Steam in New Zealand
 

Hi all.

I'm off on a trip to NZ for Christmas through to middle of January.

Although it's principally a family trip we're planning some time touring. I wondered if anyone had any suggestions for steam or heritage events and locations in that time frame?

It's a first time visit for me but will be focussed mainly on the North Island this time due to family commitments.

All suggestions welcome. Many thanks.

Well if you are going to the Bay of Islands the railway https://www.bayofislandsvintagerailway.org.nz/ is good. Also I believe main line steam is running.

Russ

If you are on North Island , the sheds at Maewa road, Fielding are a must!

Thank you. Apologies for the delay in replying. Your replies are much appreciated.

The Southward Car collection is stunning - they also have probably the best Ruston traction in the world.

https://www.southwardcarmuseum.co.nz/

Colin and Esme Stevenson's collection at Tokomau is a stunning collection of engines and stationary engines but i'm not sure if it is still open to the public following their passing.

MOTAT is a good collection of museums to visit https://www.motat.nz/ in Auckland.

And as noted the Fielding club is fantastic collection of engines run by commited bunch of volunteers.

The paddle Steamer Waimarie in Whanganui is also well worth visiting. https://www.waimarie.co.nz/

Napier is an Art-Deco town on the East Coat of the north Island and quite often has classic-car meets if you can coincide with one.

There will be lots i've missed but they're the ones that spring to mind.

Thomas.

Kiwi Steam
 

I have been reluctant to post as my main direct steam experience in the country was 20 years ago.

https://www.internationalsteam.co.uk/anz/nzop.htm

Of course It is dated, things have changed.

As far as road steam is concerned, there is limited information on my website:
https://www.internationalsteam.co.uk...htm#NewZealand

I think it is fair to say that there are rather more potentially active road engines in the South Island than North Island and that events tend to occur in the local Spring and Autumn and not high Summer when you are visiting.

I do not know what is happening with the Tokomaru collection but I believe a buyer has been found.

If you are in Auckland then a visit to MOTAT at the weekend is essential, it should be possible to find out when exhibits will be steamed.

Long ago it was said that "New Zealand was like the UK 20 years ago". As far as the internet is concerned that's probably true today. The best preservation outfits in the UK have public blogs to promote their activities and attract visitors, such things are very rare in New Zealand.

I hope you have an enjoyable trip, it's a beautiful country. Maybe you could send a report for me to publish on my site.

Rob Dickinson
.

Thank you. Apologies for only logging on occasionally, but your posts are most useful.

I'll be happy to do a report if I manage to do enough to report on. Priority is being given to the family aspects of the trip but I also have a YouTube channel that I would like to gather material for. Very happy to also provide photographs and text for your website Rob.

Thanks again.