PAEKĀKĀRIKI TRAIN FIELD GUIDE
Steam, Straw Hats and Market Madness: A Day Aboard The Mad Hatters Market Express
A return steam-hauled day trip from Paekākāriki to Woodville’s Mad Hatter’s Market Day — this guide explains what to expect, where to board, and how to prepare.
Steam, Straw Hats and Market Madness: A Day Aboard The Mad Hatters Market Express.
Board a heritage steam train in Paekākāriki and ride into the Manawatu for Woodville’s Mad Hatter’s Market Day — a family-oriented celebration of live music, more than 70 market stalls, children's tea-party activities and the annual Crazy Hat Competition.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A century-old locomotive and heritage carriages
The service is hauled by Ab 608, a steam locomotive built in 1915, and runs as a return trip carrying reserved, allocated seating — a heritage journey as much as the market destination.
More than 70 stalls, food trucks and local flavours
Woodville’s Mad Hatter’s Market Day features over 70 market stalls, a lineup of food trucks and local cafés to explore, plus tea and coffee on board the train and light snacks and alcoholic beverages available during the trip.
Crazy hats, a children’s tea party and spot prizes
The event emphasises family activities — a whimsical children’s tea party, old-time games with a steampunk focus, the annual Crazy Hat Competition and spot prizes and vouchers handed out through the day.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
It’s a convivial, outing-style experience: passengers join the steam-hauled train at one of the Kapiti–Horowhenua or Palmerston North boarding points, travel into the heart of the Manawatu, disembark at Woodville, then walk up to the square or take a shuttle bus to the market. Expect reserved seating, a provisional timetable for the return trip, and a market day built around costumes, music and family activities.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should check alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring your ticket, carriage number and seating allocation and be at your boarding station at least 10 minutes before departure.
Tea and coffee are available on board; there are also some alcoholic beverages and light snacks for sale during the trip.
All seating is reserved and allocated and prior booking is essential. Fares vary by boarding point; group bookings of 10+ should contact the operator for a personalized package.
Due to the age and design of the heritage carriages, they are not suitable for passengers with limited mobility — contact the bookings team to discuss if you have concerns.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Where can I board the Mad Hatters Market Express?
You can join the train at Paekākāriki, Paraparaumu, Waikanae, Otaki, Levin or Palmerston North.
Is seating reserved?
Yes — all seating is reserved and allocated on these special experiences; prior booking is essential.
Are infants charged?
Infants travel free on this service.
Which locomotive will haul the train?
The train is hauled by Ab 608, a steam locomotive built in 1915.
What if I have limited mobility?
The heritage carriages are not suitable for passengers with limited mobility; contact the bookings team on 0800 783 264 to discuss your needs.
How do I make a group booking?
For group bookings of 10 or more contact Steam Incorporated via [email protected] or call 0800 783 264 for a personalized package.