John, Hildy and elderly mother Gertie (not their real names) had checked in for a weekend at my Clarks Beach waterside accommodation.
I’d popped round to make sure they’d settled in comfortably.
“We’re taking Mum on the Glenbrook Vintage Rail excursion to Hamilton for a posh lunch,” they said enthusiastically.
“Hamilton”, I said. “I didn’t know the train went down there!”
When my grandchildren were younger, I’d taken them several times on the gorgeous Glenbrook steam train trip from its home base at Glenbrook to the terminus at Waiuku Village and back. This heritage excursion is one of New Zealand’s hidden gems, and only 20 minutes away from my serene property on the shores of the Manukau Harbour.
We all loved exploring the station and workshop. Small faces would split with wide grins of delight each time the haunting whistle peeled out at crossings and echoed across the valleys. Little people (and their parents) watched with fascination as the mighty locomotive slowly rotated on the turntable, the unmistakable coal smell reminding the older adults of a by-gone era. And then we’d sedately trundle back, clickety-clacking past the rolling paddocks of West Franklin, with cows, sheep and the occasional horse taking no notice of this nostalgic nod to history. My family loves our local train.
As well as the regular excursions, we’ve done the special Thomas the Tank Engine trips and even hired a couple of carriages for one of my “0” birthdays with family and friends.
But an excursion to Hamilton? This was news. I was prompted to check just what my Glenbrook neighbours were up to.
Sure enough, they’re now licensed to run on the national rail network and have a constantly changing smorgasbord of one day and multiple-day excursions. Take a look! www.gvr.org.nz/
If you’re wanting to do something a bit different while you’re relaxing at my peaceful waterside home, you’ll love a trip on one of GVR’S immaculately restored steam or diesel trains. You’ll be transported back to a bygone era. With its heritage carriages, friendly volunteers in period costume, and the gentle rhythm of steam travel, Glenbrook Vintage Rail is a treat for all ages.
Returning to Clarks Beach after your day out, you can relax with a glass of your favourite beverage on the deck while you enjoy the sunset, the birds and the tides.
Book your stay now at Clarks Beach Accommodation and discover the best of beach and heritage in one trip!
As well as the regular excursions, we’ve done the special Thomas the Tank Engine trips and even hired a couple of carriages for one of my “0” birthdays with family and friends.
But an excursion to Hamilton? This was news. I was prompted to check just what my Glenbrook neighbours were up to.
Sure enough, they’re now licensed to run on the national rail network and have a constantly changing smorgasbord of one day and multiple-day excursions. Take a look! www.gvr.org.nz/
If you’re wanting to do something a bit different while you’re relaxing at my peaceful waterside home, you’ll love a trip on one of GVR’S immaculately restored steam trains. You’ll be transported back to a bygone era. With its heritage carriages, friendly volunteers in period costume, and the gentle rhythm of steam travel, Glenbrook Vintage Rail is a treat for all ages.
Returning to Clarks Beach after your day out, you can relax with a glass of your favourite beverage on the deck while you enjoy the sunset, the birds and the tides.
Book your stay now at Clarks Beach Accommodation and discover the best of beach and heritage in one trip!
