Travel on Steam Incorporated's heritage train throughout Whanganui's flagship weekend!
Step aboard the iconic Ab 608 steam locomotive this January in Paekākāriki, Wellington, for the Whanganui Vintage Weekend. Enjoy scenic heritage train rides, vintage cars, and retro fashion in a unique celebration of local culture and history.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels as the main activity is a seated scenic train ride with walking opportunities at stops.
Wildlife
History
Steam Incorporated preserves and operates heritage rail services on restored lines, keeping New Zealand’s rail history alive since 1984.
Conservation
Efforts are made to minimize environmental impact during events, including waste reduction initiatives and promoting public transport access to reduce traffic.
Steam Incorporated
Travel on Steam Incorporated's heritage train throughout Whanganui's flagship weekend!
Steam Incorporated, based in Paekākāriki, Wellington, operates scheduled heritage train excursions across New Zealand’s North Island. The organisation runs a range of steam and diesel-hauled journeys that showcase regional scenery, restored rolling stock and historic locomotives, including the WW1 Memorial Steam Locomotive Ab 608. Trips include The Ashhurst Flyer, River City Express, The Heartland Flyer, The Napier Escape, The Mad Hatters Market Express, Steam in the Bay – Art Deco Heritage Trains, Whanganui Vintage Weekend and the Woodville Steam Express.
Each excursion pairs rail travel with local experiences: scenic views through the Manawatū Gorge, access to Whanganui with options for paddle steamer cruises on the Waimarie, visits to Napier during Art Deco events, market day activities in Woodville, and special vintage celebrations. Many services use restored carriages and period stations to enhance heritage presentation.
Steam Incorporated schedules special-event services tied to community festivals and seasonal celebrations, such as Art Deco and Vintage Weekend events, and publishes dates for departures and returns. Safety and preservation are central to operations, with trains maintained to heritage standards and staffed by trained crews and volunteers familiar with historic equipment. Tickets, timetable and accessibility information are provided for each trip, and passengers can choose guided options, dining or independent exploration where listed. Booking details and service updates are available for each scheduled departure, ensuring clear information for passengers planning travel arrangements ahead.
Base Location
Paekākāriki, Wellington
Based in Paekākāriki, Wellington
Tours Offered
9
Diverse steam and diesel excursions
Heritage Locomotive
Ab 608
Includes WW1 Memorial steam locomotive
Event Services
Seasonal
Festival and market day trips
Choose a scenic steam or diesel-hauled excursion and connect with North Island landscapes, festivals and rail history.
Book Early
Seats on the Ab 608 steam train fill quickly due to high demand; secure your tickets well in advance.
Dress for Weather
January in Wellington can be warm but unpredictable—bring layers and sun protection for comfort.
Arrive Early
Plan to arrive at the station early to explore vintage cars and retro displays before your train departs.
Use Public Transport
Paekākāriki has limited parking, so consider using local transit options to reach the event more easily.
Comfortable walking shoes
For exploring vintage car displays and strolling around Paekākāriki before and after the train ride.
summer
Sunhat and sunscreen
Protects you during outdoor portions of the event under the summer sun.
summer
Light jacket or windbreaker
Keeps you comfortable in case of coastal winds or sudden weather changes.
summer
Camera or smartphone
To capture the stunning steam train, vintage cars, and scenic landscapes along the route.