If you’ve been looking for an excuse to get the group together for a day out, we’ve found the ultimate itinerary for Friday 27 February 2026.
Forget organising a sober driver or squeezing into a minivan. Steam Incorporated is offering a unique “Refuel & Refresh” package as part of their “AmeriCARna Cruiser” experience, combining the nostalgia of heritage rail with the sophisticated flavours of Stratford’s finest gin distillery.
The Ultimate Friday “Out of Office”
Your journey begins at 10:05 am at the New Plymouth Wind Wand. You and your friends will board the “big red train,” and settle into vintage carriages for a scenic cruise down the line to Stratford.
Leaving the Tasman Sea behind, the line winds through cuttings, road crossings and the suburbs of East End and Fitzroy before curving into Lepperton, where it meets the Waitara branch line.
From there you’ll head south through Inglewood, and follow the impressive AmeriCARna convoy along State Highway 3 towards Stratford. Nestled beneath the eastern slopes of Mt Taranaki, Stratford was once a busy railway junction for the Stratford-Okahakura line, remnants of which can still be spotted near the station.
The Destination: Fenton St Arts Collective
Upon arrival in Stratford, you’ll disembark and be whisked away to the Fenton St Arts Collective & Distillery-a local icon renowned for bringing together art, history, espresso, and, most importantly, gin.
Owners Jo & Stuart Greenhill say “Sustainability is our brand. Hand-crafting great spirits and feeling good about the way we make them go hand in hand. Most of our botanicals are organically produced.”
This 18+ exclusive experience includes:
- Curated Gin Tasting: Sample the distinct flavours crafted by the team who say their “aspirations are as high” as their location (310 metres up the mountain).
- Lunch: A delicious packed lunchbox is included to keep you fueled for the afternoon.
A Dash of Adrenaline
It wouldn’t be Americarna without a little horsepower. Once you’ve “refreshed” at the distillery, a bus transfer will take your group south to Hāwera to catch the tail end of the Acceleration Display.
You can soak up the high-octane atmosphere and watch the muscle cars unleash their power before jumping back on the train for a relaxing ride home.
Details
- When: Friday, 27 February 2026.
- Departs: 10:05 am from the Wind Wand.
- Price: $159 per person.
- Includes: Return train travel, bus transfers, gin tasting, and lunch.
How to Book
This is a seated, ticketed event with limited capacity. Tickets are selling fast, so round up your friends, book your annual leave, and secure your seats today!
Book online at www.steaminc.org.nz or call Steam Incorporated directly on 0800 783 264.
One Response
If there is a group of us does one person need to buy the tickets so we are seated together?