Bay of Islands Vintage Railway
Ride New Zealand's oldest North Island railway, famous for trains chugging down a State Highway through town!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Trains run regularly
Bay of Islands Vintage Railway
Best Time
Trains run regularly
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ride New Zealand's oldest North Island railway, famous for trains chugging down a State Highway through town!
"A must-do! You will always have a great experience and see different things every time. Worth the $."
🚂 Ride the Rails
Book tickets in advance, especially during peak times or school holidays.
☕ Cafe Delights
Don't miss the cafe for great food and a chance to chat with passionate volunteers.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Train Ride Through Town
Kawakawa
Witness the extraordinary sight of a vintage train chugging down the middle of State Highway 1.
+1Historic Railway Journey
Kawakawa to Opua
Enjoy a scenic ride on beautifully restored vintage trains, a trip back in time.
+1
Southern Hemisphere's Longest Wooden Bridge
Near Opua
Cross this impressive, curved wooden bridge on your journey, a marvel of engineering.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Unique Railway Experience
+1Book Your Scenic Journey
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚂 Ride the Rails
Book tickets in advance, especially during peak times or school holidays.
☕ Cafe Delights
Don't miss the cafe for great food and a chance to chat with passionate volunteers.
🚲 Combine with Cycling
Consider pairing your train ride with the Pou Herenga Tai Twin Coast Cycle Trail.
📸 Unique Photo Ops
Capture the iconic train running down the highway – a photographer's dream!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚂 Ride the Rails
Book tickets in advance, especially during peak times or school holidays.
☕ Cafe Delights
Don't miss the cafe for great food and a chance to chat with passionate volunteers.
🚲 Combine with Cycling
Consider pairing your train ride with the Pou Herenga Tai Twin Coast Cycle Trail.
📸 Unique Photo Ops
Capture the iconic train running down the highway – a photographer's dream!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Bay of Islands Vintage Railway as a unique and highly recommended attraction, offering great value and a charming trip back in time. The passionate volunteers and the iconic train route through town are frequently highlighted as major positives, making it a memorable experience for all ages.
"We didn’t have time to ride the train, but it was still great to see! This is the first railway to open in the North Island of New Zealand and the only one that runs right down the middle of a State Highway — such a unique sight and piece of history."
Sivan Travelholic
"It's a must do! No matter how many times you have been you will always have a great experience and see different things every time. Highly recommend when up north! Worth the $.
Cafe is great too! Great fun for my whānau"
Kels Bickerton
"It was great! We had a scenic, two hour ride in the diesel engine train, lovely scenery, great vintage train and we got to hear some great stories about the land and history of land and trains from Keith. Would definitely recommend to anyone closeby!
Is also possible in combination with a bicycle trail/bike rental, sounds like it would be nice as well."
Marel Vrerink
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The railway is located in Kawakawa, Northland, New Zealand. It's easily accessible by car, often visited as part of a road trip through the region. Many visitors combine it with exploring the wider Bay of Islands area.
Yes, there is typically parking available near the Kawakawa station. It's advisable to arrive a little early, especially during busy periods, to secure a spot.
Absolutely! The railway is a great stop on a Northland road trip. It's also conveniently located for those exploring the Pou Herenga Tai Twin Coast Cycle Trail.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices offer great value for the experience. While specific prices can vary, reviews suggest it's 'worth the $'. It's best to check their official website or contact them for current pricing.
It's highly recommended to book your tickets in advance, especially if you plan to visit during school holidays or on weekends when trains run frequently.
Trains typically run every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, year-round, and daily during school holidays. It's always best to check their official schedule for the most up-to-date operating times.
The railway aims to be accessible. While specific accessibility details should be confirmed directly with the railway, vintage trains can sometimes have limitations.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The scenic rides, often from Kawakawa to Taumarere or Opua and back, typically last around two hours, offering a relaxed pace to enjoy the scenery and history.
You'll experience beautiful countryside, stunning vistas of the Bay of Islands, and the unique sight of the train traveling through the heart of Kawakawa town.
Yes, many visitors highlight the passionate volunteers who share fascinating stories about the land and railway history, enriching the experience.
Absolutely! It's a perfect outing for children who love trains, offering an exciting and educational experience.
It's the only working railway in New Zealand where trains travel down a State Highway and right through the middle of a busy town, making it a truly distinctive attraction.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the cafe at the railway is highly recommended by visitors for its great food and friendly atmosphere.
While specific policies may vary, it's generally a good idea to enjoy the onboard cafe or local eateries in Kawakawa. Check with the railway if you have specific dietary needs or plans.
📸 📸 Photography
The most iconic photo opportunity is capturing the train as it travels down State Highway 1 in Kawakawa. The vintage trains themselves and the scenic route also offer great shots.
Yes, you can take photos from the train. The windows offer views of the countryside and the unique town setting.
Generally, photography for personal use is welcomed. For commercial or professional shoots, it's always best to inquire with the railway management beforehand.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The roughly two-hour round trip is engaging without being too long for younger attention spans. 🚲 Cycle Tourists
This provides a relaxing break from cycling while still allowing you to soak in the beautiful Northland scenery. It's a great way to cover a section of the trail or simply enjoy a different perspective of the region. 🚂 Train Enthusiasts
+1 The chance to ride on beautifully restored vintage diesel engines and learn about the history from passionate volunteers makes it an incredibly rewarding visit. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through History
+1 This dedication is evident in the beautifully maintained vintage diesel engines and carriages that transport visitors back in time. What truly sets the BOIVR apart is its extraordinary route. It's the only working railway in New Zealand where trains navigate directly down a State Highway and through the heart of a bustling town. This unusual urban railway experience offers a unique perspective on Kawakawa and its surroundings, making every journey memorable.
+1 The railway's commitment to sharing this history is palpable, with volunteers often sharing engaging stories about the land and the railway's past. The Unique Route and Scenery
+1Beyond the town, the railway winds its way towards Opua, traversing picturesque Northland countryside. Along the route, passengers will cross the Southern Hemisphere's longest curved wooden bridge, a significant engineering feat and a highlight of the journey.
The ride provides stunning vistas of the Bay of Islands region, making it a relaxing and visually rewarding experience for all ages. Many visitors describe the scenery as lovely and the overall journey as relaxing and full of character. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit