The Te Kuiti Trekker

Step onboard our lovingly restored heritage coaches, hauled by diesel locomotive DBR1254. Settle into your seats to enjoy this special trip down the North Island Main Trunk to Te Kuiti and return.

Jump on board with the Glenbrook Vintage Railway for another easy day out by train!
Hauled by heritage diesel locomotive DBR1254 - our train will make its way down through the North Island Main Trunk into the King Country.
So hop on board as we step back in time – to how travel used to be – and experience the romance of traveling by rail!

The Te Kuiti Trekker | Kirikiriroa-Hamilton-Frankton to Te Kuiti and Return

Bring your friends and family along for this little train adventure.

Boarding at Hamilton's Frankton Station, the journey south sees us pass through a quick succession of rural towns. To our right will be the majestic Pirongia Mountain as we traverse the rich Waikato farming pasture. South of Te Awamutu we pass over the Puniu River, entering the King Country. After we pass through Otorohanga, you may catch a glimpse of the Rangitoto Ranges to the left. From here it is only a short gallop into Te Kuiti.

At Te Kuiti you will have an hour to stretch your legs, visit the Gallagher Meads Brothers Exhibition, or explore the town. Meanwhile we will turn the locomotive around on the turntable (this is quite fun to watch from the brand new footbridge) then depart back north. Our licensed train's food and drinks trolley service will be operating - so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey back.

Arriving into Kirikiriroa-Hamilton-Frankton station at 3.40pm, your journey with us here ends today, with plenty of time to share some fun stories of your little train adventure with us today!

A great train trip through the countryside - suitable for the whole family!

Fares

Return Ex Hamilton (Frankton)

Adult $45 | Child (2-14) $30

Timetable

Outward

Kirikiriroa-Hamilton-Frankton	dep.	11.50am
Te Kuiti	arr.	1.15pm

Inward

Te Kuiti	dep.	2.05pm
Kirikiriroa-Hamilton-Frankton	arr.	3.40pm

Station Information

Hamilton (Frankton) Station
Google Maps Link: https://goo.gl/maps/xfhqKMjU2mRJ88zQA

Boarding from Platform 1 (west side of station)
Access is signposted and is via Fraser Street, off Queens Ave in Frankton.
Ample free parking is available at the Station and in neighbouring streets.

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 Te Kuiti Trekker - Sunday 4th May 2025

Your ticket includes return train travel from Hamilton to Te Kuiti and Return.