Bay of Isands Vintage Railway

The Bay of Islands Vintage Railway Trust is a heritage Steam railway in Kawakawa, home of the world famous Hundertwasser toilets, in the Bay of Islands region of Northland, New Zealand. The railway at Kawakawa was the North Island’s first railway to be opened and the first to run a rail passenger service in the North Island. The Bay of Islands Vintage Railway is unique in the world as it is the only working railway in the world where the trains travel down the middle of a State Highway and right through the middle of the town. Our star attraction Gabriel, built in 1927 is a fine example of a working steam engine and is the only one in her class left in the world. The Bay of Islands Vintage Railway is the most Northerly railway in the New Zealand and is of significant historical and cultural importance. The station in Kawakawa, was built 1911 to replace the first one that was destroyed by fire, and is recognised by the Rail Heritage Trust and Far North District Council as being of heritage significance. Today the railway operates on part of the former Opua track and offers train rides to visitors using both steam and diesel locomotives. See a working vintage steam engine and enjoy a ride through scenic countryside for a unique experience and a great family day out!