The Tokoroa Express

You've missed this event.

Step onboard our lovingly restored heritage coaches, hauled by diesel locomotive DBR1254. Settle into your seats to enjoy this special trip down the Kinleith Branch from Matamata to Tokoroa 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 heart of Waikato on what is now the Kinleith Branch.
We last offered this sell-out day trip from Matamata in April!
So hop on board as we step back in time – to how rail travel used to be – and experience traveling through mighty Waikato countryside.

The Tokoroa Express | Matamata to Tokoroa and Return

Looking for a unique day out? Why not hop aboard the Tokoroa Express from Matamata to Tokoroa and return!

Boarding at Matamata station, the journey south sees us travel on a line that is the exclusive domain of freight trains.

Leaving Matamata, we will follow the road as we pass along the tree-lined tracks. Soon you will relax and realise why the train is the best way to travel!

On our journey we will pass through the settlements of Hinuera, Tirau (look for the old concrete water tower!), Putaruru (spot where the old Rotorua Branch turns off), Lichfield, and finally arriving at Tokoroa.

Here the carriages will stay for just over an hour while the locomotive is detached and turned at the nearby Kinleith rail terminal.

You are welcome to remain onboard or go for a short (350m) walk to browse the shops or grab a bite to eat. Arriving back into Matamata station at 3.30pm, your journey with us here ends today, with plenty of time to share some fun stories of your little train adventure with us today!

Option 1 | Matamata to Tokoroa

Matamata locals rejoice - the GVR is back! Hop on board our train, travelling from Matamata to Tokoroa hauled by our heritage diesel DBR 1254. Pack a picnic, bring the family, friends and your camera and join us for an adventure over the hilly terrain to Tokoroa. In Tokoroa you will have time to explore the town, check out the shops and grab a coffee, before jumping back on the train for the return journey home.

Fares

Return Ex Matamata

Adult $40 | Child (2-14) $20

Timetable

Outward

Matamata	dep.	11.40am
Tokoroa	arr.	12.50pm

Inward

Tokoroa	dep.	2.30pm
Matamata	arr.	3.35pm

Station Information

Matamata Station
Google Maps Link: https://goo.gl/maps/BPhpxNLNgkx7q1fg7

Access is off Hetana Street behind "Railside by the Green".
Parking is available in the surrounding streets.

Tokoroa

The train will arrive/depart from the old Tokoroa rail yard which is accessible off Logan Street and is only a short 5 minute walk into the town centre.
Google Maps Link: https://goo.gl/maps/5HA7d6nhCUqAS7f36

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 Tokoroa Express - Saturday 31st August 2024

Your ticket includes return train travel from Matamata to Tokoroa and Return.