Waitomo Express - 1918 Train Carriage

The train car itself was very nice. Our issue was that when we tried to take ahowers in the morning we found that there was no hot water, so therefore no morning showers. There was no staff on site to help (office hours are only for a couple of hours in the afternoons). We emailed the mgt. about the issue but never got a reply. Would not stay there again.

Amazing how they were able to equip the train carriage with modern amenities while retaining the original charm. Bath was an add on unit with full fixtures but integrated with the train. Good AC and heating options and nice kitchenette. Check out the fabulous Hobbit and ferrry boat options.

A unique experience

Staying in the train car was a unique and enjoyable experience. It had everything we needed. Note: the wifi hotspot is strongest in the bathroom lol! The location was convenient to Waitomo and the host offered suggestions of nearby sites to visit. We took a drive to see the natural bridge, cave, and waterfall, all of which were close together and a short walk from the road. Highly recommend those! And star gazing at night from the little deck was amazing. Overall a great stay with lots of special memories for me and my family!

Interesting facility. Second bedroom is only accessible through the first bedroom, as was the bathroom. A bit shabby but clean. Beautiful views.

Great quirky accommodation - you don’t get to stay in a train very often. It was exactly as described and met our expectations. Given the limitations and age of the carriage they have done a great job of providing a comfortable and functional space.

Our stay here was just perfect, from the moment we arrived until the moment we left. A must do again..

The most unique place to stay, did not disappoint and so glad we chose to have this experience on our NZ holiday. Staff were amazing and so knowledgeable of the area as well, thank you for the warm welcome and comfortable stay. Highly recommend.

Excellent service. Well thought out accommodation

Quirky, interesting, different

We really enjoyed the repurposed train car, it was just right for 2. It also has a bedroom for 3 more, but given the 1 bath, our 2 were enough. Walking distance to both principal restaurants and market, as well as glow worm cave. Very pleased to have stayed here.

Very unique vrbo. Everything was great. The check in hours were limited though

This most unusual accommodation – in a train car – is located in an extremely peaceful and quiet valley. The place has other unusual accommodations like an airplane and a hobbit motel. Check in at the front office was very easy and professional. Would love to go there again.

My friend and I stayed in the train car for one night following the Black Abyss Waitomo Caves excursion. I didn’t want to drive far in the dark after our cave adventure, and the train car was less than a 5 minute drive away. The train car is extremely well maintained. Back room can be a bit chilly as the heating unit is in the central bedroom, but there were plenty of blankets to keep warm. I would describe the larger bed as on the firm (but comfy!) side and the back bedroom beds as being less firm/more springy. The amount of space inside was impressive. The setting is absolutely serene. WIFI was decent for that kind of rural area. The host was excellent at communicating and happily accommodated our need for a contactless late night self check in. We couldn’t be happier and would stay here again.

All good but did not like having the bed where it was. One side is against the wall. It was like being in a caravan, hard to get in and out of the bed without waking my partner.