train has often appeared in movies and commercials. Since 2011, the new owner of the company managing the train has pulled it out of financial troubles, upgraded it, and additionally expanded its operations to include souvenir and wine sales.
The Kingston Flyer – official website
Marlborough Flyer – steam hauled tourist trains. Various trips on the KiwiRail network, for example Picton – Seddon and Picton/Blenheim to Christchurch.
Marlborough Flyer – official website
Ocean Beach Railway – an interesting old industrial railway in St Kilda, Dunedin. The Ocean Beach Railway stopped operating due to Covid in 2020 but was reinstated in 2023. It’s a short ride – usually diesel hauled trains with heritage carriages. The ride starts from John Wilson Ocean Dr next to Marlow Park and goes as far as Kettle Park. The oldest carriage in operation was built in 1886. There all-day passes – ticket entitles you for as many rides as you wish to take.
Ocean Beach Railway – official fanpage
Pahiatua Railcar Society – an association managing the Railcar Museum in Pahiatua organizes short rides with vintage railcars on a two-kilometer route. In addition, longer trips are occasionally organized. Restored vintage railcars once operated throughout the North Island in regular service. Pahiatua Railway Society also offers main line charters and excursions using our Standard Railcar throughout New Zealand
Pahiatua Railcar Society – official website
Plains Vintage Railway – a small railway museum and pioneer village in Tinwald, near Ashburton organizes short rides with vintage trains on a two-kilometer route. Rides take place occasionally. Passengers can ride in a classic carriage train pulled by a steam locomotive or a vintage diesel railcar. The museum also offers the opportunity to rent a train or organize a photo session. Carriages were manufactured in 1910s.
Plains Vintage Railway – official website
Pleasant Point Museum & Railway – a tourist train running occasionally near the museum, not far from the town of Timaru. Steam-hauled trains with retro carriages or a vintage railcar. In addition, tourists can visit the local museum, where they can see an old printing press, buy souvenirs, or watch movies in an old cinema.
Pleasant Point Museum & Railway – official website
Shantytown Heritage Park – a heritage park in a former mining village and mine located 10 kilometers from Greymouth (the terminus of the TranzAlpine train). One of the attractions of the park is short rides on a steam train on a 1.5-kilometer line. Trains run daily from 9:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Train rides are included in the admission price to the museum.
Shantytown Heritage Park – official website
Silver Stream Railway – heritage railway located near the suburb of Silverstream in the Hutt Valley 30 kilometers from Wellington. The railway operating on Sundays and selected public holidays.Trains are hauled by steam or diesel locomotives, and sometimes a railcar operates as well. The railway is part of the activities of the local Railway Museum, which has a collection of about 30 different types of carriages and 18 locomotives and rail buses. 1067 mm.
Silver Stream Railway – official website
Taieri Gorge Railway (Dunedin Railways) – a famous tourist train operating on a 77-kilometer scenic route between the stations of Dunedin and Middlemarch. Taieri Gorge Railway trains run daily. The journey is accompanied by commentary from a guide on the train and photo stops at the most interesting locations. The railway operator has also launched buses to transport tourists from Queenstown to Dunedin and back. During the journey, the train passes many picturesque spots. The train consists of a diesel locomotive and vintage passenger carriages. The one-way journey takes about two hours, so considering the photo stops, the train travels relatively fast for a tourist railway. The gangways have been converted into viewing platforms – this is the only train of its kind in New Zealand.
Dunedin Railways – official website
Taranaki’s Heritage Railway – tourist trains from Waitara to Lepperton. Total length of the 1067 mm route is 7.2km. Diesel hauled trains. Public rides every first and third Sunday from September to May.
Taranaki’s Heritage Railway – official website
Weka Pass Railway – a retro train running between the stations of Glenmark and Waikari (12.8 km). The railway is very interesting due to its location, landscapes, and clean, fresh air. Weka Pass Railway exists thanks to volunteers who care about preserving New Zealand’s railway heritage. Tourists wishing to travel this line must reach Waipara, where the Glenmark station is located – 60 kilometers north of Christchurch. Rides take place on selected Sundays and a few other selected days. The one-way journey takes 45 minutes. The train is usually pulled by a steam locomotive manufactured in 1909.
Weka Pass Railway – official website
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