The Bay of Islands Vintage Railway Trust is nestled in the charming town of Kawakawa, which is located in the picturesque Bay of Islands region of the Far North. Interestingly, the city is also known for its awe-inspiring Hundertwasser toilets, a must-see attraction!
Its uniqueness
What sets this railway apart from all the others is that it is the only one in New Zealand where the trains travel on a State Highway and pass through the middle of a lively town. You’ll be amazed by the hustle and bustle of the town as you traverse through it on the train.
Its Schedule
You can ride on this railway every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday throughout the year, regardless of the weather.
During school holidays and public holiday weekends such as Easter, King’s Birthday, Matariki, Labour Day, Christmas, and New Year, trains operate daily!
It’s History
The railway has an impressive fleet of over six vintage diesel engines, and each one has its own unique character and history. And let me tell you, you want to make sure you get the famous steam engine, Gabriel – it’s absolutely stunning!
You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you admire the beautifully restored and carefully maintained vintage trains.
Did you know that the Kawakawa railway in New Zealand is not just a railway but a piece of history?
It’s the most northerly railway in the country and has been around for over 150 years! In fact, it was the first railway to open on the North Island and ran the first-ever steam locomotive and passenger train in New Zealand. How cool is that?
Our Experience
Buying the Tickets
We decided to ride the train and experience this unique attraction. The ticket prices are between NZD$ 30 – 40 per adult (roundtrip).
The trip takes around an hour and a half. Arrive 15 minutes before the departure time to give you time to buy the tickets.
They also sell the monthly Steam engine tickets online through Eventbrite for those who prefer the peace of mind to book in advance, so look out for that promotional link.
Boarding the Train
As soon as we boarded the train, we stood by the window and passed downtown, where locals and tourists waved at us.
However, as we left downtown, we were met with a completely different scenery.
It was like we had passed through a twilight door, and we were delighted to see the lush green view that greeted us. Everything was so peaceful and serene. At Tuamarere station, we stopped to open the gate of Whangae, which had been closed for safety reasons.
As we crossed the Kawakawa River, we saw cows, ducks, and sheep grazing in the pastures.
The volunteer mentioned that we might spot some seals in the water occasionally. The train moved slowly so we could appreciate the entire picture and not scare the animals away.
We also caught a glimpse of the Waikare Islet. The last station was Opua, and although there’s a project to extend the railroad, it currently only goes as far as Opua.
On our way back, we crossed downtown again and caused a bit of traffic. We couldn’t help but wonder if the locals were happy, but we soon found out that they were actually quite proud of the vintage train. It’s always nice to see a community come together over something they love, isn’t it?
Recommendation
Bay of Islands Vintage Railway ride is a serene and tranquil experience that has become a must-do activity for visitors to the area.
Embark on a 90-minute journey through the lively town of Kawakawa on State Highway 1, heading towards Opua with the Bay of Islands Vintage Railway. Admire the breathtaking farmland surrounding you as you make your way to Taumarere Station and cross the Whangae Bridge.
Take pleasure in the opportunity to experience the fascinating history and warm hospitality of this extraordinary railway. Create memories that will be forever engraved in your heart.
