1 / 3McLeans Island Miniature Trains (CLS)
📍 McLeans Island, Canterbury
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.
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.
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💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →70 Google reviews
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 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”
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.”
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.
