Sit back, relax and enjoy a scenic journey with a taste of the past! The Overlander service, travels between Wellington and Auckland through the heart of the North Island, will be pulled by a steam engine for part of the journey between June and October 2010.

The steam engine will pull the scheduled Overlander service between Feilding and Taihape and return every second Sunday, making day trips possible out of Wellington, Paraparaumu, Levin, Palmerston North, Feilding and Marton to Taihape for the whole family to enjoy a truly unique experience.

At Taihape, you can get off the train and watch the steam engine being turned – a great opportunity for photos! Or simply enjoy the surrounds and take a walk to one of the local café’s for a relaxing lunch.

The steam engine being used is from Feilding District Steam Rail Society, who obtained the WAB794 engine in 1997 and has since carried out a restoration project. This engine is one of only two survivors of its class and the only one in running condition, which makes this occasion even more unique.

Steam Engine Sundays will run as part of the Overlander on the following dates:

6 June 2010
4 & 18 July 2010
1, 15, 29 August 2010
12 & 26 September 2010
10 October 2010

As well as our normal range of fares available on the Overlander we have introduced some day excursion specials to Taihape and back. These fares are available to book online now:

Adult, Child and Senior Fares
From Wellington / Paraparaumu to Taihape and return
$135 per adult, $89 per child

From Levin / Palmerston North / Feilding / Marton to Taihape and return
$79 per adult, $59 per child

Family Fares
From Wellington / Paraparaumu to Taihape and return
1 Adult & 2 Child $259
2 Adults & 2 Children $369

From Levin / Palmerston North / Feilding / Marton to Taihape and return
1 Adult & 2 Child $169
2 Adults & 2 Children $249

Terms and Conditions:
Seats are subject to availability and are limited. Offer available Steam Engine Sundays only, day excursion fare conditions apply: 50% refund if cancelled prior to departure of first service, no refund if cancelled after departure of first service, no refund if cancelled/unused after first journey travelled. Date changes will incur a $20 per person non refundable charge, only bookable within New Zealand and subject to Tranz Scenic General Conditions of Carriage.

The following timetable will operate on Steam Engine Sunday dates as it allows the ease and transition of the steam engine.

Book online or from within NZ on 0800 TRAINS (872 467) or at your local Tranz Scenic ticketing agent.