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 (Spring 2024) Trains depart from Kawakawa at 10:00am, 12:30, 3:00pm. We run every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, along with every day in the school and public holidays.  We move to our 7-day schedule on the 5th December 2024.

We stop at Taumarere Station (to pick up bikers/walkers) and finish at Whangae Tunnel located approximately 2/3 point between Kawakawa to Opua. The returning train will also stop at Taumarere before completing the trip at Kawakawa Station. It takes approximately 120 minutes for the full return trip to Kawakawa.  Note there is a 10-minute photo stop at Taumarere, 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. 

Please be sure to select the correct BOARDING location - Kawakawa or Whangae Tunnel (only if you are walking) and whether you are going ONE WAY or RETURN to original location. If you have any enquiries please email: admin@bayofislandsvintagerailway.org.nz

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 at the Maritime Wharf where the cruise ship shuttle buses drop you to town. Easy walking and a wonderful door to door experience get you out into the beautiful New Zealand farmland, forest and wetland/river views all from the comfort of the train.  We have inside and outside carriages so you can get some fresh natural air and sunshine if you feel like it, or relax in one of our comfortable carriage's.  We also have the Railway Station Cafe offering delicious home baking, breakfast, brunch and lunch.  We look forward to making your Bay of Island's port visit one to remember.

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.

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.