The Plains Vintage Railway & Historical Museum — Attraction in Canterbury

Title: An Unforgettable Journey Back in Time

Review: A visit to The Plains Vintage Railway & Historical Museum is undeniably a masterpiece of historical preservation and a remarkable educational experience. The passion of the staff and volunteers shines in every corner, from meticulously restored vintage trains to the well-crafted exhibits. An absolute delight for train enthusiasts, historians, and children alike, it provides an incredible journey back in time. Their effort in maintaining the authenticity of the era is truly noteworthy. Also, the interactive elements add an engaging touch to the overall tour making it interactive and fun. Demonstrations provide an intimate glimpse into the workings of vintage locomotives which is both intriguing and enlightening for visitors of all ages. Definitely a hidden gem that brings history alive. Five stars for this...

Run by volunteers, this is a cool slice of Ashburton District and Canterbury history. Open days have either steam or diesel engines pulling three historic passenger carriages out and back on a 2.5km section of the former railway line to Mt Somers. Dogscanride the train too! Check out their Facebook page for the monthly open day and what's on. Other displays of stationary engines, traction engines or old farm machinery may be operating and you can browse the fire engine museum, the historical village including a print shop, chemist, woodworking museum and a historic wooden church. There is a storyboard and map of the Rangatata Diversion Race including one of the dragline machines. If not open you can still walk through the outside of the buildings and see a bit...

Breathtaking train museum. Because the displays are not only to be seen, but also to be touched. Not only that, but you can actually ride on any old classic trains and experience the ritual of the conductor checking the tickets. There is also a craft workshop to visit. Highly recommended. Our train ticket for this experience was $30 for a family, with unlimited rides for the day. If the kids are up for it, this is a great way to keep them entertained. It is also possible to apply for an annual pass. However, it is necessary to enquire and fill in the application form at the ticket office on site. It is known that the museum is maintained and served by volunteers. It's amazing to see a steam train in pristine condition. Very...