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Trains & Railways

McLeans Island Miniature Trains (CLS)

📍 McLeans Island, Canterbury

★4.7(64 Google reviews)

McLeans Island Miniature Trains (CLS) runs steam and miniature train rides on selected weekends. Entry to the grounds is free. A children's playground, railway museum, and refreshment stand are on site.

✓ real steam trains✓ volunteer-run✓ free entry grounds✓ playground on site
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★★★★★Featured review by K H

We had gone to the one in Halswell but this is closer to us and you can ride both a big steam train and a little ride on one. There is a playground and museum too. Entry is free. Rides are $2 each on the trains. Only open certain weekends - see their Facebook page for details.

🏆 Family Action Verdict

Volunteer-run with real working steam engines — the combination of rides, museum, and playground makes it feel like much more than just a train day for families with young children.

â„šī¸ What to Know Before You Go

💡Open selected weekends only — check the CLS Facebook page before visiting
⏰Bring cash for train rides; entry to the grounds is free
đŸŽŸī¸Playground and museum on site alongside the trains
🚗Refreshment stand available on open days

đŸ’Ŧ What Families Are Saying

View all reviews →
4.7
★★★★★

64 Google reviews

Train variety and experience50%
Value for money30%
Volunteer friendliness20%
K

K H

8 months ago

★★★★★

“We had gone to the one in Halswell but this is closer to us and you can ride both a big steam train and a little ride on one. There is a playground and museum too. Entry is free. Rides are $2 each on the trains. Only open certain weekends - see their Facebook page for details.”

L

L G

2 years ago

★★★★★

“Absolutely fantastic time! So much to do and so affordable. Good amenities too. Parking and playground. Drinks and snack options. Loved it. Staff are all so nice”

G

geoffrey thurston

a year ago

★★★★★

“Had a great day. Plenty to look at and marvel at what used to be. Would love to have been back then.”

G

Gail Thomson

3 years ago

★★★★★

“16 October 2022 Such a great experience for my younger grandsons, before driving across town to Sumner Beach for a late lunch. They absolutely loved the 3 rides on miniature trains and also a ride on the larger train and open carriage. So did we, the adults. 😀 At only $2 per person, for each ride, it was a bargin. Cash only. Run by the volunteers, who are so helpful and friendly. A great children's play ground is available also and toilets close by for all to use. Google operating times for the public and go contribute. I was sent their advert for last Sunday by someone else.”

Reviews from Google

Overview

The Canterbury Locomotive Society runs miniature and full-sized steam train rides at McLeans Island on selected weekends. Riders can board both a large steam train and a smaller ride-on version. A children's playground, a railway museum with historic rolling stock, and a refreshment stand are all on site. Entry to the grounds is free; rides are charged per person. Parking available. Reviewers describe the combination of rides, museum, and playground as a full half-day out.

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