Hawkes Bay Express
Hawkes Bay Express
5
City ToursHistorical & Heritage ToursSightseeing ToursBus ToursDay Trips
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
Reserved for Shore Excursions exclusively. Hop aboard the award winning Hawke's Bay Express, a delightful and truly unique sightseeing train that travels on road. The family built and run Hawkes Bay Express will take you through one of the most attractive cities in New Zealand. Your modern road train is styled like an old-fashioned steam train and inside you'll find a romantic, old-time atmosphere. Sit back, relax and watch vibrant Napier come alive through the train's large opening windows. The Hawke's Bay Express city tour guides you through the coach restricted city centre. Then takes you over Napier's beautiful Bluff Hill, where the early settlers lived and the old port village of Ahuriri and the inland lagoon. The in-depth commentary covers the regions history, 1931 earthquake, the cities rebuild, economy, industries and lifestyle with personal stories of life from the 5th generation Hawke's Bay owners. See you on board!
Napier, New Zealand
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
5.0
389 reviews
Excellent
366
Very good
23
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
TekPa
PA77 contributions
Jan 2020
Three of us, all adults, booked this tour through NCL’s cruise ship excursions. The tour met us right off the ship. The “train” (trolley) is beautifully refurbished. The owner was our driver and guide. He has a great sense of humor and knows the place well. We viewed the art deco Napier downtown, stopped at a picturesque viewing point, then went to a town hall type building for information about Napier and the earthquake. We enjoyed the commentary and many pictures.
This isn’t an “exciting” tour; it is an informative/educational/relaxing/comfortable tour. We learned a lot.
They accommodated those with disabilities.
This isn’t an “exciting” tour; it is an informative/educational/relaxing/comfortable tour. We learned a lot.
They accommodated those with disabilities.
Written January 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, thank you for your great review. I hope the rest of your cruise went as well and all the best for 2020. Kind regards Will
Written January 25, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stewart F
Doncaster, UK6 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
What a fantastic experience my wife and I had on this custom built (to all the regulations) road train. The train picked us up from the cruise ship and off we went with the local land layout and architecture explained beautifully with a touch of humour thrown in. The effects of the great earthquake were explained in detail and how much this affected the whole area of Napier. We had a short stop, where things were put into perspective with before and after pictures. Every question was answered with enthusiasm. Then it was back on the train and back through town. Because the town was rebuilt in the 30's in the art deco style, so the train eas built to represent that era and our hosts were dressed accordingly.
It was a great trip and I can honestly recommend that if you're in the area, have a ride on the Hawkes Bay Express.
It was a great trip and I can honestly recommend that if you're in the area, have a ride on the Hawkes Bay Express.
Written March 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wow, thank you for a great review and taking the time to do so. We wish you a great 2020 and lots of future travels. Kind regards Will & Krysia
Written March 4, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bill T
68 contributions
Mar 2020 • Friends
A group of us touring nz had a couple of hours on this yesterday and it was excellent. Will, the driver owner was a great host, including period costume, witty asides and great info on the redevelopment of the city after the quake. We often do an open top bus tour of a new place to get oriented, but this was miles better. Highly recommended.
Written March 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello and thank you for your great comments and all the best for the rest of your tour. Kind regards Will & Krysia.
Written March 13, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
AdrienneJ15
Christchurch, New Zealand61 contributions
Feb 2020
this tour is so much fun. where else can you enjoy the experience of travelling in a custom-made "road train" complete with plush red upholstery and drapes... the driver/train builder/tour guide is a hard case local man with a wealth of local knowledge. his commentary is droll and witty, partly "live" and partly pre-recorded (just as well, when negotiating those steep narrow hill streets!) fascinating stories of the history of Napier's rebirth after its devastating earthquake.
Written March 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello and thank you for your wonderful review and comments. All the best to you and your family. Kind regards Will & Krysia.
Written March 11, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jenny T
Sydney, Australia29 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
Great way to see the city sights in traditional old style carriage tram train. Family business with history from the area to share. Open carriages. Photo stops, great commentary - and Museum visit on Napier’s past including the earthquake and city’s effects.
Written March 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, thank you for your great comments and review. All the best for 2020 and future travels. Kind regards Will and Krysia
Written March 7, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Phil N Robbie M
Toowoomba, Australia92 contributions
Mar 2020
A great way to start your visit to the 'Art Deco Capital' of New Zealand. Informative & interesting, with just the right balance of humour thrown in to Will's commentary. As a local lad through & through, Will's passion for all things about Napier & Hawkes Bay is infectious. Both Will and his Wife Krysia are helpful and obliging to help you get the most out of your time on his hand-built "Mid-Life Crisis" Tourism Train and help encourage you to make the most of you time in Napier & Hawkes Bay region.
Written April 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello and thank you for your great review and the time taken to do so. All the best to you and your family at a very strange time for the world. Keep safe. Kind regards Will & Krysia
Written April 13, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ann B
Melbourne, Australia7 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Our tour on the Hawkes Bay Express was truly great. The owner/guide and his wife were both knowledgeable, interesting, personable and made the whole tour with witty comments and anecdotes. We would recommend this to everyone as we finished the tour with wide smiles on our faces something that sadly many guides cannot achieve.
