Winter three-day schedule on now!

We are now in our Winter three-day schedule, with three trains running Friday, Saturday, Sunday and every day for public and school holidays. For details of dates, scheduled engine and cycle and cruise connections please look at the calendar on the book now page.

We are finalising our Spring-Summer 2024-25 schedule now for release in September with the extension of our scenic train service to the Whangae Tunnel platform. Enquiries welcome to admin@bayofislandsvintagerailway.org.nz. We operate 7 days in Summer, October-April.

Please note: the Cycle Train connection will not be available for booking 4th June 27th September with the cycle trail closed for scheduled maintenance at this time. Please contact the Pou Herenga Tai Twin Coast Cycle Trail for updates or our booking calendar for the Cycle Train Connection.

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

On our current schedule, trains depart from Kawakawa at 10:00am, 12:00 noon, 2:00pm. They stop at Taumarere Station (to pick up bikers/walkers) and finish at Te Akeake located at the halfway point between Kawakawa to Opua. The returning train will also stop at Taumarere before completing the trip at Kawakawa. It will take about 1½ hours for the full return train trip to Kawakawa. Note: New schedule release 27th September 2024 with our extended service to Whangae Tunnel Platform. This increases our scenic journey to 120 minutes return and adjusts our departure schedule from Kawakawa Station with trains at 10:00am, 12:30pm and 3:00pm. Online bookings open now!

Gabriel our flagship steam engine runs the last Sunday of every month and we run our vintage engines every other operating day.

Through the Cruise Ship season we also offer return coach packages between Paihia and the 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 Island’s, 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 a link to join the Twin Coast Cycleway (Pou Herenga Tai) between Taumarere and Te Akeake. It is strongly recommended you book online 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 Winter 2024

Return service Kawakawa to Te Akeake.

Kawakawa Station has plenty of car parking for cars and campervans.

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

*Te Ake Ake Station and Taumarere are walk in or cycle only, you cannot drive there.

***NEW SCHEDULE RELEASE 27th September 2024***

Ticket Prices

Vintage Train fares

‘Gabriel’ Steam Locomotive Fares

Gabriel the vintage steam engine requires both a driver and a fireman with specialised training, in addition to running on coal, which makes her very unique and scheduled to run the Last Sunday of every month, and in the holidays or special Charters (as drivers are available).

Cycle Train connection between Taumarere – Te Ake Ake 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. At the discretion of the Guard on duty. 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 Te Ake Ake from the BOIVRT Guard. Concession books available for Far North District Residents (ID and proof of address required).

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.

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.  Also 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 summer planned. If you want to get more involved in your community, in heritage restoration, engineering, track or kaitiaki teams; lead local tourism, events or mānakitanga, 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