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.
🏆 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 →19 Google reviews
G Reviews from Google
Ema Potgieter
3 months ago
“It was a very long day, but here is why I give it 5 stars. Their volunteers are special. It seems they bring in young people with non-apparent disabilities and a few of our older community to balance it. They were all fantastic and did a great job for having to work for such a long time. We added two meals onto our package and man! There was a lot of food leftover! Lunch was breads and cheeses and dinner was a frittata, salads, breads and cold meats. Could not finish either so had some the next day. The train ride and boat ride was alright. A little uncomfortable on the train for 9 or so hours. The boat was a bit short because there were delays on the train. Both looked like they were in good nick and a nice part of our history. But if you're keen for a come what may attitude in your tour guide, this is great. It really shows the true laid back nature of Aotearoa.”
Heather Carston
8 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.”
Serena Fowler
8 months ago
“Went in the Kai Iwi Trekker, my kids and I absolutely loved the experience.”
📊 Commonly mentioned in Google reviews
Based on Google review tagsSteam train ride
2 reviews
Boat ride
2 reviews
Trip
2 reviews
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.






