Formed by a handful of dedicated steam enthusiasts over fifty years ago in 1972 with the original aim of saving some of the last remaining steam locos before they were scrapped at the end of the steam era with an impressive dream of restoring them for operation on the main line at some future date. Steam Incorporated is now one of the leading and most active main line heritage rail operators in New Zealand.
Main Services:
Steam Train Rides, Train charter services, Rail Tours
Based at Paekakariki on the Kapiti Coast just north of Wellington, on the lower North Island of New Zealand, where its primary purpose is to rebuild and maintain heritage railway equipment to the high standard required for main-line operation.
As the name implies, the main focus is on steam motive power, and it is usual for Steam Incorporated to have at least two of its steam locomotives in full operational condition at any time Current operational steam locos include WWI Memorial locomotive Ab608 “Passchendale” and long time workhorse 4-8-2 Ja1271. The second restoration of a big Northern, Ka 945 is well advanced. Steam Incorporated also owns and operates vintage heritage diesel locomotives, both on the main line and for shunting duties around the large depot at Paekakariki. Main line operational diesels include EMD G12s Da1410 & Da1431. Two others are under restoration. To be able to operate heritage excursions Steam Inc also had to acquire and restore their own passenger carriages. The society now has a significant fleet of sixteen passenger vehicles that are certified to operate on the narrow gauge main line rail system throughout NZ. Included in the train are cars with table seating, open air viewing cars, a buffet car plus a luxurious lounge car. Another two vehicles will be added in 2025. The passenger fleet are presented in a traditional red colour scheme and the society is well known for its shiny “red train”.
The Society prides itself on its ability to accurately re-create complete trains as they used to run in the 1920s to 1970s, through the operation of its vintage wooden and steel-bodied carriages. Many cars in the fleet are now over 100 years old. Steam Incorporated main line heritage rail adventures are regularly advertised to the public, and provide the opportunity for young and old alike to experience the magic and nostalgia of steam travel to a variety of events and venues around the country. Complimenting multi day rail tours much shorter train trips are offered with most starting in the Wellington area. Popular local train rides include the “Heartland Flyer” showcasing the spectacular Manawatu Gorge, the “Eketahuna Express” to the Wairarapa, the “Grand Circle Rail Cruise”, the “Daffodil Express” to the annual Carterton Daffodil Festival and the “School Holiday Steam Specials” that provide shorter steam train rides. Heritage excursion trains usually run every month.
Trains have operated on most rail lines in New Zealand from Whangarei in the upper North Island to Bluff at the bottom of the South Island plus all points East & West in between. Travel between the two islands is achieved by the whole train being shunted onto the rail ferry that provides a rail link between the two islands. Many routes travelled are on freight only lines that no longer see scheduled passenger trains.
In addition to our own directly marketed rail journeys the Steam Inc our train and crew are used to run trips for other organisations. In the past this has included Jazz trains for the National Jazz Festival in Tauranga, a range of train ride options for the annual Napier Art Deco Festival and numerous commemorative events for WWI. Today regular charter examples being the Kapiti North Pole Express Christmas specials and the Marlborough Flyer cruise ship tourist train based at Picton. Starting in 2022 rolling stock has been used to run the Sir Edmund Hillary South Island Rail & Coach Tour on behalf of the Pounamu Tourism Group.
Steam Incorporated in a not for profit Incorporated society and is also a registered charitable entity, CC29197 under the Charities Act 2005. The society owns its own land and a comprehensive depot and workshops at its Paekakariki base.
Revenue gained from excursions and depot operations is re-invested in the Society to continue the restoration and ongoing maintenance effort. New volunteer are always welcome.
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