Scenic Vintage Railway

OVERVIEW

Hop aboard a vintage train for a spectacularly picturesque ride through the countryside in a restored 19th-century carriage. The journey will begin and end at the Kawakawa Railway Station, a largely intact building from 1911. The flagship steam engine Gabriel will power the train as it travels through native bush, pristine wetlands, and fertile farmland and across the longest curved wooden railway bridge in the Southern Hemisphere. Along the way, you will hear entertaining commentary about the region’s Māori heritage, colonial industries and conservation efforts that have helped preserve the indigenous flora and fauna. As the train makes its way toward Opua, it will follow the natural curves of the Kawakawa River, where you may spot water birds. If nothing more, peek at the whimsical public restrooms back in Kawakawa. Designed by world-famous architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser, they feature undulating walls, multi-colored tiles, recycled bottles, and a live tree growing through the grass-covered roof.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ride a vintage train through a largely untouched landscape of native bush and wetlands.
• Enjoy the ambiance of traveling in a beautifully restored 19th-century train carriage.
• Pass over the Southern Hemisphere’s longest curved railway viaduct.
• Look for wildlife, especially water birds, while following the Kawakawa River.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.