Experience a unique day of rail travel, including entry into the Grand Cavalcade at Palmerston North, and a bonus trip behind Ww 644 through to Feilding!
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:
At the head of our journey north will be a quintet of motive power from different era's in New Zealand Railway history. Leading the charge and representing the second generation of diesel motive power is DC4818, followed by a pair of beautifully restored first generation examples being Da 1410 & Da 1431. Following the trio of diesel motive power, is a 1956-built representative of the last of steam locomotive construction in NZ, Ja 1271, and finally, a product of her time and a rolling memorial to those railway workers who fell in the Great War - Ab 608 "Passchendaele", making her first outing in some time!
This excursion commences at Paekakariki, and picks up passengers at Paraparaumu, Waikanae, Otaki & Levin. Arrive into Palmerston North, engross yourself in the activities on the platform. Soon after our train arrives, the 'Grand Cavalcade' will begin where you'll have a chance to get up close and personal with some beautifully restored locomotives and rolling stock!
The Grand Cavalcade is set to feature:
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Ww 644
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Ab 608
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Ja 1271
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Da 1410
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Da 1431
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DBR 1254
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DC 4818
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An assortment of rolling stock from KiwiRail (TBA)
Following the cavalcade, travel behind Ww 644 as we head towards Feilding. At Feilding, you will have some time at your leisure to be guided through the Feilding Steam workshops, and inspect progress on their current progress. Set up in the late 1990s, the society is restoring a number of locomotives and carriages once used on New Zealand's national rail network, with its star attraction being a WAB class tank locomotive, WAB 794, which you'll be able to explore before jumping back on the train back to Palmerston North, and eventually back home.
A great day out for rail enthusiasts, or those who just want front row seats for the rail action!
Train Fare Pricing:
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Adult Fare - Kapiti/Horowhenua to Feilding - $119
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Child Fare - Kapiti/Horowhenua to Feilding - $79
All fares include heritage train travel to Palmerston North & return, entry into the Grand Cavalcade, and a return trip from Palmerston North to Feilding behind Ww 644.
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