Welcome to the Mainline Steam 2010, Calendar page. Not only will we be adding advance notices of excursions to this page, but also events for the members of Mainline Steam. Check back often to see what is happening.
Operations update as per 20th August 2010.
We have a number of exciting excursions available below that are open for booking and more on the way. Bookings are essential so make sure you get yours in ASAP.
Arthurs Pass 12th of September is now sold out. Tickets are in the the mail.
Midland Mountaineer tickets have been mailed out. Train is sold out.
Kaipara Cannonball tickets are on sale now still plenty of seats. Get a group together for a great day out.
2010 EXCURSIONS.
Midland Mountaineer September 4th and 5th.
This train is definitely running. Join Mainline Steam for this great weekend adventure. Travel from Christchurch to Greymouth on Saturday where we stay overnight at the historic Kingsgate Hotel. The evenings buffet dinner and breakfast the next morning are included in the price. Our journey to, and from, Greymouth is behind Jb1236 and takes in some of New Zealand's most spectacular scenery as our train crosses high viaducts and clings to the mountainside above turquoise rivers through the Southern Alps. Once through the 8km long Otira tunnel the scenery changes to lush rainforest as we complete the journey to Greymouth. Places are strictly limited so don't delay your booking. Call 0800 462 978 to secure your place. A booking form is available here.
Fares:
Full Package - Train, accommodation, dinner and breakfast. Adult (Share Twin)* $399 per person.
*Please note MLS does not arrange for people traveling on their own to share a room with another passenger.
Adult (Single) $479 per person.
Train Only:
Adult return Christchurch - Greymouth - Christchurch $299 per person.
Adult 1 way. Christchurch to Greymouth or Greymouth to Christchurch. $199 per person.
Child price is 60% of above fares.
Kaipara Cannonball.
Sunday 19th September
Here's your chance for a steam train ride with the whole family or a group of friends. Travel to Helensville behind Ja1275 for a great day out.
Fares:
Adults $55. Children $40. Family $179 (2A - 2C)
Travel in the big window observation Panoramic Carriage at $95 per person. (No child fares).
Parnell Depot Open Weekend.
Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th September.
Bring the whole family along to our Parnell Depot at 23 Cheshire Street for a look behind the scenes at how we restore our historic steam locomotives. No bookings required just turn up between 10am and 4pm each day. As well as a chance to look through the depot we will have a couple of our locomotives in steam giving short rides around the depot yard.
Adults $15. Children (under 14 years) $5. Infants free. Family (2A-2C) $35.
See here for a short video of our little Bagnall in action.
New Zealand Steam Tour. October 8th - 27th 2010.
This tour is definitely running. Book now to secure your place.
This is a huge tour. Multiple steam locomotives. Fantastic scenery. Rare mileage. Off train sightseeing. Excellent accommodation. Friendly people. Private train.
Travel with us from Whangarei to Westport, and lots of places in between, behind our beautifully restored steam locomotives. Sit back and relax as the wild and wonderful New Zealand scenery rolls past your window. There will be photo runs in scenic locations, many that are not accessible by road. Opportunities for sightseeing in some of the countries most beautiful cities makes this more than a train trip.
This is the only true steam tour of New Zealand so don't miss your chance to be on the train and part of this wonderful experience.
West Coast Wanderer
Thursday October 14th. Friday October 15th.
We're heading for the coast. The West Coast that is. This is your chance to ride over this unique line from Greymouth to Westport or vice versa, behind steam.
This line is normally reserved for coal trains but we have the opportunity to run over it with Jb1236. This is a beautiful and isolated line surrounded by a rich history that few people get to see so don't miss your chance.
Sunrise Excursion to Gisborne.
Thursday October 21st Napier to Gisborne.
Friday October 22nd Gisborne to Napier.
Tell the boss you won't be in and join these steam hauled excursions over one of the most scenic lines in New Zealand. It is also a highly endangered line and it is possible that these will be the last public excursions over this line for many years, or possibly ever.
You've probably heard people talking about the magnificent trips they have had over this line in the past with Mainline Steam so don't delay any longer and join one of these excursions. It may be your last chance.
If you would like to join Mainline Steam for the Napier - Gisborne - Napier section from Auckland or Hamilton and are wondering how to get there your could join Fourways Tours who are running a tour out of Auckland to meet up with the train in Napier.
