Glenbrook Vintage Railway
The Glenbrook Vintage Railway, although not exactly a museum, is a working and fully functional steam railway that relies entirely on volunteer labour to keep it running.
Built in 1970, the railway has been operating since 1977, and carries up to 30,000 passengers during a typical season (October to June).
An ongoing project, the Glenbrook Vintage Railway offers visitors a scenic 12-km round trip onboard steam passenger trains.
Attention to detail is paramount for the Glenbrook Vintage Railway enthusiasts, and the sight of volunteers dressed in vintage clothing is all part of the attraction’s charm. Once seated in your century old wood paneled carriage, a friendly guard will also punch your ticket as you chug along in style.
For the more adventurous traveller, don’t miss the opportunity to travel in one of the train’s open cars—perfect for soaking in the authentic ambience. But if you’re looking for a more comfortable ride, opt for one of the carriages replete with leather seats and antique lamps.
At the end of the initial 6-km run, a ten minute stopover at the workshops gives visitors the opportunity to inspect some locomotive engines and rolling stock undergoing restoration work to bring them back to operational status.
Watch as the fireman tops up the coal load and water levels, before heading back to Glenbrook station for the return journey.
A visit to Glenbrook Vintage Railway is a treat for any steam railway enthusiast. And if you’ve got kiddies to entertain, the regular Friends of Thomas the Tank Engine weekends are always a crowd puller.
This special themed event sees a chosen locomotive dressed in the style of Thomas the Tank engine—from the popular children’s television series—replete with the character’s face plate and trappings.
The Glenbrook Vintage Railway’s regular operating season starts on New Zealand Labour Weekend (late October) and continues until Queen's Birthday (early June). During this season trains operate Sundays and most public holiday weekends.