Bay of Islands: Scenic Vintage Railway Trip with Commentary

Step back in time on a 2-hour heritage train ride down Kawakawa’s main street, over the Southern Hemisphere’s longest curved wooden bridge and through wetlands to the 1880s Whangae Tunnel
Begin your adventure at the historic Kawakawa Railway Station, just 20 minutes' drive from Paihia. Climb aboard one of six lovingly restored vintage locomotives and settle into your choice of enclosed carriage, open-sided carriage, or the fully open-air wagon, perfect for photographers and anyone who wants the wind in their hair.

Then comes the moment everyone talks about. The train eases out of the station and travels straight down the middle of State Highway 1, past shops and cafés, as cars wait and locals wave. The Bay of Islands Vintage Railway is the only working railway in New Zealand that runs down a State Highway through the center of a town, and it never stops being surreal.

Leaving Kawakawa behind, the landscape opens into the Taumarere River corridor, a mosaic of coastal wetlands, raupō swamps, salt marsh, and remnant native forest that feels a world away from the main road. This is one of the best birdwatching spots in Northland: the wetlands along the line are home to native and threatened species, and the railway's own trapping and predator-control program is helping them thrive. Keep your camera ready as herons, shags, and other waterbirds lift off the estuary as you pass.

At Taumarere Station, the train pauses for a 10-minute photo stop before crossing Long Bridge, the longest curved wooden rail bridge in the Southern Hemisphere. Lean out from the viewing area and watch the river slide beneath you, this is a proper slow-down-and-stare moment. From here the line follows the water towards Ōpua, with wide river and harbor views unfolding on either side.

Your turnaround point is the Whangae Tunnel Platform, at the mouth of the oldest rail tunnel in the North Island. Built between 1880 and 1884 from bricks hand-made on site, it is a remarkable piece of Victorian engineering that can only be reached by train, bike, or foot. The locomotive pushes back for the return journey and you retrace the route, this time with the afternoon light on the water.

Throughout the trip, your volunteer guard shares the stories that bring the line to life ,the 1864 coal discovery that started it all, the 1884 extension to the coast at Ōpua, the Ngāti Hine connection to this land, and the ongoing restoration that reopened the extended route in October 2024. This is a living, working heritage railway run with manaakitanga (care and hospitality) and kaitiakitanga (guardianship) for the whenua (land) and awa (river), and every ticket helps keep it rolling.

Back at Kawakawa Station, round off the day with a coffee and a cabinet treat at the Railway Station Café on the platform, browse the Railway Shop, or wander up the road to Hundertwasser's colorful masterpiece.

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.