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1 / 3Thames Small Gauge Railway
📍 Thames, Waikato
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A cherished community railway running scenic waterfront rides along the Thames foreshore. Generations of local children have grown up riding these tracks, and grandkids still add it to the must-do list whenever they visit Nana and Poppa in Thames.
🏆 Family Action Verdict
A genuine kiwi classic for families with young train fans. The rides are affordable, the setting is gorgeous, and the multi-generational warmth reviewers describe is hard to find anywhere else. Works well as part of a Thames waterfront morning.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →113 Google reviews
G Reviews from Google
Janie Yang
8 months ago
“Recommend taking a morning walk along the waterfront railway. Very chill and relaxing, with nice views of the water and a peaceful vibe to start the day. A great spot to slow down and enjoy the town.”
Paul Thomas
5 months ago
“Great fun for children and adults”
Mike Smith
4 years ago
“Dearest Thames Small Guage Railway. My children have both had their lives enriched by your being there. Of course covid is now making life difficult for you and my children are growing up so we don't see you so much. Hope you're able to weather the storm with covid. Next time I see you open I'll go get some change and buy a ride.”
📊 Commonly mentioned in Google reviews
Based on Google review tagsChildren
26 reviews
Train rides
20 reviews
Friendly staff
7 reviews
Fun for adults
3 reviews
Lovely staff
3 reviews
Overview
Thames Small Gauge Railway winds along the waterfront on Brown Street, offering classic small gauge train rides with peaceful water views and a relaxed small-town atmosphere. The railway has enriched childhoods across multiple generations of Thames families. Morning walkers enjoy strolling the route for the chill harbour scenery even when rides aren't running. Check the Facebook page for current operating days before making a special trip.
