The Alpine Ranger

March 2025 sees the return of our popular 'Alpine Ranger' excursions!

Saturday 1st March | Sunday 9th March 2025

Travel with Steam Incorporated on a rare South Island rail experience! Join us on this special diesel hauled excursion to Arthur's Pass for and listen to the EMD V12 of DC 4818 sing through the Mountains! Normally based in Auckland, this will be an extremely RARE opportunity to see 4818 on the Midland line!

This is truly a unique way to experience the route of the Tranz Alpine to Arthur's Pass. Ride the rails of the Midland line in heritage carriages with open end balconies and hauled by an immaculately restored diesel locomotive on a trip from Christchurch to Arthur's Pass & return.

The train will be hauled by newly restored DC 4818, the first DC operating in preservation, courtesy of the Glenbrook Vintage Railway.

Join the train at Christchurch's Addington station or Rolleston. After traversing the Canterbury plains en route from Christchurch, the climb out of Springfield is no match for our locomotive as we snake our way up and through the Southern Alps. The journey truly lives up to its reputation, as one of the best railway journeys in the world. Upon arrival at Arthur's Pass, DC 4818 will be turned and re positioned to the eastern end of the train for our trip back to Christchurch.

Whilst in Arthur's Pass, have a quick stroll around the small town - and meet some of the 48 people that live there! If you're after something to do, 300m west from the railway station down SH73 is the Arthurs Pass Café & Store where you can find something to eat or take a look around the shop...watch the Keas, they'll nick your sandwich!