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Steam hauled to Whanganui, and diesel hauled on the return journey, and comprising our heritage steel passenger cars including our open viewing platform.
Head north from friendly Feilding, as travel up a portion of the main trunk line, climbing and curving our way towards Marton. A farming town in the heart of the Rangitikei district situated at roughly the half-way point geographically between Whanganui & Feilding. The arrival of the railway to the town in 1878 led to rapid growth in the area, which soon added industries such as engineering, sawmilling, and textile production to its economy.
We pass through the Turakina tunnel, just over 2km in length and dating in 1947. Further up the track, we cross over the Whangaehu River. A river firmly etched in New Zealand’s railway history, its headwaters are the crater lake of Mount Ruapehu on the central plateau, before flowing for 161 kilometres southward to the South Taranaki Bight near the settlement of that bears the river's name. From here we begin our steady climb towards Fordell, where we plunge into darkness for a second time through the tunnel.
We slow right down on our approach to Whanganui's Taupo Quay, as we travel down the rarely used Whanganui Town Branch, 4km from Eastown, down onto the Quay. Here you'll have an opportunity to stretch your legs as our locomotive is serviced and turned for the onward run home. Jump back onboard as we head back down country, toward Feilding.
Timetable:
Departs Feilding 12:50pm | Arrives Whanganui 3:20pm
Departs Whanganui 3:55pm | Arrives Feilding 6:10pm
Fares
Adult (12+ yrs) - $99
Child (2-12yrs) - $69
Infant (0-2yrs) - FREE provided they remain on the lap of a fare-paying adult.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Feilding Railway Station, 61 Aorangi St, Feilding 4702, New Zealand,Feilding, New Zealand, Palmerston North
Tickets
