Excursion Gisborne steam train to muriwai tour at Gisborne

The Golden Age of rail travel is celebrated on one of the last steam trains in New Zealand-the sole surviving WA Class locomotive. A short walk from the pier brings you to the station where you will be welcomed aboard one of the restored, heritage carriages for a memorable 40-minute steam train ride down the picturesque Poverty Bay coastline to Muriwai. You will travel past the Captain Cook Statue, view samples of the produce grown in this fertile area and views across to your ship and Young Nick's Head to reach Muriwai.

Built in 1897 in the Dunedin railway workshops, WA 165 was brought to Gisborne in 1910 to work the steep sections of rail to the north. It worked on that line until 1942, before being turned into the star attraction in a children's playground. But around 1986, this beautiful piece of equipment was rediscovered and fully restored by the local vintage railway enthusiasts.

Today you'll settle into upholstered seats and toast to your good fortune with a complimentary glass of bubbles or fruit juice as you sit back and enjoy the scenery enhanced by informative commentary during your ride.

Upon reaching Muriwai, as small settlement 25km south of Gisborne, you'll alight on the grass platform and enjoy several photo opportunities as well as a lively Maori cultural performance. This performance features songs and dances of the local iwi (tribe) and often includes school children who bring a special sweetness to the ceremony. Your train will be turned around as you enjoy the show before embarking the steam train for the final time to make the return journey to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Muriwai , Cultural performance

Note

Please note: There is a moderate amount of walking on this tour on flat even surfaces. Loose comfortable clothing with long sleeves, hat, sunscreen and closed-toe walking shoes suggested.