The Ararere Express
A Matariki Special
Friday 20 June 2025
Featuring Ww 644 & Ab 608
Due to popular demand we have added one of our best experiences yet!
Join us on this special, never seen before jaunt through the Manawatu gorge to Woodville behind two of NZs oldest registered steam engines as the sun sets. This secures you front row seats to watch the magic of steam under the stars.
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Join us behind 110 year old steam locomotives, Ab 608 & Ww 644 for a rare double headed steam excursion in the late afternoon from Palmerston North to Woodville!
Ab 608 and Ww 644 are New Zealand's two oldest steam locomotives running on the national rail system, built only 3 weeks apart right here in NZ!
What to expect:
Due to popular demand, we've added another train experience to FRONZ50 and this could be our best yet!
Join us behind 110 year old steam locomotives, Ab 608 & Ww 644 for a rare double headed steam excursion in the late afternoon from Palmerston North to Woodville! The name Ararere Express was gifted to the FRONZ 50 event organisers by KiwiRail Te Kupenga Mahi's Pou Arahi: Billy Sinclair. Ararere means "flowing pathway" a fitting name for a Matariki excursion making its way through the Manawatu Gorge.
Ab 608 and Ww 644 are New Zealand's two oldest steam locomotives running on the national rail system, built only 3 weeks apart right here in NZ!
Bring your friends or family, and watch the sun set as we traverse the windy route down towards the Manawatu Gorge. Imagine the days of a bygone era, with the steam express trains that used to sail through the countryside as the evening fell. what a way to celebrate Matariki
You will see the Te Ahu a Turanga – Manawatū Tararua Highway - the country's newest large infrastructure project open to the public, as we pass under the huge viaduct crossing the Manawatu River.
Catch a glimpse of the old road through the Gorge, closed in 2017 because of huge landslips, little remains of a once national highway.
Please see below a provisional timetable for the evening:
Train Fare Pricing:
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General Admission Fare - Palmerston North to Woodville & Return - $50pp
Limited Mobility Disclaimer
Due to the age, design and nature of our heritage carriages, these are not suitable for passengers with limited mobility. If you have any concerns, please contact us on 0800 783 264 to discuss options with our bookings team!
All tickets and seating allocations are sent via email, within 48 hours prior to the departure of this excursion.
If you have any questions or need a hand with your booking, please contact us:
Steam Incorporated: admin@steaminc.org.nz | 0800 783 264
Glenbrook Vintage Railway: office@gvr.org.nz | 09 236 3546