If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
Grab bar near toilet
Wheelchair-accessible parking
More
Smoke-free property
Room amenities
Bathroom
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
Entertainment
TV
Food and drink
Dining table
Kitchenette
Microwave
Refrigerator
More
Heating
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 2:00 PM
Check-out
Check-out before 10:00 AM
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Pets
Pets not allowed
Children and extra beds
This property does not allow children
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
How much is parking at Waitomo Express - 1918 Train Carriage Change listing Preview listing?
Self parking is free at this property.
What time is check-in at Waitomo Express - 1918 Train Carriage Change listing Preview listing?
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Waitomo Express - 1918 Train Carriage Change listing Preview listing?
Check-out is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Waitomo Express - 1918 Train Carriage Change listing Preview listing located?
Situated in Waitomo Caves, this guesthouse is within 1 mi (2 km) of Woodlyn Park and Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Caveworld and Opapake Pa are also within 2 mi (3 km).
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All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 13 out of 22 reviews
10 - Excellent
13
Rating 8 - Good. 8 out of 22 reviews
8 - Good
8
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 22 reviews
6 - Okay
1
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 22 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 22 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
9.6/10
Cleanliness
8.6/10
Staff & service
7.4/10
Amenities
8.0/10
Property conditions & facilities
7.4/10
Eco-friendliness
Reviews
10/10
Our stay here was just perfect, from the moment we arrived until the moment we left. A must do again..
Andrew B.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025
10/10
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.
Kirsty N.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025
10/10
Excellent service. Well thought out accommodation
Henry v.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024
10/10
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.
David
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025
8/10
Quirky, interesting, different
Christine E.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024
10/10
A unique experience
Jan
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024
10/10
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.
Ann H.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024
10/10
Very unique vrbo. Everything was great. The check in hours were limited though
Steve H.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024
8/10
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!
Alisa
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024
10/10
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.
Ali E.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023
8/10
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.
Debbie F.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024
6/10
Interesting facility. Second bedroom is only accessible through the first bedroom, as was the bathroom. A bit shabby but clean. Beautiful views.
MARTHA
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023
8/10
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.
Ken H.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2023
10/10
So cozy and warm, very clean and tidy, best sleep we have had for a very long time.
Thank you
Just a suggestion, maybe write up some history on the carriage if you have it or can access it. That would be pretty cool to be able to read about the carriages life
Regi G.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2022
10/10
It was lovely to be able to go right from our cave tours to this lodging. A three minute drive. And the Huhu cafe right back up the road was an easy and good dinner--nice recommendation at checkin. Above all we enjoyed the charming train car as a unique place to stay. Everything was comfortable, and the curved roof panels and nice bathroom added to the back were nice touches.
Aaron E.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2022
10/10
Loved it!!
Karen F.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2022
8/10
Stayed in the converted train carriage. Cleverly laid out accommodation making full use of the carriage. Close to Waitomo caves and other activities. Lovely rural outlook.
Maree G.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2022
8/10
Loved the unique experience. Beds could do with upgrading to ensure a comfortable sleep.
Denise C.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2022
10/10
fun quirky accommodation and idyllic rural location
Marama F.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2020
10/10
Our stay in the train was wonderful! So close to Waitomo, to do the tours and see the great sights around the area made this place perfect. Would definitely come back!
Kevan C.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2020
8/10
The train carriage was cute & different. It was comfortable & the sun in the afternoon warmed the carriage up beautifully.