Time travel on the rails

A throwback to the early days of luxury rail travel comes to Marlborough’s train tracks over the next two weekends,

Steam Incorporated is running an exclusive train journey from Blenheim to Kekerengu and return on Saturday 15 March, followed by a family orientated Picton to Blenheim trip return the next day.

Train Manager Tommy Secker is keen to see a full trip, whether for sightseeing, dinner at The Store Kekerengu, or for the train itself.

“We’re super excited to be bringing a special weekend of unique rail experiences to Marlborough, and worked closely with The Store, local winery Two Rivers, and Boomtown Beer to create an exclusive experience on the evening for train travellers.

Passengers join the Saturday train at Blenheim just after 3pm for a 70km journey across the Dashwood pass, navigating the Awatere Valley, coming out onto the coast at Wharanui before arriving at Kekerengu for a two-hour dinner beside the ocean.

“Our heritage train will be hauled by a heritage diesel locomotive, beautifully restored to its former glory, and will consist of its Victorian era passenger cars, the eldest of which dates back to 1912.

“These carriages have open viewing balconies on either end, and on a fine day, encapsulate the true enjoyment of train travel in its heyday”

“Not only that, but we've created a cost-effective local experience for families to jump on a heritage train the next day between Picton and Blenheim.

“Our heritage train creates an immersive experience, for people of all ages to get involved in. Take a step back in time and explore how rail travel used to be”.

Book online at www.steaminc.org.nz or ring 0800 783 264