Kids on the rails

Whangaparaoa has its own railway - a steam train on a narrow-gauge track with a station perfect for animal-loving children.

Ride the train for $5 a person (under-2s free; under-10s must be accompanied by an adult), then dine in the on-site Railway Restaurant.

Food can be bought to feed the rabbits, hens, sheep and goats and there is also an adventure playground.

The Whangaparaoa Steam Railway is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 5pm at 400 Whangaparaoa Rd, Stanmore Bay, about a 35-minute drive north of Auckland.

The Railway Restaurant is open from 10am to 9pm weekends, and from Tuesday to Friday, from 5pm to 9pm.

Contact: (09) 424 5018 email

On the web: Rail