Proud Operators of the Ferrymead Railway

Based at Ferrymead Heritage Park in Christchurch, We are on the Site of the First Public Railway in New Zealand dating back to 1863!
The Canterbury Railway Society restores and its Ferrymead Railway operates, one of New Zealand’s finest collection of Heritage Steam, Diesel and Electric Locomotives, Rolling Stock, Signaling Equipment and Buildings.

 

Want a Fantastic Birthday Option?

For the price of a Bouncy Castle you can charter an entire Vulcan Railcar for the event!
Get In Touch to find out more

Our next running days will be:

Updated 01/03/2024

Please note that in order to visit us and ride the train,
You will need to purchase a Ferrymead Heritage Park entry in addition to your train fare.
You can find Ferrymead Heritage Parks current entry fees here

2024


Next Running Days:

 

Saturday 2nd March
Night Market – F 13 Peveril
4:00pm – 8:00pm
Steam Engine & Carriages Running
Train Tickets from Moorhouse Village Station Additional to Event Entry^

 

Sunday 3rd March
Ferrymead Alive/Teddy Bears Picnic – Vulcan Railcar
10:00am – 4:00pm
Electric Multiple Unit Running
Train Tickets from Moorhouse Village Station Additional to Event Entry^^
Event Information Here

 

More dates to come!

Looking for a Photographers Day or other Society Special Event? 
Check Out our Special Events page for details



~~Even if you cant ride with us, Any donations no matter how small are gratefully accepted~~

Donations over $5 are tax deductible

*F 13 Peveril is New Zealand’s oldest working Steam Loco built in 1872, returned to service 2015.
**D140 was built by Scott Bro’s, Christchurch in 1887, returned to service 2021.

TICKETS
Cash & Eftpos Available

^Night Market Nights. On Top of park entry. Tickets are all evening. $5 Adult, $3 Child (5yrs+), $15 Family.
^^Ferrymead Alive/Ticketed Days. On top of park entry. Tickets are all day/evening. $5 Adult, $3 Child (5yrs+), $15 Family.
(Family: 2 Adults & 3 Children) Under 5s are Free
Please Note
This is in addition to your Ferrymead Heritage Park Entrance Fee
As we do not receive income from their Entry.
Their Current Entry Fees can be found on their website
https://www.ferrymead.org.nz/Admission/

The Ferrymead Railway and the Canterbury Railway Society trace their heritage back to the 1940s when the New Zealand Railway and Locomotive Society was formed.

Located in Christchurch, the Society is a non-profit organisation that carries out a range of activities, including the operation of the Ferrymead Railway, the preservation of locomotives and rolling stock, the sale of publications and souvenirs, and the publication of a monthly newsletter for members.

The CRS also participates in other local and national rail preservation activities throughout New Zealand.

Among this site you’ll find information about our running schedule, our locomotives and equipment, how you can Join the CRS and how to get to Ferrymead Heritage Park.

The Ferrymead Railway is a living museum and in our photo gallery you’ll be able to see many pictures of our locomotives, the rolling stock, our heritage train and photos from around our complex including the station houses, signal box, yard, workshops and sheds.

This will give you an idea of what you’ll see when you come visit us.

In the 50 odd years that the Canterbury Railway Society has been around we have won many awards for our restoration and preservation work and we are very proud of these. You can see details of these on our Awards page.

Ferrymead Railway and the Canterbury Railway would like to thank the many companies, organisations and individuals who have helped us through sponsorships, donations and funding grants.

Article from 1967

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“NZ Locomotive Engineers Journal” April 1967, page 4. by Garth Beardsley In 1963, when the centennial of railways in New Zealand was celebrated members of the N.Z. Railway & Locomotive Society, Canterbury Branch,... READ MORE