The Waikari Express

Embark on a special train from Christchurch to Waikari, up the Weka Pass!

Saturday 8th March

Join Steam Incorporated, on a truly special trip behind recently restored DC 4818, as you travel from Christchurch to Waipara, and then onto the Weka Pass Railway. This rail adventure offers a unique half day out for yourself and the family, exploring the best of North Canterbury by Rail!

Departing from Tower Junction, the train takes you north through the outer suburbs, and onto the picturesque Canterbury Plains, heading into the wine country of Waipara. Once at Waipara, we leave the KiwiRail tracks and head onto the Weka Pass Railway. We explore hand-carved cuttings dating back to the 1880s, climbing across embankments that were formed by shovel and wheelbarrow.

Nestled on what once was the Waiau Branch Line, the Weka Pass Railway winds it's way from Glenmark Station through rugged country, majestic scenery, and steep grades for 14km until we reach the terminus at Waikari.

At Waikari, you will have 30min to stretch your legs, and watch DC 4818 be turned, in full view of the Southern Alps (weather permitting), in preparation for our run down the hill toward Waipara, and onwards back to Tower Junction.

This will mark the first DC-hauled mainline excursion to travel the length of the Weka Pass Railway in nearly 20 years.