Spring schedule on now!

We run our Spring schedule from 01 September – mid December 2025 with trains running every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, including every day in the September-October school holidays and public holidays. For details of dates, scheduled engine and cycle or cruise connections please look at the calendar on the book now page.

Spring-Summer- Autumn 2025-2026 schedule now open for bookings. In summer we run seven days per week and offer three daily departures. Open for booking NOW.

Group Tour and Charter bookings available 364 Days of the year (excludes Christmas day), please email enquires as to any dates/group/tours that you may require.

Enquiries are welcome to admin@bayofislandsvintagerailway.org.nz.

Click here to follow our instructions for booking your Cycle connection.

With our newly restored track we offer an extended rail experience to Whangae Tunnel Platform. This increases our scenic journey to 120 minutes return and adjusts our departure schedule from Kawakawa Station. Online bookings open now through to Autumn 2026.

We have a great fleet of vintage engines and up to 8 carriages that roll with us, from indoor seated tables, covered open side carriages, to free standing and open roof cycle carriages, we have lots of options for you to relax and enjoy the ride.

Through the Cruise Ship season we may offer return coach packages between Paihia and Kawakawa Station (20 minutes). This makes it easy to meet the train, grab a coffee at the Railway Station Cafe and enjoy the vintage rail experience. Leaving you more time to explore the natural beauty and history of this incredible part of the Bay of Islands, Aotearoa New Zealand. Return trip to Paihia, approximately 3 hours, plus the option to look around Kawakawa township – art gallery, museum, unique retail, food and the world-famous Hundertwasser Toilets.

Our rail timetable includes a cycle-train connection as an essential link to join the Twin Coast Cycleway (Pou Herenga Tai) between Taumarere and Whangae Tunnel. Booking online is necessary before you ride to confirm timetable and fare pricing. Click here to follow our instructions for booking your connection.

Groups of 16+ cyclists and cycle operators (hiring bikes, transport etc) are required to contact us to book this connection in advance as we have set capacity on each train. It is also suggested that cyclists check Cycle Trail information for the latest news on the trail condition, closures and scheduled maintenance.

Train Timetable Spring 2025

Return Kawakawa to Whangae Tunnel.

Departure times below from Kawakawa Station.

Please arrive at the station at least 15 minutes before your scheduled service. Allow approximately 20 minutes drive time from Paihia to the station.

*Whangae Tunnel Platform and Taumarere Station are walk in or cycle only, you cannot drive there. Kawakawa Station has plenty of car parking for cars and campervans.

September/October/November:

Operating five days per week on a 2 trains/day schedule:

Spring – Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Departing: Kawakawa Station: 10:00AM and 2:00PM

Cycle Connection: Taumarere Station: 10:25am, 2:25pm

Cycle Connection Whangae Tunnel Platform: 11:00am, 3:00pm

We recommend all passengers please BOOK YOUR TICKETS online to guarantee your train is running to schedule and or we can contact you due to any engine or staffing changes that affect operations. Especially important for cycle connections. IF we have no passengers booked, trains will NOT run, so please book.

Ticket Prices

Vintage Train fares

Cycle Train connection between Taumarere – Whangae Tunnel only. There is NO cycle access unless on the train. Cycle train connection fares apply. If travelling to or from Kawakawa Station directly, cyclists also pay single fare. We welcome cyclists subject to available space and at the owner’s risk. Maximum 16 cyclists per any one group/party. Bookings recommended for all cyclists as space is limited. Fares can be purchased online, at the Kawakawa Station, Paihia booking office or at the Gates at Taumarere or Whangae Tunnel from the BOIVRT Guard. Cycle Concession books available – $60 for book of 6 tickets.

Groups – 20 or more. We welcome groups, schools and events. 20% discount and Private Charter train options available. Subject to T&Cs. Please see below for more information.

Membership – As a passionate charity focused on sharing rail, culture and heritage; we offer two great membership options. Local Membership is available to all residents in the Far North District. Offering 20% off each ticket purchased and exclusive member deals across the year. You will need to provide Proof of Address. All Aboard Membership is a one-off fare price that offers you unlimited travel for the price of three trips. Both options are available on our book now and include a $5 Membership card.

How to book – Click here to follow our instructions for booking your Cycle connection.

Special train trips & Group Bookings

Special train trips (those outside the operational day/times above) can be run by arrangement. Special Charters can be booked for group events, school or educational trips, large cycle groups and cruise ship tours. Birthday parties or special events can be arranged if we have staff available. It makes for a great excursion and can be teamed up with local catering or musical acts and performance to make an extra special occasion.

To book a special trip please click the link to complete and submit a booking request form.

Join us

We’ve got a great team coming together at Keteriki – Bay of Islands Vintage Railway, with an exciting year planned. If you want to get more involved in your community, in heritage restoration, engineering, track or kaitiaki teams, lead local tourism, events or manākitanga, marketing or social media, or quietly assist with admin/office roles, please email us through your information, CV or paragraph about yourself.

We have volunteer and paid positions open and we pride ourselves on a diverse team of ages, cultures and skills. We know together, mahi tahi, we can achieve great things with our community and provide training, support and whanaungatanga to help us grow together.

Please email expressions of interest using the contact details below.

Photo credit: Ward Jameson