Picton Rail & Sail -Aotearoa NZ

28/04/2026

Matariki 2026 public holiday is Friday 10th July. This holiday marks the Māori New Year, a time for remembrance, celebrating the present, and looking forward. The rising of the Matariki star cluster for 2026 will be observed between 8–11 July, with celebrations that often focus around whānau, food, and community

Picton Rail and Sail plans to celebrate as we did last year, with a couple of twilight rail runs on the Friday 10th and Saturday 11th, evenings (typically 4 to 7pm) in addition to our usual School Holiday, daily runs. We string fairy lights everywhere and have a sausage sizzle on the go, with drinks available

As well as welcoming visitors, we also love to host other clubs. In the past, several have brought their locos and train-sets to have a run on our track, and we extend our usual welcome to anyone who is interested in coming along. We always provide snacks through the day and for those considering bringing their locos, we can help with accommodation if required

Look forward to seeing you! Please contact President Bob [email protected] or message this page.

15/03/2026

This photo popped up on my personal memories today, 8 years ago, a freshly painted yacht pond!! is such an icon of Waitohi/Picton. It features in images across the world. Do you have photos of the foreshore to share?? Post in the comments!!!

15/03/2026

Things are coming together after the new paint in our station.

15/03/2026

The fantastic Doig Duo are down at the station today. Pop on down for a relaxing ride and witty banter! Volunteers like these guys are what make our world go round!

15/03/2026

💛Calling all those who would LOVE to volunteer. ❤️ Picton Rail and Sail is iconic on the foreshore, creating memories for thousands of people. 💙 From the very young to the very young at heart. 💚If you have any spare precious time, please consider sharing it!!💜

14/03/2026

Thanks to our volunteers and our great friends at Resene for this stand out citrus paint for the inside of our rooms. Freshly painted, and nearly time to get the clock (among other things) back on the wall!

14/03/2026

08/02/2026

Dare we say we are having a gorgeous late summer! Good crowds coming through every day we have operated, and a clean and clear pool, nestled in beautifully maintained grounds. Thanks to all the volunteers and the many hourseach week in KOFF ( Keeping Our Facility Fabulous!!)

08/02/2026

Steam Frenzy on Waitangi Day: a steam TRUCK, a steam TUGBOAT and of course a steam LOCO ! Reece from Nelson and Ollie from Blenheim, thank you for spending Waitangi 2026 with us. And thanks for everyone who came down!!

05/02/2026

Our newly renovated model trains, inside the station.

03/02/2026

Last Sunday saw a family group having a yachting regatta on our pool. Only one child fell in for the afternoon but was fortunately wearing togs.