Steam Train Excursions: Remembering Passchendaele

Take a special steam-train journey to commemorate the Battle of Passchendaele’s centenary – join in family-friendly activities, experience art works, and relax with refreshments.

Climb aboard a vintage steam train, hauled by Ab608 Passchendaele, named after World War I’s devastating Battle of Passchendaele in Belgium.

Take a 40-minute journey from Wellington to Trentham, and imagine what it was like to go to war in 1917. On board are activities for families. We welcome you to dress in the costumes of the era.

At Trentham, explore art works made as part of the Luck of the Draw project commemorating the First World War. Have a cup of tea and a biscuit before returning to Wellington.

These three journeys are presented by Te Papa, KiwiRail, and Steam Incorporated.

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.