Jumping the ditch or heading up north for the holidays?

Catch up with the cuzzies and make family memories with Bay of Islands Vintage Railway!

For a limited time, get 1 free child ticket with every family ticket purchase, plus free iceblocks for kids to keep the fun rolling. Plus, bring the grandparents too, with $10 Senior discount (off standard adult fare), means great value for the whole family.

Offer runs throughout April & May – perfect for school holidays and long weekends!

Book now and experience a magical heritage train ride through the stunning Bay of Islands!

Terms & Conditions of offer:

* Free Child ticket can only be redeemed with accompanying Family ticket.

* Standard Family Pass is made up of 2 Adults and 2 Children; $130

* Family tickets and FREE Child ticket must be used on same date/train.

* Autumn schedule trains depart Kawakawa Station at 10:00AM and 2:00PM 

Limited-time offer – book your family adventure today!  

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.

Summer timetable Trains depart Kawakawa at 10:00am, 12:30, 3:00pm. Autumn-Winter- Spring Trains depart Kawakawa station at 10:00am and 2:00pm.

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

Celebrate Mother’s Day aboard our special Devonshire Tea Train – Sunday 11th March, 10:00am. and 2:00pm departures. Delicious scones, house made preserves, fluffy cream, great views, and unforgettable memories.

Spoil Mum with something special this Mother’s Day! ✨

Step aboard the Devonshire Tea Train with the Bay of Islands Vintage Railway and enjoy a relaxing ride through stunning scenery while savouring a classic morning or afternoon tea.

Perfect for mums, nanas, aunties and the whole whānau – with music, charming company, and vintage vibes.

Gift cards available, so even if you can't make the date, you can still share the day with your mum.

Sunday 11th May

Select from ⏰ 

10:00am or 2:00pm Departure, from Kawakawa Station. 2 hours return journey along the
beautiful Taumarere River 

$65 Adult 

$55 Senior

$35 Child (3-17yrs)

Limited seats available – booking essential! 

Local Membership discount applies; saving members 20% off ticket price.

Ticket price includes our beautiful train journey, Devonshire Tea - scones, cream, housemade delicious jams and tea and coffee. All served in one of our vintage carriages by our friendly team. 

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.