17th - 18th January 2026

Featuring Memorial Steam Locomotive Ab 608 - for the first time!

Whanganui’s Vintage Weekend is back for its 15th year! Step into a world of classic cars, retro fashion, and vintage charm in this unmissable celebration of nostalgia and community and we're proud to bring back our Heritage Train!

Each day offers something unique — from a short family outing to Kai Iwi and back, to a Vintage Steam & Cuisine evening experience. Take a look below to see what’s on offer! Spread the word and choose a trip or two… or maybe even three!

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Quick Reference Guide

Vintage Weekend Train Departures:

• The Kai Iwi Trekker - Sat 17th Jan at 8:50am and 11:15am
• The Ruatangata Wanderer - Sat 17th Jan at 1:45pm
• Vintage Steam and Cuisine - Sat 17th Jan at 4:10pm
• The Feilding Flyer - Sun 18th Jan at 8:25am

All trains departing from Whanganui depart from Taupo Quay - location details here!

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The Kai Iwi Trekker

Saturday 17th Jan 2026

A massive thanks to both MAD Media & Plumber Dan for supporting these trains!

Step back in time with Steam Incorporated on a special heritage train ride between Whanganui’s Taupo Quay and Kai Iwi. Experience the thrill of steam power, with 110 year old Ab 608 leading the charge and supported by heritage diesel traction.

From the moment we depart Taupo Quay, the journey is full of highlights. Hear the locomotive thunder up the legendary Westmere Bank — one of New Zealand’s steepest climbs — where the engine truly shows its strength. Just before Kai Iwi, travel along the impressive 2008 Kai Iwi deviation, offering sweeping views and a glimpse of the historic old route it replaced.

At Kai Iwi, the diesel takes over for the return, tackling the grades once more before bringing us back to Taupo Quay. It’s a nostalgic round trip filled with heritage, history, and the unbeatable sights and sounds of vintage rail travel.

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Fares

General Admission - $49 Family Pass - (2A & 2C) - $179 Infant (0-2yrs) - FREE provided they remain on the lap of a fare-paying adult.

Available Dates & Times - Click to Book!

• Saturday 17th January – Departs Taupo Quay at 8:50am, returning back at 11:10am. Supported by MAD Media

• Saturday 17th January – Departs Taupo Quay at 11:15am, returning back at 1:50pm. Supported by Plumber Dan

Please be at your boarding station at least 10 minutes prior ready to roll.

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The Ruatangata Wanderer

Saturday 17th Jan 2026

Thanks to MAD Media for supporting this train!

Step back in time on our heritage train as we travel from Whanganui’s Taupo Quay to the charming settlement of Ruatangata. Powered by a combination of steam and diesel locomotives, this scenic journey showcases the unique track south of Whanganui.

Departing behind our heritage diesel-electric, the train plunges through the historic Fordell Tunnel, giving you a few minutes of thrilling darkness before emerging to stunning views of the Whangaehu River winding through the countryside. Soon after, we cross the river on our approach to Ruatangata — a waterway steeped in New Zealand railway history.

At Ruatangata, the steam locomotive takes over for the return journey. Feel the power and hear the roar as we speed north through rolling hills back to Whanganui. Perfect for families and rail enthusiasts alike, this is a nostalgic afternoon of classic rail travel you won’t want to miss!

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Fares

General Admission - $49 Family Pass - (2A & 2C) - $179 Infant (0-2yrs) - FREE provided they remain on the lap of a fare-paying adult.

Available Dates & Times - Click to Book!

• Saturday 17th January – Departs Taupo Quay at 1:45pm, returning back at 4:05pm. Supported by MAD Media

Please be at your boarding station at least 10 minutes prior ready to roll.

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Vintage Steam & Cuisine

Saturday 17th January 2026

Step onboard our heritage train hauled by Ab 608, complete with an open viewing platform, and enjoy a delicious country-style meal along the way.

Traveling south, the train plunges through the historic Fordell Tunnel for a few thrilling minutes of darkness before crossing the iconic Whangaehu River — a waterway rich in New Zealand railway history, flowing 161 kilometers from Mount Ruapehu to the South Taranaki Bight. We then pass through the impressive 2km-long Turakina Tunnel, dating back to 1947, as we approach Marton.

