The Taranaki Flyer

Step onboard our lovingly restored heritage coaches, hauled by diesel locomotive DBR1254. Settle into your seats to enjoy this special trip up the scenic freight-only Marton-New Plymouth line.

Jump on board with the Glenbrook Vintage Railway for another easy day out by train! 
Hauled by heritage diesel locomotive DBR1254 - this train will consist of our vintage wood and steel paneled carriages with open air end platforms.
So hop on board as we step back in time – to how rail travel used to be – and experience traveling on one of the railway lines less traveled.


The Taranaki Flyer | Palmerston North, Feilding, Marton and Whanganui to New Plymouth and Return

Don't miss this RARE chance to ride on your very own exclusive heritage charter train deep into the heart of the Taranaki where you pass through some of NZs most fertile dairy farmlands, climb NZ's steepest grades, traverse valleys, travel through tunnels and be guided by breathtaking views of Mt Taranaki as we follow it towards New Plymouth. 

Our friendly staff will be waiting to board you at Palmerston North or Feilding station where once you are seated, our train will begin its journey north through the gentle foothills of Halcombe and Kakariki then onto Marton for a quick passenger stop. From Martin junction, we head across onto the Marton to New Plymouth line - opened in 1885. Sit back and enjoy the complimentary tea and coffee service as we pass through the country settlements and tunnels of Turakina and Fordell, before a quick stop at Whanganui East for passengers. 

Departing Whanganui East and crossing over the mighty Whanganui River, we begin our attack on the Westmere Bank - arguably NZs steepest operational railway incline (equal only to Otira). After climbing the Westmere, we descend down the otherside, through Goat Valley and into Kai Iwi. From Kai Iwi, our train makes several steep ascents and descents all the way through to Waitotara. A little after Waitotara, we pass through he settlement of Waverley with it's intact replica of a typical New Zealand Railways 1940's era country station, yards and good shed. Next up and adjoining the west coast sea views, we drop down into the township of Patea - famously known for the Patea Māori Club amongst other things. Not far now to Whareroa, the site of the Taranaki's largest dairy factory which processes up to 14 million litres of milk in peak times. Through Hawera and the gleaming Mt Taranaki is guiding us to New Plymouth. The mountain will guide us through the well known towns of Eltham, Stratford and Inglewood. As we enter the seaside city of New Plymouth, be sure to enjoy the ever changing city scape and ocean views - don't forget to spot the wind wand!  

At New Plymouth, take a leisurely stroll through the main street, enjoy a coffee and lunch, perhaps picnic near the wind wand, on the shores of the Tasman sea

At 1.40pm, we depart depart New Plymouth and re-trace our steps east and take in the sights and views that you may have missed on the trip west. 
Arriving Whanganui East at 5.35pm, Marton at 6.20pm then into Feilding at 6.50pm and Palmerston North at 7.10pm, you will be able to enjoy the rest of your afternoon, reminiscing your favourite parts of your exciting day with us.

Fares

Return Ex Palmerston North, Feilding, Marton and Whanganui (Eastown)

Adult $105 | Child (2-14) $75

 

Timetable

Outward
Palmerston North  dep.7.10am
Feilding    dep.7.25am
Marton    dep.7.55am
Whanganui (Eastown)dep.8.45am
New Plymouth (Wind Wand)arr.12.25pm

 

Inward
New Plymouth (Wind Wand)   dep.1.40pm
Whanganui (Eastown)arr.5.35pm
Martonarr.6.20pm
Feildingarr.6.50pm
Palmerston North   arr.7.10pm

  

Station Information

Palmerston North Station
Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/HuAY4Wgc6xobXXKRA

Access is off Tremaine Ave.
Parking is available at the station.

Feilding Station
Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/wx82cwCRRJZsPqjx9

Access is off Aorangi Street.
Street parking is available in the surrounding area.

Marton Station
Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/mausk8Ld9mQcvh9h7

Access is off Station Road.
Parking is available at the station.

Whanganui (Eastown)
Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/gusp4MjezifTt4Xw9

Opposite No.47 Eastown Road
Departing from the old station site.
Street parking is available along Eastown Road - at own risk.

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Seating Information

We aim to seat passengers from the same booking together. You will be allocated at least one window seat for bookings of 2 or more (subject to availability). Where possible, seats will be turned to face the direction of travel (pairs and singles) or to face each other (groups). If you are traveling with people on a different booking or have another specific request then please email us as soon as possible at [email protected] and we will try and accommodate your request the best we can. Your allocated seat and carriage details will be on your boarding pass which will be emailed to you at least 2-3 days before your departure date.

Onboard Information

  • Smoking or the consumption of Alcohol (not served by your train crew) is prohibited anywhere onboard our trains, including on any viewing platform, this includes the use or charging of e-cigarettes.
  • Due to the heritage nature of our carriages there is limited accessibility for people traveling with Wheelchairs. Please contact us in advance to discuss your requirements.
  • Animals apart from seeing and hearing guide dogs may not travel onboard our trains.
  • Only the named passengers on your booking will be allocated seats. One child under 2 may sit on each adult's knee. Children under 2 seated in the manner do not require a ticket.
  • There are toilets onboard our train which can be used throughout the journey.
  • Cold food or drink may be brought and consumed onboard the train provided that this does not disturb our passengers and that you take all rubbish and food scraps with you.

Refund Information

  • Refunds of fares paid, net of any payments made by GVR from those fares, requested and received by GVR up to and including fourteen clear days before the commencement of the trip or tour will be made without deduction other than a $30 administration charge per person booked. However no administration charge will apply where refunds arise as a consequence of the trip or tour being fully booked, cancelled prior to commencing, or postponed to a later date and the refund application is received within four days of the original trip or tour date.
  • No refunds will be given in the event of breakdown en route or unavailability of the advertised means of conveyance.
  • No refunds will be made if after departure, for whatever reason, passengers do not utilise the included trip or tour arrangements. Travel insurance may provide some degree of relief in limited cases.
  • No refunds of fares paid or any other form on recompense will be given as a result of any person missing any aircraft, train, bus or ferry in connection with this trip or tour for whatever reason.
  • No refunds will be given for cancellations unless the request is notified in writing to the GVR at least fourteen clear days before commencement of the trip or tour. Each such cancellation will be subject to the $30 administration charge per person booked.

Check out Full Terms and Conditions.

Book now for The Taranaki Flyer - Monday 8th of April 2024

Your ticket includes return train travel to New Plymouth and light refreshments served on the train.