After a leisurely lunch and wine tasting in the Waipara Valley, enjoy a heritage train ride through the scenic Weka Pass. The volunteer-run Weka Pass Railway operates excursion trains, hauled by both vintage steam and diesel-electric locomotives, over 12.8 km of scenic railway lines through the unique limestone beauty of the Weka Pass.
Our coach will take us the short distance from the winery to Glenmark Station, from where the Weka Pass train departs. Before the train climbs out of the valley, it crosses flat farmlands where you can see the vineyards from a different angle, from the comfort of the heated carriages. Later, the train climbs grades as steep as 1:50 (2%) as it winds through the cuttings in the Pass and the landscape changes into rugged limestone scenery. If the weather permits, head to the open-air viewing decks for some wonderful photo opportunities.
The journey finishes at Waikari, where there’s time to enjoy an ice-cream and the essential photo of the engine on the turntable! Our waiting coach will then transfer us from Waikari back to Christchurch.
As this rail excursion is operated by volunteers, dates of operation cannot be guaranteed.
Please note: All Freedom Day descriptions represent a typical itinerary and may not operate exactly as described. Local operators may vary from time to time.
