The Festive Flyer — Steam Incorporated

Steam Incorporated, a New Zealand heritage rail society, runs The Festive Flyer as an evening Christmas excursion on the Kāpiti Coast. Passengers board a restored heritage train at Paekākāriki, Paraparaumu or Waikanae, and a classic Da class diesel-electric locomotive takes them north to Tatum.

At Tatum the operator hosts what it calls an exclusive Christmas celebration: a Kiwi-style festive buffet prepared by Tatum's chefs, centred on Champagne ham with an orange marmalade glaze and roasted beef with a red wine jus, with bread rolls, roasted mixed vegetables, buttered potatoes and a green salad. Dessert is a Kiwi pavlova, followed by tea and coffee, and a cash bar is open during the stay.

The operator pitches the trip at colleagues, friends and families who want something different from a standard pre-Christmas get-together. Seating is reserved and allocated, booking in advance is essential, and larger groups are handled directly by the operator. The heritage carriages are not suitable for passengers with limited mobility.

A heritage train trip north along the Kāpiti Coast behind a Da class diesel-electric locomotive, a Kiwi-style Christmas feast at Tatum with a cash bar open, and return heritage train travel. The operator publishes a provisional timetable for the evening on its trip page.

Boards at Paekākāriki, Paraparaumu or Waikanae stations on the Kāpiti Coast. The fare covers return heritage train travel and the two-course Christmas meal at Tatum; a cash bar is available there. All seating is reserved and allocated, and the operator says seats are allocated in the week of the trip, with ticket details emailed before it. Prior booking is essential. Fares are non-refundable; booking protection can be added when booking. The carriages are not suitable for passengers with limited mobility. Groups of ten or more can book through the operator by email (admin@steaminc.org.nz) or phone (0800 783 264).