Trainspotting in Auckland and Beyond

By Yvonne Eve Walus

Say the magical words: were going on a train trip and see the childrens faces light up. A train trip is not only about travelling: its about seeing the world. The world may be as large as your city or as small as your lounge - the important bit is the journey.

Commuter Train

This is a cheap way to get your preschoolers acquainted with a train: a ticket from Britomart to Kingsland and back is only $2.20 for an adult, with preschoolers free.

This is also very close to the authentic experience of travelling by an inter-city train, because the conductor will come to check your tickets mid-journey, you have to watch out for your destination station, the carriages are life-size and the main station leaves a lasting impression.

Things to talk about on your train trip: train schedules, how the train is powered, the people employed by the railway (ticket sales person, machinist, conductor, mechanics).
Steam Train

Situated 50 minutes south from central Auckland, the Glenbrook Station offers 45-minute steam train rides most Sundays and public holiday weekends from 11am to 4pm. For just $12 per adult, preschoolers free, you purchase an awesome opportunity to experience the era of wood-panelled carriages, hear the whistle of a steam locomotive, and - yes - even smell the coal smoke. Sometimes Thomas comes to visit, too!

Things to talk about: the history of trains, where coal comes from, the physical laws behind steam engines.
The Rainforest Express

This one is not for comfort-lovers! The train was originally built for the construction of the Waitakere Dam about a century ago, and squeezing a family of four into its tiny carriages can be a real challenge. But the 2.5 hour trip (with stops for a picnic lunch and a walk to the Upper Nihotupu Dam) takes you through the breathtaking scenery in the heart of the Waitakere Ranges. It also takes you through 10 tunnels that house glow worm colonies.

Things to talk about: where Auckland gets its water, the advantages and disadvantages of municipal water versus rainwater, plants and trees seen along the way, why glow worms glow.
The Zoo Train

Not so much a train as a tractor with covered trailers that imitate train carriages, this is nevertheless a firm favourite with most children. Dont be surprised if the little ones ignore the zoo animals, concentrating instead on waving to the pedestrians and shouting: Were on a train!

At just $3 per ticket (children under 3 free), its a good way to see the Zoo on a drizzly or an excessively sunny day.

Things to talk about. There is a running commentary from the driver, pointing out all the animals you see along the way, so you can just sit back and relax.
The Train at the Kelly Tarltons

The Antarctic Snowcat at the Kelly Tarlton Antarctic Adventure and Underwater World will take you into the enclosure of ice and water where the penguins live. The capsule is sealed so you wont get cold, but be warned: somewhere between the age of 2-3, some toddlers suddenly develop a fear of the huge plastic whale that emerges from the water. The ticket is included in the hefty entry fee ($26 for adults, $12 for children 4-14), and you can ride as many times as you like.

Things to talk about: this ride also offers a running commentary (this time pre-recorded), about the penguins and their habitat. You might want to mention the snow and its fun properties though - Auckland children seem fascinated by the concept of snowballs and snowmen.
The Butterfly Creek Train

This miniature train at Butterfly Creek (located virtually at the Auckland International Airport) will take you across the wetlands and through the Buttermilk Farm. The ticket is only $3 (children under 3 free), but the train is the least of all the attractions on offer at Butterfly Creek, so expect to pay $16 per adult and $8 per child to see the Butterfly House, pat the rabbits (they settle down in your lap) and ride the ponies.

Things to talk about: the life cycle of butterflies, the role of each animal at the farm (chickens, cows, pigs, rabbits, horses), the train as the means of transport.
Monterey Park

Monterey Park, situated on the South side of the Greenhithe bridge on State Highway 18, also offers more than a just a train ride. It is primarily a museum, so you can have a look at the gigantic display of a toy railway line before you hitch a train ride on the 12-inch gauge train. The trip runs through the beautiful park featuring miniature model buildings. The price of the first train ride (chances are, the children will want more than one) is included in the entry fee ($15 for adults, $1 per every year of a childs age, and under 3s free).

Things to talk about: its a short trip (about 3 minutes), but you can mention the familiar miniature landmarks as you pass them.
MOTAT

Inside MOTAT, you can climb into an inactive locomotive or watch a miniaturised rail network of the entire North Island (theoretically, its animated, but the button didnt work on our last visit). You can also take a tram ride on the periphery of MOTAT, Western Springs and the zoo (price included in the entry ticket: adults $14, preschoolers free - or for just the tram $2 for adults and $1 for children). The tram takes you to MOTAT 2 where you can admire a collection of life-size engines, carriages and wagons.

Things to talk about during the tram ride: the history of transport, the difference between a train and a tram, the origins of Western Springs. Point out the wooden interior and contrast it with the plastic of today. Feel the hard benches and compare them to the modern soft seats on busses.

Side bar: Trains elsewhere in New Zealand

At home! This train ride is the cheapest of the lot: all you need are a few chairs to simulate the train, a few pieces of paper for tickets, an adult with imagination and away you go!!!
In Wellington, take the Cable Car from Lambton Quay to the Botanic Gardens. The journey will take you up under the motorway, through three tunnels, past Kelburn Park and Victoria University. $3.60 for adults return, $2 for children.
The Taieri Gorge Limited train, Dunedin's prestige tourist train, can take you on a spectacular journey through the Taieri River Gorge. A return trip for an adult and one child is around $70 (depending on your destination).
Not exactly a train ride, but a unique experience nevertheless, is a journey through the Lion Reserve in their feeding wagon at Christchurchs Orana Wildlife Park. Although the wagon is fully fenced-off, children have to be over 1.4m tall to be allowed on board. At $12 per person, its really cheap thrills.
For a really big trip, take the Overlander from Auckland to Wellington, the TranzAlpine from Christchurch to Greymouth, or the TranzCostal from Picton to Christchurch. Remember to pack a lunch for a true train experience.

Article sourced with permission from Parenting magazine, Parents Inc.

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