FEILDING TRAIN FIELD GUIDE
Rangitikei Rambler: A vintage RM31 railcar winding through Manawatū’s rolling farmland
A 1.1-hour round-trip from Feilding to Marton aboard restored Standard Railcar RM31 ‘TOKOMARU’ — a short, family-friendly Saturday heritage run.
Rangitikei Rambler: A vintage RM31 railcar winding through Manawatū’s rolling farmland.
Step back into the golden age of New Zealand rail travel aboard the Rangitikei Rambler, an intimate heritage railcar run that takes passengers from Feilding through panoramic stretches of the Manawatū and Rangitikei countryside for a relaxed return trip to Marton.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Ride the restored Standard Railcar RM31 ‘TOKOMARU’
Board the heritage Standard railcar RM31, a living example of New Zealand’s railway past—an immersive, nostalgia-rich experience that places the railcar itself at the heart of the outing.
Panoramic Manawatū and Rangitikei countryside
The short run between towns opens out across rolling farmland and broad rural vistas, offering clear sightlines of the region that railways have long stitched together.
Limited, Saturday return trips with a Marton stop
This is an exclusive heritage service run on selected Saturdays, with a short stop in Marton to prepare the railcar for the return journey — seats are strictly limited and there are only a small number of return trips.
What the day feels like
How the Rangitikei Rambler feels
The experience is compact and deliberately unhurried: passengers board in Feilding, settle into the vintage carriage of RM31 ‘TOKOMARU’, watch pastoral New Zealand unfold outside the windows, pause briefly in Marton while staff prepare the railcar, then return along the same scenic corridor — a tidy heritage outing suited to a wide range of ages.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this outing suits — and who should plan differently.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Consult the operator for any specific gear guidance; the outing is a short, seated heritage rail trip.
Meeting Location is listed as Palmerston North Stationt; departures run from Feilding with scheduled departure times at 3:00pm, 4:25pm and 6:12pm on the service date.
The round trip runs approximately 1.1 hours in total.
The operator is running a strictly limited number of return trips on the Saturday service and seats are limited—book early to secure a place.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Rangitikei Rambler trip?
The return trip duration is approximately 1.1 hours.
Where do I meet and board the train?
Boarding is from Feilding for departures; the meeting location is listed as Palmerston North Stationt in operator materials.
When does the service run?
This is a Saturday heritage service; on the listed date departures from Feilding are at 3:00pm, 4:25pm and 6:12pm.
Is the Rangitikei Rambler suitable for children?
Yes — the outing is described as suitable for all ages and is promoted as family-friendly.
What railcar will be used on the trip?
The service uses the Standard Railcar RM31 ‘TOKOMARU’.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes — seats are strictly limited and the operator runs only a small number of return trips, so booking ahead is advised.