It’s eight years since the road through the Manawatu Gorge was permanently closed and we now have a bright, shiny new replacement highway that has taken a new route over the ranges (see the companion tour also listed here). But as nature, and time, reclaims the old gorge road there remains another mode of transport that still runs beside the Manawatu River through this spectacular ravine. We invite you to join us as we travel down to Woodville, to meet up with our friends at Steam Incorporated, where we’ll board a beautifully restored vintage train, pulled by their magnificent J-class steam locomotive. This enormous ‘iron horse’ will haul us through the gorge to Ashhurst, on the opposite side of the river from the old road, giving us unique views of both the river below and the hillside slips that finally ended the old road’s days. And to ensure everyone gets a great view, no matter which side of the train you’re sitting on, we’ll turn around and come back through to Woodville again.
The timing of this loco’s run coincides with Woodville’s annual Mad Hatter’s Market Day in the square there, which has a ‘steam punk’ theme and draws visitors from all around the lower North Island. The organisers will be awarding prizes for the craziest hat and best costumes on display at the market day, and we think we will do similar. We’ll be awarding two prizes of Bay Tours travel vouchers for ‘Best Hat’. One each for what we think are the best topped female and male participants.
So come and be part of this adventure as we enjoy the fun and sights of this unique market day, part of Woodville’s 150th year celebrations, and experience the thunder and excitement of rail travel from years past.
Places aboard the train are limited so don’t delay in booking your place.