facebooktwitterpinterest

Reviews, get directions and contact details for Glenbrook Vintage Railway

Story

The Glenbrook Vintage Railway is a heritage steam railway in Glenbrook, New Zealand.The GVR is run by a trust board of three trustees elected and appointed from Railway Enthusiasts Society membership. The board appoints a general manager who is responsible for day-to-day operation. The 7.4km long railway carries up to 30,000 passengers during the normal operating season, which is from October to June, and is also available for charter throughout the year.The railway is staffed and maintained by volunteers and RES membership provides automatic access to all activities as a volunteer. Special Events are often held, such as "Friends of Thomas" weekends, Railfan Days, Country and Western days and night steam runs.HistoryThe GVR is based on part of the old Waiuku branch line which opened in 1922 and closed from Glenbrook to Waiuku in 1967.The initial concept for a steam-powered tourist railway was initiated when the New Zealand Government Railways announced closure of the line, which was a popular route for excursions operated by the RES. Re-construction of the GVR began in 1970, slashing back overgrown gorse that had covered the line, renewing rail and building the Pukeoware Depot and the terminus at Glenbrook.Delivery of items of rolling stock included the "delivery" rail-tours bringing the steam locomotive fleet from the South Island back to Auckland for use at Glenbrook. Carriages were sourced out of stock being retired from the Auckland commuter network at the time, and in some cases (such as carriage "Manukura"), where the item of rolling stock had sentimental value to the members of the RES.In 1977 the railway opened between Glenbrook and Pukeoware. Early services over the railway used the line's ex-Ministry of Works Ruston diesel (later GVR NO 3), a motor trolley, and several material trolleys fitted with longitudal seats. For the first proper services, steam locomotive NO 1 (formerly WW 480) was used with two carriages, a guard's van and an open car.



"Steam Railway and Rail Tour Operator based in Waiuku, Auckland. Check website for Open Dates and Events."
Address: Waiuku 2681
State: Waiuku
Zip Code: 2681



related searches: glenbrook vintage railway thomas, glenbrook model railway, glenbrook vintage railway opening hours, glenbrook farm park, glenbrook vintage railway map, steam train auckland, glenbrook vintage railway facebook, glenbrook vintage railway hours
Similar places near
Way2ez Transport & Relief/ Temp driving Way2ez Transport & Relief/ Temp driving 4 km advertising this new business, and letting people know what we can do
Reviews
When we went there on weekend it was such a lovely sunny day. We could actually enjoy the breeze of the wind while we are in the train. Its nice to experience the steam ride train if its your first time. Its a good experience for the family and kids and explore on the side of Waiuku and then be back on the designated time when the train will be back on the station.
Very lovely set up with lights, craft stalls, yummy snacks/ coffee stalls and of course, the lovely train ride! Missed out on the big guy Santa as it was raining hard the day we visited but overall, everyone had a good time. A place to take whole family.Visited onWeekendWait timeNo waitReservation recommendedYes
This visit was a birthday treat with high tea booked in the vintage train parlour car. We arrived early to look around the station while we waited for the train. The classic weatherboard station looks well preserved. The covered waiting area was full of people, some in vintage dress and really setting the scene. The train arrived and after the previous passengers were disembarked and the carriages were quickly cleaned, we boarded and were off. It's a short ride to Waiuku station through lovely countryside. The smell of the smoke from the engine fire was really nostalgic. The high tea was nice with croissant sandwiches, salmon and prawn on crackers and various cakes and sweet treats with a choice of tea or coffee. The journey back was interrupted by a stop for water where you could also disembark and see the workshop if desired. About 45 minutes on the train all up. Nice way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
Great little outing! Train trip took around an hour with a couple of stop options. Nice little gift shop and some food/ drinks available although not an option for me with food allergies! But we took a picnic lunch along and ate there anyway. Kids would love the experience.Visited onWeekendWait timeUp to 10 minReservation recommendedNot sure
A lovely place for family. Some events suitable for kids will be held here. You can try 1900’s old train here. Booking is recommend. Come earlier for car parkVisited onWeekdayWait time10–30 minReservation recommendedYes
Such a nice throwback to the charming long-gone times. Highly recommend the first-class experience with high tea included Visited onPublic holidayWait timeUp to 10 minReservation recommendedYes
What a wonderful morning ... 35 yrs since our last visit ... so checked out the Station, Signal Box and hopped into the cab of Ww644 in between trips. Enthusiastic, welcoming and informative volunteers and would highly recommend the Parlour Car with the delicious High Tea for a special occasion. Our weekend of Vintage Rail completed by our stay at GLENBROOK MODEL RAILWAY where Bob's large scale Model Railway Layouts and Miniature Train ride make for some fun time for the kids. Plenty of Motorhome and Caravan parking with our caravan alongside the fence having the bonus of Ww644 whistling by on Sunday's trips ... Trainspotter's heaven!!
Great little railway. Train ride in the open carriage was an experienceVisited onWeekendWait timeNo waitReservation recommendedYes
A lovely excursion being a chance to visit yester year and the nostalgia of steam. It's great to view the countryside to Waiuku, take in a lunch at one of the cafes and return on a later train. Full credit to all the volunteers for their work in restoring and maintaining the engines, carriages and a train station to recreate an atmosphere of that era.
Train ride was worth the money. Highly recommended. If you want to ride in the first class carriages you have to book online as they only take 20 people. However the regular tickets are just as good if not better.
Comment on this business

to add Glenbrook Vintage Railway map to your website;