Tui Express Christmas Party Edition — Mainline Steam

Mainline Steam Heritage Trust runs the Tui Express - Christmas Party Edition as a full-day rail excursion from the Wellington region to Mangatainoka and back, with a Christmas lunch at the Tui Brewery. The operator pitches it at teams and clients celebrating the end of the year.

The train boards at Plimmerton and calls at Paraparaumu, Ōtaki, Levin and Palmerston North on the way north. The standout moment, according to the operator, is the passage through the Manawatū Gorge, which it describes as reachable only by rail, from an open-air viewing platform. A licensed café carriage serves drinks, coffee and sweet treats on board.

At Mangatainoka passengers walk about 15 minutes or take a free transfer bus to the Tui Brewery. Every ticket includes a BBQ buffet lunch in the brewery grounds and one complimentary Tui beer, cider or non-alcoholic drink; the operator says you can opt out of the lunch and drink for a discount at checkout. Seats are chosen on an interactive seat map, with Adult, Child and Family Pass fares and an Observation Lounge option.

A full-day scenic rail trip with a section through the Manawatū Gorge, a licensed café carriage and an open-air viewing platform, then a BBQ lunch and a complimentary drink at the Tui Brewery before the evening return.

The operator asks passengers to arrive at their boarding station at least 15 minutes before departure. Plimmerton is the first boarding point; the train also calls at Paraparaumu, Ōtaki, Levin and Palmerston North, and the evening return calls at the same stations. Seats are chosen on an interactive seat map, and a Family Pass books the seats around one table. Fares are priced by boarding area. Groups of ten or more can email bookings@mainlinesteam.co.nz; the operator says group discounts may be available. Booking Protection can be added at checkout. The carriages may not suit passengers with limited mobility because of steps and narrow spaces; the operator asks them to call 04 233 8131.