Discover the festive magic of the Christmas Train with Weka Pass Railway. This scenic heritage journey combines holiday cheer, stunning landscapes, and charming stops that delight all ages.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5–2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, including young children and seniors.
Wildlife
History
The Weka Pass Railway originally operated in the early 20th century before closing in 1967; it was restored and reopened as a scenic heritage railway in recent years.
Conservation
The railway and its surrounding areas emphasize sustainability, supporting local conservation initiatives and eco-friendly tourism.
Weka Pass Railway
Discover the festive magic of the Christmas Train with Weka Pass Railway. This scenic heritage journey combines holiday cheer, stunning landscapes, and charming stops that delight all ages.
Weka Pass Railway is a scenic rail operator based in Waipara in the Canterbury Region. The railway offers scheduled and seasonal train experiences that travel through the limestone Weka Pass and the vineyards of Waipara. Passengers ride in open-air viewing cars that provide panoramic views of limestone cliffs, rock formations and vineyard landscapes, including landmarks such as Frog Rock.
Main services include the Christmas Train, the Sunday Public Train and the Summer Twilight Train. The Christmas Train delivers a festive outing through dramatic scenery, with family-friendly stops and opportunities for picnic-style refreshment in Waikari. The Sunday Public Train runs from Glenmark Station, carrying visitors through Waipara’s vineyards and the Weka Pass with a stop in Waikari for picnics or local dining. The Summer Twilight Train departs from Glenmark Station and features open-air carriages plus a leisurely two-hour dinner stop in Waikari where passengers can enjoy local cuisine or a brought picnic before returning to Glenmark.
Each trip emphasizes scenic viewing and short-town stops; open-air carriages are a consistent feature across services. The combination of limestone scenery, vineyard views and a Waikari stop creates a compact day-trip format suitable for families and visitors of all ages. Timetabled public runs and seasonal specials provide clear options for planning a visit to Waipara. Weka Pass Railway's trips are focused on relaxed sightseeing, accessible outdoor viewing and scheduled stops that let passengers experience both the rail journey and local Waikari hospitality. Trips are well suited for photography, picnics and relaxed exploration of the Waipara countryside region.
Location
Waipara, Canterbury
Base near Weka Pass
Scenic Route
Weka Pass limestone
Vineyards and rock formations
Family Friendly
All ages welcome
Suitable for families
Tours Offered
3 seasonal trips
Christmas, Sunday, Summer Twilight
Select a seasonal or public train from Glenmark Station and enjoy open-air viewing, vineyard vistas and a Waikari stop.
Arrive early for the best views
Get a good seat by arriving at least 30 minutes before departure.
Dress warmly for winter weather
Layers are key, as it can get chilly on the open-air carriages.
Bring a camera for scenic shots
Capture the limestone formations and vineyard vistas along the route.
Participate in festive activities at Waikari
Enjoy local markets and holiday events during the stopover.
Warm layers
Keeps you comfortable in the cooler outdoor temperatures.
winter
Camera or smartphone
Capture scenic views and holiday moments along the route.
Small backpack
Carry personal items, snacks, or souvenirs efficiently.
Holiday cheer accessories (optional)
Enhance your experience with Santa hats or festive ornaments.
winter