Experience a journey along the beautiful Taumarere River on our flagship Steam engine, Gabriel. 

Experience the history and nostalgia of vintage rail, the 1927 locomotive is a beauty to watch and truly unique experience to ride.  Guards on every journey share the local history and personal connection to the railway and our beautiful environment.

We run Gabriel the last Sunday of every month on our Steam Sunday's, along with special events on school and public holiday dates. We have released tickets for online bookings for our Summer Schedule out to the end of September 2024. For Gabriel running dates after this please enquire or alternatively our Vintage Engines run every day that Gabriel is not, so you can experience bay of islands vintage railway all year round. Trains depart from Kawakawa at 10am, 12 noon, 2pm. 

Gabriel stops at Taumarere Station (to pick up bikers/walkers) and turns around at Te Akeake, our platform located at the halfway point between Kawakawa to Opua. The returning train will also stop at Taumarere before completing the trip at Kawakawa. It will take about 1½ hours for the full return trip to Kawakawa.  Note there is a 10-minute stop at Taumarere and Te Akeake, neither location can be reached by car. You can only train, walk or cycle into these historic sites.

*Gabriel the vintage steam engine requires both a driver and a fireman with specialised training, in addition to running on coal, which requires a more specialised schedule. 

Experience a journey along the beautiful Taumarere River on one of our Vintage engines, we have 6 different locomotives in service and alternate these across our seven-day operation.  Experience the history and nostalgia of vintage rail. Guards on every journey share the local history and personal connection to the railway and our beautiful environment.

Current timetable (Winter 2024) Trains depart from Kawakawa at 10am, 12 noon, 2pm. We run every Friday, Saturday and Sunday and every day in the school and public holidays.

We stop at Taumarere Station (to pick up bikers/walkers) and finish at Te Akeake located at the halfway point between Kawakawa to Opua. The returning train will also stop at Taumarere before completing the trip at Kawakawa Station. It takes approximately 90 minutes for the full return trip to Kawakawa.  Note there is a 10-minute photo stop at Taumarere and Te Akeake, neither location can be reached by car. You can only train, walk or cycle into these historic sites. 

Cyclists need to book the train connection separately and cycle-connection fares will apply. Bay of Islands Vintage Rail also have a booking office in Paihia and a coach bus service connecting visitors to Kawakawa Station in time for each train.  This needs to be booked separately online or from the Paihia booking office. We also operate every day the Cruise Ships are in the Bay of Islands, and have a Cruise and Coach package available online or from our Paihia booking office.

NEW SCHEDULE ** In Spring we run five days Thursday - Monday (from 02 September) and Summer (from 02 December) we operate seven days per week. Please check our schedule on the booking page, our timetable changes on the 27th September 2024 to departures from Kawakawa Station at 10:00am, 1:00pm and 3:30pm to accommodate our longer operating run out to the beautiful Whangae- Opua area. 

Many of our Cruise Ship customers and visitors staying in Paihia have requested a bus transfer to Kawakawa Station.  This coach ensures you arrive direct at the Station in time to catch our three daily scheduled train departures.  There is also the option to take a later coach so you can enjoy the cafes, galleries and the creative culture of Kawakawa, including the world famous Hundertwasser Toilets and award-winning Te Hononga building.  

Fare includes 120 minute scenic river train ride and return coach. Total tour 3 hours. We can pick up and drop you wharf direct to Waitangi Wharf for your tender, saving you lengthy ques for the shuttle bus.  Feel free to enquire by email before you book, alternatively you can book in and we can come back to you to confirm the details. We have a Bay of Islands Vintage Railway booking office in central Paihia.

The Scene 3 is a relaxed ride that’s a fun, easy way to get around Kawakawa and Opua. 

Enjoy the easy, family friendly riding of the Pou Herenga Tai Twin Coast Cycle Trail eastern section (Kawakawa to Opua), jump on your bike, book your train connection, and get out into the open country and river views in no time.

• Hourly rates and day hire only.
• Pick up and return bikes to Kawakawa Station.
• Our Coach to Trail Package is available to pick up and return passengers Paihia-Kawakawa on cruise ship days.
• The Scene’s lightweight, efficient step-thru frame adds a casual convenience that’s easy to ride.
• Big wheels, fat tyres add comfort, traction and confidence to every ride.
• Premium grips, pedals and elastomer-sprung saddle provide comfort and style on every ride. 
• Scene 3 features simple and efficient single chainring gearing and the 24-speed ideal for the easy grade Pou Herenga Tai Twin Coast Cycle Trail. 

Each bike comes with Helmet and Padlock for safety and convenience.

Book online, at the Kawakawa Station or at our Paihia Booking Office, corner of Marden and Williams Rd, Paihia.

Share the gift of rail with your loved ones with our Bay of Islands Gift Vouchers.

Customise the voucher with your own personal message and let your friends, family, colleague or special interest group enjoy a scenic train or bike journey along the beautiful Taumarere River towards Opua. 

Recipients can select their product of choice (Steam train, Vintage engine, Bike Hire, or a combination) and dates they choose to travel.  Recipients have 12 months to redeem their voucher and they can book online with their voucher or bring their voucher with them to book at the Kawakawa Station.

The vouchers are set at $40 minimum, but you can multiply the quantity depending on the value you are gifting. Any unused value is rolled over for the recipient to use another time in the period or top up at a later date.

