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Trains & Railways

Whangarei Steam and Model Railway Club

๐Ÿ“ Maunu, Northland

โ˜…4.7(23 Google reviews)๐Ÿ‘ถAll ages

Whangarei Steam and Model Railway Club runs from Heritage Park in Maunu with rides on coal-fired steam trains, trams, jiggers, and tractors through scenic grounds. Detailed indoor model railway layouts on site. Volunteer-run.

โœ“ steam train ridesโœ“ volunteer-runโœ“ model railway displaysโœ“ school holiday activitiesโœ“ coal-fired steamโœ“ tractor rides
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โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…Featured review by jamie farquharson

Had an awesome day wit ma 11 year old daughter,we both love it,there was something for young n old,atmosphere was great,th sun was shining, th ppl vry friendy,they had an activity for th kids to do,but adults could join in aswell,which was awesome, had rides n hot food for young n old,loved th mini trains,this only happens every like third Sunday of th month, so plz go check it out,esp if u r into th history,thank u n hope to c u all there one Sunday ๐Ÿ˜Š๐Ÿ˜Š

๐Ÿ† Family Action Verdict

Best for train-loving families with children aged 2 and up โ€” adults are as absorbed as kids. The variety of ride types means multiple laps feel different each time. The volunteer atmosphere is warm and unhurried. Check open days carefully โ€” the club runs monthly rather than daily.

โ„น๏ธ What to Know Before You Go

๐Ÿ’กCheck the club's open day schedule โ€” rides operate monthly, not daily.
โฐSchool-holiday Wednesdays include children's activities โ€” plan around these for younger kids.
๐ŸŽŸ๏ธBring snacks and a picnic rug to extend the visit between rides.
๐Ÿš—The tractor ride is rough โ€” passengers with back issues should skip it.

๐Ÿ’ฌ What Families Are Saying

View all reviews โ†’
4.7
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23 Google reviews

Ride variety (steam, tram, jigger, tractor)45%
Volunteer atmosphere30%
Model railway displays25%
J

jamie farquharson

2 years ago

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โ€œHad an awesome day wit ma 11 year old daughter,we both love it,there was something for young n old,atmosphere was great,th sun was shining, th ppl vry friendy,they had an activity for th kids to do,but adults could join in aswell,which was awesome, had rides n hot food for young n old,loved th mini trains,this only happens every like third Sunday of th month, so plz go check it out,esp if u r into th history,thank u n hope to c u all there one Sunday ๐Ÿ˜Š๐Ÿ˜Šโ€

M

M Fisher

6 years ago

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โ€œWhat an amazing find! We found this Whangarei attraction which is apparently only open 1 day per month(!?) Incredible, ride-on and ride-in, volunteer run, multiple small railway engines and passenger 'carriages', including coal-fired steam. Track layouts are audacious and scenic. Both children and adults loved it. $2.50 a ride. I don't understand why this is not more often reviewed nor better advertised!โ€

A

Anna

2 years ago

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โ€œThe kids have so much fun every time we go here! The small train is always a highlight. This time we also did the tractor ride which was not for the faint hearted! I wouldn't recommend it if you have a medical issue such as a back problem.. but I personally enjoyed it and the kids (aged 6 and under) had a blast!โ€

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Candace Loy

3 years ago

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โ€œLovely day with the fam, first time for our 10 months old bub, absolutely loved it. Affordable, inspiring to experience the results of dedicated club members creating such lovely tracks, surrounds and well-maintained trains, trams, jiggers and tractors! There was a coffee van. Bring snacks and a picnic ๐Ÿงบโ€

Reviews from Google

Overview

Whangarei Steam and Model Railway Club operates from Heritage Park, Maunu, with an audacious track layout winding through scenic grounds. On open days, families ride coal-fired steam trains, trams, jiggers, and tractors โ€” each a distinct experience. Indoor model railway displays satisfy detail-keen enthusiasts of any age. Everything is volunteer-built, and the care in the construction shows throughout. A coffee van and hot food operate on site.

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