Sunday 2nd November

Experience the 'Gorge behind Steam!

Travel with the Steam Incorporated team by heritage train as we traverse the Manawatū Gorge, taking in the sights of the rarely seen river, now inaccessible by road. ‘The Gorge’ is an interesting geographical location, linking the Manawatū and Hawkes Bay regions, and dividing the Ruahine and Tararua Ranges. The railway line through here was completed in 1891 and has since held itself as a vital transport link through the area. The road through here, once forming part of State Highway 3, has a chequered history of closures due to land subsidence. The most recent of which was in 2017, when authorities decided to close the old SH3 road for good, fast forward to 2025 and this magestic new highway is now open to the public.

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The Te Ahu a Turanga: Manawatū Tararua Highway is a bold and scenic new route that carves its way across the lower North Island, reconnecting Ashhurst and Woodville after the closure of the Manawatū Gorge. Winding through dramatic landscapes, the highway blends modern engineering with a deep respect for the cultural and natural heritage of the region. It traverses rolling hill country, skirts native bush, and offers sweeping views of the Ruahine Ranges. From our heritage train, we see some of the huge infrastructure involved in turning this project into a reality!

Travel from Woodville through to Ashhurst & return, this train will be hauled by Ja 1271.

Please see below a provisional timetable for the day:

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Please be at your boarding station minimum 10 minutes prior ready to roll, with your tickets, carriage number and seating allocations at the ready.

Fares

General Admission (2+ yrs) - $49 Family Pass (2A2C) - $169

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

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.

All seating is reserved and allocated. Prior booking is essential.

We can cater for larger group bookings - these are best dealt with directly through us by emailing admin@steaminc.org.nz or contacting 0800 783 264.

Book online or call 0800 783 264 to book with the team!

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!