1 / 3SteamRail Wanganui Inc
📍 Gonville, Manawatu-Wanganui
SteamRail Wanganui operates steam-hauled excursions on named routes — the Ruatangata Wanderer and Kai Iwi Trekker — through Whanganui countryside. Tickets available at the Whanganui i-SITE. Pram access on board.
Fantastic trip, very well looked after by Steam Inc. Just a real shame the Feilding business association, or whatever they call themselves, does absolutely not one single thing to welcome 400-500 people with money to burn in their town.
🏆 Family Action Verdict
The Kai Iwi Trekker earns the strongest family recommendations — kids and adults stay absorbed for the full journey. The scale of the steam locomotives impresses all ages, and the volunteer crew are attentive throughout. Book tickets at the i-SITE before your travel day.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →17 Google reviews
Heather Carston
2 months ago
“Fantastic trip, very well looked after by Steam Inc. Just a real shame the Feilding business association, or whatever they call themselves, does absolutely not one single thing to welcome 400-500 people with money to burn in their town.”
Jenny Traveller
a year ago
“We caught the Ruatangata Wanderer and thoroughly enjoyed our trip, even though it was advertised as half an hour longer. Bought the tickets at the I Centre in Whanganui where the man was very helpful. Thoroughly recommend it ☺️”
Bernard Savage
a year ago
“This an impressive steam train and is obviously very popular. The line is not very long but enough to get a view of the countryside. Parking is easy and tickets can be purchased from the information centre”
Serena Fowler
2 months ago
“Went in the Kai Iwi Trekker, my kids and I absolutely loved the experience.”
Reviews from Google
Overview
SteamRail Wanganui runs proper steam-hauled excursions from Whanganui, not a novelty loop — the Ruatangata Wanderer and Kai Iwi Trekker follow distinct routes through farmland and river scenery. Volunteers run every aspect of the operation and their care for the trains and passengers is evident on board. Tickets are purchased from the Whanganui i-SITE. Parking at the departure point is straightforward. Trains occasionally run slightly over advertised duration.