Marton, a charming farming town in the heart of the Rangitikei district, grew rapidly after the railway arrived in 1878, shaping its thriving industrial heritage. Here, we will collect the meal prepared by Sandy and her team and distribute them on board at your seats. Grab a drink from the bar and settle in for a true country dining experience as the steam locomotive powers you back to Whanganui — an evening of heritage rail, scenic landscapes, and memorable flavours!

Fares

General Admission - $99 Infant (0-2yrs) - FREE provided they remain on the lap of a fare-paying adult.

Fares include your meal and your return train travel

Book Vintage Steam & Cuisine tickets here!

We can accommodate most dietary requirements, get in touch with our team to discuss your needs.

Please see below the provisional timetable for the day.

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Please be at your boarding station at least 10 minutes prior ready to roll.

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The Feilding Flyer

Sunday 18th January 2026

Thanks to the Whanganui Chronicle for supporting this train!

Travel behind Ab 608 and travel in our heritage steel passenger cars, complete with an open viewing platform, for an unforgettable steam train adventure between Whanganui’s Taupo Quay and Feilding.

Heading south, the train plunges into the historic Fordell Tunnel for a few thrilling minutes of darkness before emerging to cross the Whangaehu River — a river steeped in New Zealand railway history, flowing 161 kilometres from the crater lake of Mount Ruapehu to the South Taranaki Bight. Next, we pass through the impressive 2km-long Turakina Tunnel, dating back to 1947, on our approach to Marton.

Marton, a farming town in the heart of the Rangitikei district, grew rapidly after the railway arrived in 1878, shaping its rich industrial history. From there, it’s onward to Feilding — a charming Kiwi town in the Manawatū-Whanganui region, known for its heritage architecture and welcoming community. Enjoy your time here exploring Feilding’s sights, grabbing a coffee or lunch, before returning by train to Whanganui to complete your Vintage Weekend Sunday in style.

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Fares

Adult (12+ yrs) - $99 Child (2-12yrs) - $69 Infant (0-2yrs) - FREE provided they remain on the lap of a fare-paying adult.

Book Feilding Flyer tickets here!

Please note that if booking online, our booking system does add on a small percentage to the above fares. Steam Incorporated does not see this revenue.

Please see below the provisional timetable for the day.

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Please be at your boarding station at least 10 minutes prior ready to roll.

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Booking Notes

Limited Mobility Disclaimer - The primary boarding and disembarking points in Whanganui, do NOT have platforms. Throughout the weekend, you will have to board from ground level (3-4 steps). 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!

Please note that if booking online, our booking system does add on a small percentage to the above fares. Steam Incorporated does not see this revenue.

These trains are being run by Steam Incorporated, in association with the Whanganui Vintage Trust and other key sponsors.

Group bookings of 10+ please contact us via email admin@steaminc.org.nz or call us on 0800 783 264 for a personalized package.

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Key Event Sponsors

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Plumber Dan - Whanganui's trusted local plumber! 🛠️ From reliable plumbing and drainage services to expert gas fitting and bathroom renovations, Dan and his team have you covered.

Mad Media - MAD Media was founded in 2017 by three entrepreneurs who saw a gap in the digital out of home (DOOH) market in New Zealand. The team now operates thirteen digital boards in four cities across the north island of New Zealand. These cities are New Plymouth, Whanganui, Hamilton & Taupo.

Dave Hoskin Carriers - Operating daily from Wanganui, Palmerston North, Horowhenua and the Hawke’s Bay, Dave Hoskin and the team have been working on our solid reputation as the go-to professionals for the area since 1979.

Whanganui Chronicle - The Whanganui Chronicle is New Zealand's oldest newspaper. Based in Whanganui, it celebrated 160 years of publishing in September 2016.

SteamRail Whanganui - SteamRail Wanganui Inc. is a railway preservation society based in Whanganui, New Zealand. Established in 1989, its primary mission is to preserve and restore significant railway heritage in the region, including the historic Wanganui Turntable.