Gumboot Day Express
| Date: | 11/04/26 |
| Time: | 7:05 am - 8:35 pm |
| Location: | Paekakariki Station |
All aboard for a gumboot-good adventure 👢🚂
Join us for a special joint steam excursion to Taihape – the Gumboot Capital of the World – on its biggest and quirkiest day of the year!
Led by mighty steam locomotive Ab 608 “Passchendaele”, we depart the Kāpiti Coast and Manawatū, leaving suburbia behind as we wind our way north over the spectacular Rangitīkei and Kawhatau viaducts, including the iconic North Rangitīkei Viaduct, soaring 81 metres above the river below. Enjoy the journey from beautifully restored heritage carriages – including our popular open viewing carriage.
On arrival, step straight into Gumboot Day celebrations: colourful characters, local stalls, live entertainment and the legendary gumboot-throwing competition. While you enjoy the festivities, our steam locomotive will be turned and prepared for the run home.
As evening settles in, relax on the southbound journey with an optional at-seat evening meal available from Palmerston North, before arriving home tired, happy, and full of great memories.
| Outbound | Return | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Station | Departs | Station | Departs |
| Paekākāriki | 07:06 | Taihape | 15:20 |
| Paraparaumu | 07:18 | Marton | 16:55 |
| Waikanae | 07:30 | Feilding | 17:35 |
| Ōtaki | 07:53 | Palmerston North | 18:00 |
| Levin | 08:25 | Levin | 19:03 |
| Palmerston North | 10:05 | Ōtaki | 19:35 |
| Feilding | 10:27 | Waikanae | 19:58 |
| Marton | 11:07 | Paraparaumu | 20:22 |
| Taihape | 13:00 | Paekākāriki | 20:33 |
Times are provisional and subject to operational requirements.
This special excursion is a joint event of the Feilding & District Steam Rail Society and Steam Incorporated , with the steam train operated by Steam Incorporated.
