Join us aboard the Hawke’s Bay Express for a full day escape showcasing the very best of mainline steam and lower North Island scenery. Enjoy premium climate controlled carriages, large panoramic windows, a dedicated café carriage, and an open air viewing platform that brings you close to the sights and sounds of the locomotive.
Departing our Plimmerton base, the train makes convenient regional passenger stops through the Kāpiti district, Horowhenua, and Manawatū. Once underway, wide plains and coastal views give way to the dramatic approach through the Manawatū Gorge, where the railway follows the river beneath steep hillsides through a series of tight curves that showcase the strength and rhythm of steam.
Upon arrival, set out to discover our curated destination options. Each experience highlights a different side of the region, from vineyard hospitality and world class dining to Art Deco heritage and independent exploration.
Welcome aboard
Hawke's Bay
Express
Continue Your Journey
Ruapehu Mountaineer
Step away from the sun-drenched coastal plains and head inland toward the soaring peaks and alpine wilderness of the central North Island. The Ruapehu Mountaineer invites you on a grand rail pilgrimage across sweeping viaducts and native forest valleys, carrying you right up the slopes of Mount Ruapehu to board the Sky Waka gondola for an unforgettable journey above the timberline.
Journey Overivew
Your Onboard Sanctuary
Immersive Off Train Adventures
Journey Schedule at a Glance
Relax in spacious, climate controlled carriages featuring large panoramic windows designed for uninterrupted sightseeing across Aotearoa's changing vistas. Step outside onto the open air viewing platform to experience the raw power, dynamic sights, and rhythmic sounds of a vintage steam locomotive working hard on the heavy grades. Savour specialty hot beverages and light refreshments from our dedicated café carriage throughout your voyage.
Begin your morning right with our optional Silver Star Breakfast Service delivered directly to your seat for guests boarding at Plimmerton, Paraparaumu, Ōtaki, and Levin, featuring a hearty breakfast wrap, sweet Danish pastry, freshly baked muffin, granola with yoghurt, and seasonal fruit.
When the train pauses, your journey into the heart of the region truly begins. Tailor your afternoon by selecting from our carefully chosen destination packages:
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Trinity Hill Vineyard (Relaxed Lunch): Enjoy handcrafted wines and an artisan lunch featuring your choice of gourmet sandwich, savoury scone, sweet slice, and seasonal fruit, accompanied by a guided cellar tour and a complimentary glass of Hawke’s Bay Collection wine in a serene vineyard setting.
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Mission Estate (2-Course Vineyard Lunch): Dine at one of New Zealand’s most historic wineries with a delicious two-course lunch (main course and dessert) followed by delicate petits fours, accompanied by a complimentary glass of wine on arrival.
Depart Plimmerton in the morning with convenient regional boarding stops at Paraparaumu, Ōtaki, Levin, Palmerston North, and Woodville, where pre ordered breakfast is served as the train heads north toward the coast.
Alight in Hawke's Bay at midday to begin your chosen destination experience, enjoying an unforgettable afternoon exploring vineyards, local dining, or Art Deco landmarks. Regroup in the late afternoon as the steam locomotive prepares for the return run south. Conclude your day with a relaxing evening voyage home, finishing with convenient evening drop offs at all morning boarding stations.