Passchendaele Train – Return to Paekakariki

Join a scenic journey on a steam train, hauled by memorial locomotive Ab608 Passchendaele, from Wellington to Paekakariki Railway Station.

Take a one-way trip in a vintage train – hop aboard at Wellington Railway Station and journey up the coast directly to Paekakariki Railway Station. The locomotive is returning to its depot after a series of journeys commemorating the centenary of World War I’s Battle of Passchendaele.

The Battle of Passchendaele:
"For the first time in our brief history as an army the New Zealanders failed in their objective with the most appalling slaughter I have ever seen." - Private Leonard Hart

This October, New Zealand commemorates the centenary of the Battle of Passchendaele, New Zealand’s bloodiest battle. In one morning, over 600 New Zealanders lost their lives on Belgian soil. Over the period of the battle, it is estimated over 2000 New Zealanders were killed.

Passchendaele Commemorations:
This train journey is part of a series of Passchendaele commemorative events, from talks to family activities, at Te Papa and other venues this October.

Please note that this is a one way journey and is scheduled to arrive at Paekakariki Railway Station at approximately 4:15 pm. Passengers must get off the train at Paekakariki Station.