ABOUT US

Become A Member:

Family $50; Single $40; Junior $25; Overseas $50.

Annual Fee

By becoming a member you’re supporting both the society and the district. More than 10,000 people visit Pleasant Point each year to ride the train and that’s good news for the local retailers as well as us.

Members are entitled to free entry on a running day and also get the chance, should they wish, to be trained up to become the likes of a guard, stationmaster, fireman, or driver. You also get the opportunity to help at working bees ... there’s a lot of work needed to keep the place ticking over.

Become a member.

Driver Experience

Drive a Steam Engine

YES! We mean you!

It’s not every day that you can get on to the footplate of a locomotive, but here’s your chance to drive it too.

Under tuition you will be shown how to drive a train of two carriages and a guards van, pulled by our 101-year-old, 86-tonne steam locomotive, Ab699. Did we mention you will be at the controls?

With a massive demand for fuel, the fire is the heart of engine, creating the massive amount of steam needed to push the drive rods and get the wheels rolling. You will be shown how the crew on a running day bring the engine up to steam and the many jobs they are required to do. They range from oiling the dozens of pivot points to making safety checks. Bring your old clothes because you’ll be getting dirty.

Within the cab there are many controls, but the main ones you will use are the large reversing lever governing the locomotive’s direction of travel and the throttle, which puts hundreds of units of horsepower at your hands.

This is one of the only opportunities you will get to drive such a machine in New Zealand, so make the most of it and make a booking today.

Special conditions apply

For bookings, prices and inquiries, contact Lloyd Robertson

Hire The Train or Site

With a conference room and kitchen facilities available we can cater for wedding receptions, parties or meetings, email us.

Souvenir Inquiries

We stock a wide range of souvenirs detailing local, national, and international railway history. If you would have a query about any stock or would like to pitch your ideas to us, then contact us here.

Membership & Working Bees

By becoming a member you’re supporting both the society and the district. More than 10,000 people visit Pleasant Point each year to ride the train and that’s good news for the local retailers as well as us.

By becoming a member you’re entitled to free admission on a running day, and also get the chance to be trained up to become the likes of a guard, stationmaster, fireman, or driver. You can also come out to help on working bees as there’s a lot of work needed to keep the place ticking over.

If you’d like to join or even organise a time to come out and test the waters then Become a member.

Discover Pleasant Point

A pleasant point to stop a while, which is pretty much where the name came from.

It's en route from Timaru City through to the Mackenzie Country, and back in the 1800s, it was a favorite place to stop and refresh for wagoners.

Today it's a pleasant outing for locals and visitors alike. Locals head to Point for walks, swimming, bike rides, and real fruit ice creams. The Museum and Railway attract visitors from all over the world.

Parr water wheel

Walton Flour Mills - Mill farm / Mill Road, Kerrytown.
In 1867 the Parr Brothers, William and James Parr, built a flour mill powered by an over-shot water wheel on the Pleasant Point Stream and a three story mill house was built beside the wheel. The mill, the third to be built in South Canterbury, was operated by the Parr's and subsequent owners until 1905. They built a 1½ acre (.6 ha.) mill pond to control the flow of the stream and a 600 metres mill race (about a quarter of a mile). The race rose gradually over the last quarter above the ground to give 2 metres (6.5ft) of head. Water dropped from the flume on to the iron and wooden compartments that were 2.2. metres wide (about 7ft). The wheel is 3.6 metres in diameter (11.8ft). The wheel bearers were at ground level. Overshot wheels are designed to produce twice the power from a limited flow as undershot wheels. In 1905 the mill machinery was removed to Winchester and the mill house pulled down but the wheel was left on site.

BIKE & WALK TRACKS

Well-marked trails lead from Pleasant Point’s adventure playground opposite the primary school in Halstead Road and Pleasant Point Domain. Flat, easy walking amongst native trees and wildlife.

Pleasant Point Golf Club

A fabulous country golf course and visitors of all ages are welcome. If you don't have clubs with you, there is a small range of clubs for hire, as well as golf carts.

Opihi Walkway

A long but flat walkway of 3 hours one way, so you might consider having a car at each end. A great walk to stretch your legs, you can start at the Arowhenua end and finish for lunch or refreshments in Pleasant Point.

Obsolete Iron Motors/Frocks and Shocks,

COFFEE TO GO

A Range of Vintage and Retro frocks, gift-ware and Jewelry

Specialist Repairs & Vintage Parts W.O.F. - SERVICES Full comprehensive restoration and Custom work is undertaken.

Go for a swim at the community pool

Pleasant Point's pool is a fantastic place to cool off over summer. There's a pool for everyone including a 25m 6 lane pool, a toddlers pool, and a learners pool. All pools are outdoor and heated, and there's is a great area for having a picnic too.

Real fruit ice creams at Strawbery Divine

When we say real fruit ice cream, we mean it. Hosts Giles and Crissie grow their own berries and stone fruit, or source fruit locally. Pick one or two fruits and see them mixed before your eyes with vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt. Served in a waffle or a cone. Gluten-free options are available.

68 Te Ngawai Road, Pleasant Point

MAORI ROCK ART

Discover haunting images, immerse yourself in the history and culture of Ngai Tahu's ancient rock art in the Opihi Valley near Pleasant Point. Tours run from November-April. Book a guided tour at Te Ana Rock Art Tours located at Timaru information center.

DENHEATH CUSTARD SQUARES

Home of the Denheath custard square and other delish decadent desserts. Premium gourmet slices and squares, sold at four square Pleasant Point

PLEASANT POINT DOMAIN

36 hectares at the eastern entrance to Pleasant Point - camping ground, children’s playground, 18 hole golf course, rugby, tennis and cricket, walk & bike tracks. See the amazing giant Redwood trees approximately planted in1880's.

Look for bats

Pleasant Point is home to colonies of native Long-Tailed Bats.

They are tiny and elusive but keep an eye out for bat roost trees. You'll recognise these by the aluminium bands tied around them to stop predators from scaling the trees. If you stare hard enough up into the branches of these trees you might get lucky and catch a glimpse of these little locals.

Go to the politically incorrect Christmas Parade

If you're easily offended give this annual Christmas parade a wide berth! If, on the other hand, you have a great sense of humour and an appreciation of the politically incorrect then head along!

No topic is off-limits, and no one has any idea of how many floats will appear, or what they will be mocking, prior to the event - not even the organisers.