Steam Train Kaitangata

Ride the Heritage Train

Step back in time and experience the thrill of riding on one of the historical trains of New Zealand – the 1877 L-Class ‘Gertie’, 1896 improved F-Class ‘Kaitangata’ or 1957 TR 107 Shunting Diesel. The short journey through the lush native rainforest along the Infants Creek Tram line is a treat for nature lovers and history buffs alike. You’ll get to travel on the original sawmill tram track from the late 19th century.

Take advantage of the photo stop at the end of the line and capture the stunning beauty of the rainforest. Spot the native NZ flightless bird called Weka and learn about saw-milling in the area. The information provided is enriching and insightful for people of all ages.

But the ride doesn’t end there. The return journey will stop at the Infants Creek Sawmill where you’ll disembark and take a short walk to the gold claim and sluice area. Witness the awe-inspiring power of the mighty sluice gun being fired up four times a day, once used around the West Coast for blasting gold-bearing gravel from the hillsides. Then, follow the water races to the gold claim, where our gold mining team will teach you how to find your own gold. The experience is exciting and educational at the same time. And the icing on the cake? You are guaranteed to strike gold while panning – a memory that will stay with you forever as a bottled keepsake.

More details on our trains…

Current Train Timetable

Departures at 10.45am, 11.45am, 1.15pm, 2.15pm & 3.15pm

Steam Train

Partnership with Tai Poutini

Shantytown in partnership with Tai Poutini Polytechnic offers a Certificate in Steam Powered Vehicles (we call it the Steam School).

More information about the steam school…

Steam Train
Steam Train
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