PAEKĀKĀRIKI SIGHTSEEING TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Steam Through Te Āpiti: The Woodville Steam Express — Palmerston North to Woodville, 10 January 2026
A family-friendly, steam-hauled sightseeing run behind WW1 Memorial Steam Locomotive Ab 608 through the seldom-seen Manawatū Gorge — useful for planning departures, bookings, and accessibility needs.
Steam Through Te Āpiti: The Woodville Steam Express — Palmerston North to Woodville, 10 January 2026.
On 10 January 2026 Steam Incorporated runs the Woodville Steam Express: morning and afternoon steam‑hauled return trips from Palmerston North to Woodville behind the WW1 Memorial Steam Locomotive Ab 608, threading the Manawatū Gorge and offering rare views of the river now inaccessible by road.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Ride behind WW1 Memorial Locomotive Ab 608
This is a steam experience centered on Ab 608, a heritage locomotive that will haul two special services for the day. The train is the focal point of the outing and the reason many riders come from across the region.
Manawatū Gorge: a rarely seen river corridor
The route runs through the Manawatū Gorge, giving passengers views of a river corridor now largely inaccessible by road and of the dramatic landscape that links the Manawatū and Hawkes Bay regions.
Turnaround at Woodville and a second look at Te Āpiti
Trains continue to Woodville where the consist is turned and serviced, then return past Te Āpiti — on the return you may spot Meridian’s wind farm, an on‑route example of large‑scale sustainable energy production.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
Departing Palmerston North in either a morning or an afternoon slot, the steam-hauled train eases into the Manawatū Gorge corridor, unfolds long river views that are normally hidden from road users, reaches Woodville for turning and servicing, and returns for a second passage past Te Āpiti — a compact, intergenerational outing built around the sight, sound and rhythm of heritage steam.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this outing suits — and who should take extra care.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
There are two steam‑hauled departures (morning and afternoon) on 10 January 2026; passengers should be at their boarding station a minimum of 10 minutes prior to departure with tickets and carriage/seat allocations ready.
Bring your printed or digital ticket and be ready with your carriage number and seating allocation at boarding; infants under two travel at no charge when seated on a paying adult’s lap.
All seating is reserved and prior booking is essential. For bookings and group packages contact Steam Incorporated on 0800 783 264 or [email protected].
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
When is the Woodville Steam Express running?
The special steam services run on Saturday 10 January 2026 with two steam‑hauled departures (morning and afternoon).
How do I book and are seats reserved?
All seating is reserved and allocated on these special experiences; prior booking is essential. Book online or call the operator to reserve seats.
What are the fares and are there family or infant concessions?
General admission single is $49; General Admission Family of 4 is $179. Infants under two travel at no charge provided they sit on the lap of a fare‑paying adult.
I have limited mobility. Can I travel?
Due to the age and design of the heritage carriages these services are not suitable for passengers with limited mobility; contact the bookings team on 0800 783 264 to discuss options.
Are group bookings available?
Yes — group bookings of ten or more are available. Contact Steam Incorporated via email at [email protected] or call 0800 783 264 for a personalized package.
Is there an additional booking fee online?
If booking online the system adds a small percentage to the fares; Steam Incorporated does not retain that revenue.