Christmas Grand Circle Rail Cruise

Travel with Steam Incorporated on this special pre-Christmas excursion for an easy and relaxing outing. Perfect for an end of year celebration. We will circumnavigate the Tararuas in a clockwise direction. Plus an option of either visiting the Mauriceville Country Fair or an Opaki restaurant.

The diesel train will run from Paekakariki picking up at stations to Palmerston North (Paraparaumu, Waikanae, Otaki, Levin) then travel through the spectacular Manawatu Gorge to Woodville before heading down the Wairarapa and passing through the iconic locations of Mangatainoka and Eketahuna. While travelling through the gorge you will be able to view the large slips that have closed the highway on the opposite side of the river.

Before arriving at Masterton stops will be made at Mauriceville and Opaki to allow you to visit either the Mauriceville Country Fair or the Wingate Lane Restaurant at Opaki. Later we travel through the 9-kilometre long Rimutaka Tunnel on the way to Wellington before heading up the west coast back to Paekakariki and dropping off at stations to Palmerston North.

The train will be hauled by our recently restored Da1410 diesel locomotive and comprise our fleet of classic red “steel” cars. We will also have our buffet counter selling sandwiches, sausages, hamburgers, drinks and snacks, and a souvenir counter for all sorts of railway memorabilia.
You are welcome to bring your own food on the train.

You can board the train at Paekakariki, Paraparaumu, Waikanae, Otaki, Levin or Palmerston North in the morning. You will be returned to your boarding station in the evening.

The Mauriceville Fair is held at the Clarke Memorial Domain. This is probably Wairarapa's most scenic reserve. Essentially a country fair, attractions include live musical performers, vintage cars and vintage machinery, Clydesdale horse and carriage rides, helicopter rides, children's magician, quick fire raffles and the usual huge variety of stalls selling crafts, food, and other country goodies. A bus will meet the train to transfer you a short distance to the fair. Later you will be bused to rejoin the train at Masterton.

A one hour stop will also be made adjacent to Paper Road at Opaki just north of Masterton for a refreshment stop. There will be the option of a pre-ordered meal available at the Wingate Lane Restaurant.

You are also welcome to have your own picnic lunch either on the train or if fine on the grassed area alongside.

Covers bus transfers from train to fair and from fair back to training. Child no charge.

Wingate Lane Restaurant, Opaki: Buffet Meal Option
Cost $45 (Limited Numbers)
The expected buffet menu is two chefs served meats and hot sides, cake, and a tea /coffee station.

Later in the afternoon, we will serve you a slice of a delicious fruit Cheese Cake at your seat.

Early bookings advised!