The River Steam Rover 03-24

You've missed this event.

Step onboard our lovingly restored heritage coaches, hauled by steam locomotive Ww 644. Settle into your seats to enjoy this special trip through the north of Hamilton, crossing over and following the Waikato River to Huntly and return.

Jump on board with the Glenbrook Vintage Railway - Bringing steam locomotive Ww 644 back to the Waikato!
Ww 644 - Built at Dunedin's Hillside Workshops in 1915 was comprehensively overhauled between 2018 and 2022 by the team of volunteers and staff at the Glenbrook Vintage Railway's Pukeoware Workshops.
So hop on board as we step back in time – to how rail travel used to be – and experience steam on the main line.

The River Steam Rover | Hamilton-Frankton to Raahui Pookeka (Huntly) and Return

Pack some snacks, your camera and bring the family along for this little train adventure.

Departing Hamilton-Frankton station, we head north through the old railway suburb of Frankton, and past the big rail freight terminal at Te Rapa (check out the length of Fonterra's shed!!). Passengers are also able to join the train at the new Rotokauri station, opposite Te Awa - The Base. Continuing north from here, we journey our way through the suburb of Burbush and onto Horotiu before crossing the Mighty Waikato River at Ngaruawahia. It is from here that the Waikato river will guide us all the way to Huntly.

We pass by the former military camp Hopuhopu before descending towards Taupiri Maunga - the sacred burial place for Waikato Tainui Iwi. Don't forget to wave to the motorists following us alongside the river all the way into Huntly.

At Huntly, our steam locomotive will "run-around" the train, this means it will detach from the train, run past our carriages and back onto the other end, ready to pull us back to Hamilton. Feel free to jump off onto the platform and snap a picture of the steam locomotive as it runs around the train!

Wait for the whistle, and we'll be on our way, southbound back to Hamilton. On our journey today, feel free to take advantage of our open air viewing platforms throughout the train. Take in the atmosphere and sounds of steam, and relive the adventures of a bygone era. Fun for kids of all ages! Bring along the whole family, and share in the adventure of steam together.

Arriving back into Hamilton, your journey with us here ends today, with plenty of time to share some fun stories of your little train adventure with us today!

Also check out the Frankton Thunder Steam Shuttles!

A great train trip through the city, town and along the Waikato River - suitable for the whole family!

Fares

Return Ex Hamilton (Frankton) and Rotokauri (The Base)

Adult $49 | Child (2-14) $35

Timetable

The River Steam Rover

Hamilton (Frankton)	dep.	2.20pm
Rotokauri (The Base)	dep.	2.45pm
Huntly	arr.	3.25pm
Huntly	dep.	3.45pm
Rotokauri (The Base)	arr.	4.25pm
Hamilton (Frankton)	arr.	4.45pm

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 River Steam Rover - Sunday 10th of March 2024

Your ticket includes return train travel between Hamilton and Huntly.