Pleasant Point Museum & Railway

06/09/2026

🚂 Happy Father's Day from all of us at the Pleasant Point Museum & Railway!

Today, we are celebrating all the incredible dads, grandads, and father figures who keep our lives moving on the right track. Thank you for the memories, the life lessons, and for always being our greatest conductors.

Whether you are enjoying a relaxing day at home or heading out for a South Canterbury road trip, we hope your day is full of steam and good times!

Did your dad spark your love for history or vintage trains? Drop a photo of your favourite family memory at the railway or tell us your best dad joke in the comments below! 👇

02/09/2026

What a great cause to get in behind.
Well done to Thomas and all those that have helped, we would of loved to come along with the locomotives but we would run out of track.

Undeterred by heavy rain and snow, a Timaru man is pushing onward toward Aoraki Mt Cook on a 13-tonne traction engine to raise funds for charity and honour his late father.

02/09/2026

🚂 Honoring History: The End of WWII 🚂

Today, we look back at a momentous day in history—the official end of World War II on September 2, 1945.

During the war years, railways across New Zealand played a vital role. They transported troops, carried essential supplies, and kept communities connected during dark and uncertain times. The sounding of steam whistles across the country signaled the long-awaited peace.

At Pleasant Point Railway, we are proud to preserve the vintage locomotives and rollstock that lived through this incredible era. Visiting us is a chance to step back in time and remember the resilience of the generations before us.

Lest we forget. 🇳🇿✨

Today marks the anniversary of the end of WW2
The kiwi pictured here was the very last signature

30/08/2026

🚂 Looking for a truly UNIQUE venue for your next big celebration?

Host your birthday party or special event at the Pleasant Point Railway! 🎈🎉

Step trackside and give your guests an unforgettable experience. Whether you are planning a milestone birthday, a family gathering, a kids' party, or a special group event, we offer a charming, vintage setting that people of all ages will love.

Why celebrate with us?

Historic Charm: Party surrounded by beautifully restored steam locomotives, vintage model railways, and authentic railway history.

Fun for Everyone: Treat your guests to a memorable train ride they’ll be talking about long after the cake is cut!

A One-of-a-Kind Backdrop: Your photos will look incredible next to our iconic engines and vintage station. 📸

Make your next event a classic! Spaces and steaming dates vary, so get in touch today to discuss how we can help track your perfect party.

📧 Message us directly on Facebook or visit our website to start planning your unique celebration!

www.pleasantpointrail.org.nz/hire

27/08/2026

🌼🚂 SHINING A LIGHT OF HOPE THIS DAFFODIL DAY 🚂🌼

Today is Daffodil Day, a beautiful symbol of hope for all New Zealanders and whānau impacted by cancer.

While our 100% volunteer crew is usually busy preserving South Canterbury's rail history, today we want to pause and salute the incredible volunteers, doctors, nurses, and local coordinates at the Cancer Society who work tirelessly to support our community. Cancer affects so many of us, and today is all about showing up for one another.

If you spot the Daffodil street collectors around South Canterbury today, please consider dropping a gold coin into their buckets, or head online to donate directly.

Let’s keep hope moving forward together! 💛

👉 Support the cause online here: www.daffodilday.org.nz

26/08/2026

After 12 years Pleasant Points Got Talent is back! We are looking for contestants to showcase their talents! This is a great opportunity for fundraising groups or individuals to pocket the grand prize of $1500.00, generously sponsored by Property Brokers. Entry fee is only $20 per person with entry form below.

Tickets are now available on Humanitix with all proceeds benefitting The Aaron Otley Memorial Trust, supporting families local to The Pleasant Point area with children affected by accident or illness.

Search us on facebook or email [email protected] for information

19/08/2026

🚨🚂 NEW ARRIVALS AT THE PORT, FOR KIWIRAIL UNFORTUNATELY THEY ARE NOT STEAM! 🚂🚨

🚢✨We couldn’t help but notice KiwiRail’s brand-spanking-new DM class locomotives fresh off the heavy-lift ship Bruce at PrimePort Timaru. Word on the street is they’ve got state-of-the-art dual cabs, massive efficiency, computer screens, and actual working air conditioning. Talk about living in the 21st century! 🤩

Naturally, our track crew out at Keanes Crossing got a little excited... until we realized they aren't for us. Yet. 😅

Don't worry, we are playing the long game here at Pleasant Point Railway. We've given KiwiRail a strict 50-year lease on them. Once they've run them into the ground, worn out the computer chips, and they are officially "needed no more," we'll happily swoop in, load them onto a heavy-lift transporter, and give them a proper home alongside our 1922 Ab 699 steam loco! 🚂💨

Enjoy that shiny new paint job for now, KiwiRail. The countdown to 2076 begins! ⏳😎

Photos Bryan Blanchard & Daniel Smith

16/08/2026

🚂 Move over Caroline Bay penguins, there’s some new sleek lookers rolling into town! 🐧✨

The rumors are true: KiwiRail's brand-spanking-new DM class locomotives have officially chosen PrimePort Timaru as their grand runway.

Fresh off the boat from sunny Valencia, Spain, these European beauties are here to upgrade our South Island tracks. Word on the street is they’ve got state-of-the-art dual cabs, massive fuel efficiency, and—the biggest brag of all—actual working air conditioning for our hard-working train drivers. Truly living in the 21st century now, team! 😂🙌

They’re replacing the legendary DX fleet, which, at roughly 50 years old, was basically running on heritage status and pure Kiwi determination.

Keep your eyes peeled and your cameras ready around the tracks—just remember to give them plenty of space because these bad boys are ready to put in some serious hard yards! 📸👇

The next batch of KiwiRail’s new DM locomotives are due to arrive in New Zealand through Timaru’s port.

12/08/2026

🚂 This TrackSAFE Week, let's keep our community moving safely!

The Pleasant Point Railway family loves sharing our passion for steam history with you. However, vintage trains are massive, heavy machines that cannot stop quickly. Whether you are visiting our station, walking nearby, or driving through the area, please keep these vital safety rules in mind:

🛑 Stand back: Always stay behind the yellow safety lines on the platform.
👂 Stay alert: Keep headphones off and look both ways near tracks.
🏡 Do not trespass: Railway tracks are private property and never a place for a shortcut or a photo shoot.

🚗 Obey signs: Stop, look, and listen at all level crossings.

Track safety is everyone's responsibility. Let's look out for each other so every journey ends safely.