Written February 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, thank you so much for your wonderful review and comments. We are thrilled you enjoyed it so much and really appreciate your time taken to place such a great review. All the best for 2020 and future travels. Kind regards Will & Krysia
Written February 12, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Denis M
Brisbane, Australia11 contributions
Jan 2020
I recently cruised to New Zealand and went on a shore excursion on the Hawkes Bay Express. It was all I read about beforehand and more. This family-owned attraction is a great way to see and learn about the beautiful City of Napier. The owner and driver was friendly, knowledgeable and even threw in the odd joke.
Written February 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, thank you for your great comments and also for your time to do so. We wish you a wonderful 2020 and many more adventures. Kind regards Will & Krysia
Written February 12, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Scott C
3 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Napier is a cute beach town distinguished by some charming, well maintained Art Deco buildings. The Hawke’s Bay Express is the best way to see it. The family behind the tour has carefully created a road train in the style of a classic Victorian Coach. The ride is comfortable, the tour comprehensive, and the commentary informative but not long winded. The gentleman who runs the tour loves his community and is clearly deeply involved in it.
We’ve been on countless cruise excursions that involve tours of small towns and this was the best.
We’ve been on countless cruise excursions that involve tours of small towns and this was the best.
Written February 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for such a gracious review, we are grateful for it and wish you a fun 2020 with plenty of adventures. Kind regards Will & Krysia
Written February 20, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
BarbH20132013
Victoria, Australia53 contributions
Feb 2020
We took this Tour from our Cruise Ship - This is a custom built Road Train and the owner and his wife have done an amazing job. We had a fantastic Tour around Napier and were dropped off in town (optional) to do some shopping and then Shuttle bus back to our Cruise. Definitely recommend doing this !
Written February 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your time to review us and your great descriptive review. We hope you have many more trips and safe travels. Kind regards Will & Krysia
Written February 12, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hello. We are slowly ramping back up from being closed during COVID and the impacts of the cyclone last year. At this stage we are just supplying cruise ships shore excursion programmes. I am sorry we can not provide other tours at this time. All the best for your travels. Kind regards Will
Written March 28, 2024
Scott & Belle
Devonport, Australia
Hi how do we book a tour please. We are on Ovations of the seas in march..would love to book a tour if possible please.
Written January 17, 2024
Hello,
All our tours are booked through the cruise line website or shore excursions team. There are 3 departures on both dates the Ovation is in Napier with the first at 10.30. We look forward to meeting you. Regards Will
Written January 24, 2024
Y a -t-il des commentaires audio en français ?
Written January 8, 2018
Hello, thank you for your enquiry. All our tour commentaries are in English. Kind regards Will
Written January 9, 2018
Your website has a lot of info, however it fails to give BASIC info like how long the trip is & how much it costs
Written November 5, 2017
Hello, We have stopped doing public tours as we are fully booked out by cruise ships, coach tour groups, conference groups and private hire. We are currently building a second train and will review public tours in the future. Kind regards Will
Written February 16, 2020
Hello
I arrived on wed 26 July morning in Napier. What's the earliest time we could catch this ride in the afternoon ?
Written June 26, 2017
Hello, thank you for your enquiry, unfortunately we are not running public tours at this time. We are currently building a new train and with so many bookings from private/tour groups and cruise ships we do not have the capacity to do it all. We do however wish you a fantastic time in Napier and safe travels.
Kind regards
Will
Written July 16, 2017
Hello
I arrived on wed 26 July morning in Napier. What's the earliest time we could catch this ride in the afternoon ?
Written June 26, 2017
Hello, thank you for your enquiry, unfortunately we are not running public tours at this time. We are currently building a new train and with so many bookings from private/tour groups and cruise ships we do not have the capacity to do it all. We do however wish you a fantastic time in Napier and safe travels.
Kind regards
Will
Written June 26, 2017
I am looking to book a tour, but I notice on the website and questions asked here the costs are not advertised. Could anyone please advise how much city tours are please.
Many thanks
Written May 7, 2016
Hello we have updated our website with the current seasons pricing and tour times. Kind regards Will
Written January 13, 2017
Good afternoon. How often does the tour depart? How much are the tickets? and how long is the tour?
Please.
Written December 29, 2015
Hello, sorry I only just got notification of your question. Our 1.5 hour fully commentated tours run on non cruise ship days and depart at 10.00am & 1.30pm each day. It maybe best to point you to our website so you can see the full range of tours we do and also shore excursion options if you are on a cruise visiting Napier. All the best for 2016 and safe travels.
Kind regards Will
Written January 6, 2016
Hi i am on a cruise ship to New Zealand in 2 weeks i am very interested for my friend and i to go on your Hawke's Bay Express but you don't have a price, would you be able to let me know please
Written February 24, 2015
Hello Faye, Thank you for your enquiry. All our tours for cruise ship passengers are available via the shore excursion teams or their pre-sales systems. The tour times and prices are available through these two options. We look forward to having you on board and safe travels. Kind regards Will.
Written February 25, 2015
How easy is it to board the train given I have mobility restrictions. How high are the steps to board the train?
Joy
Written January 13, 2015
Hello Joy, there is just one small step to board the train (30cm) and we have a extra step we can put down to make it even easier (2 by 15cm steps). For any client with or without mobility restrictions I am always on hand to help. It is one of the trains features liked by our clients especially from cruise ships and on our daily tours from the Napier i-site. We even often take out the local retirement home guests given the ease of access. Kind regards Will
Written January 13, 2015
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