Thanks for share the fun, nostalgia and adventure on the oldest railway line in the North Island of New Zealand.

Now you can travel with us on the Bay of Island's Vintage Railway year-round with our special All Aboard membership Club offer.  You will be sent a unique Membership Card and can use this to travel on our rail journey as many times as you like all year.  The card is priced to incentivise travel and thank our patron's that support our heritage railway with repeat travel and sharing our unique experience with friends and family.  Club members can also access special membership deals through the Railway Cafe and Gift Shop and be offered exclusive member events and news updates. Essentially pay for three trips and then travel for free.

Adults $125, Children $65, Senior's $110, Family $290 (2 Adults, and up to 2 Children).  This includes $5 Membership card. Terms & Conditions apply

For just $5 annual membership fee local's can save a minimum of 20% off their ticket price. 

Members must reside in Bay of Island's - Far North District. Proof of address and ID required. 

Members will be issued a Membership Number and Card, this is required at time of online booking (and local discount will be applied) or in the ticket office if paying at the Station.

As the weather makes up its mind if it's hot or cold, join us in the beautiful mid-north Bay of Islands for some rejuvenation. Bay of Islands Vintage Railway and Ngāwha Springs have teamed up to help keep you warm and gently reconnect with yourself and nature as we come out of winter.  Relax into one of our vintage carriages and experience the beautiful scenery and invigorating fresh air of the Taumarere River by rail, then bathe in the thermal healing waters at Ngāwha Springs, soaking away the worries and cares of the world. 

**The package price includes both the 90-minute train ride and 2-hour hot pool session, alongside your choice of sweet or savoury muffin/slice and hot drink from the Railway Station Cafe, perfect to grab before or after your train journey.**

The pricing structure includes Northland - Local and General Admission pricing.  If you select Northland - Local you will need to bring your proof of address (Mangawhai North).  Towels can be included in the package for $10 per person. This is a self-drive package and customers need their own transport. Allow 20 minutes' drive time between Kawakawa and Ngāwha.

Trains run:  3 days - Friday, Saturday, Sunday in August and 5 days - Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday in September. Train times 10:00am, 12 noon, 2:00pm. Pool sessions: 7:00am, 10:00am, 1:00pm, 4:00pm, and 7:00pm. October schedule tbc.

Please book your train time first and then note in booking if you'd like your Pool times before or after and we can book and confirm both activities and send you confirmation along with your cafe voucher. 

Offer valid 16 August - 16 October 2024. Online bookings only.

Bay of Islands Vintage Railway is a Qualmark - Silver activity.

** Note: The cycle trail connection is not available 04 June - 26 September 2024** Available for bookings from 27th September. 

Jump on the Bay of Islands Vintage Railway to complete your Pou Herenga Tai Twin Coast Cycle Trail from Opua to Horeke and return. The Rail restoration works have meant that part of the cycle trail is no longer accessible safely over the operating rail corridor.  Cyclists cannot access the section of the trail between Taumarere Station and Whangae Tunnel without getting a ride on the train.  It is recommended that cyclists book their connection to not miss out on the popular experience. 

If you are riding from Kaikohe or Kawakawa please select boarding at Taumarere Station. Times are 10:25am, 12:55pm and 3:25pm. Cycle time from Kawakawa is approximately 20 minutes.

If you are riding from Opua please select boarding at Whangae Tunnel.  Connection times are 11:00am, 1:30pm, 4:00pm. Cycle time from Opua is approximately 20 minutes (there is a steep detour over the tunnel).

Cycle connection fares are $15 each way, with local membership discounts available. Please select the session time of the service you require.

Please refer to www.bayofislandsrailway.org.nz to check times and details.  Along with trail updates from Pou Herenga Tai Twin Coast Cycle Trail. Facebook also has current information with regards to track closures.

Maximum 26 bikes per session. Bikes carried subject to available space. At the discretion of the Guard on duty. At the owners risk. Maximum 16 cyclists per any one group. If you want to book in a group of 16 or more, please phone or email admin@keteriki.com for a Charter train.

We are proud to represent our unique Te Tai Tokerau
flavour profile in the inaugural Savour Northland, 4th - 28th October.

Join us for an awe-inspiring sundowner excursion on
the bay of islands vintage railway - share a supper platter of local
delicacies, music and wine along the beautiful Taumarere River.

Platter includes delicacies inspired by our scenic train journey connecting the Kawakawa-Taumarere River to the Bay of Islands.
Appetising selection of Smoked Eel Pate served on a Kumara Tostada, Paroa
Oyster on the half shell with a kawakawa and tamarillo mignonette dressing,
Mussel fritter with horopito herb garnish, Whipped kina butter served on fry
bread puffs, Smoked mullet Tartelette, and Raw fish Ika Mata. Your choice of a
local wine or non-alcoholic beverage to match, all served in our vintage carriages as we
amble along the picturesque corridor towards Opua.

Train departs Kawakawa Station at 5:00pm, returning at 7:00pm.

This is an R18 event and event no tickets will be sold to minor's. Ticket price includes 2-hour Train journey, tasting platter and 1 beverage per person. Additionally, a maximum of two wines can be purchased on board. Water and non-alcoholic beverages are also available on board. 

Bookings and prepayment essential online through the Bay of Island's Vintage railway website. 

Local Membership discount applies, saving 20% off ticket price, making this incredible experience only $60 per person. Become a member today!