Silver Stream Railway Museum has one of the largest working collections of steam trains in New Zealand. The volunteer staff are always very willing to to work with outside partners and this was the case recently for “Dining in The Steam Era”. Over 80 people enjoyed steam train rides, bubbles and canapés on the train and then continued a special Visa Wellington on a Plate evening dining at the adjacent Pillars Restaurant at Silverstream Retreat.

It will be all steam ahead at Silver Stream Railway on Sunday 5 September, when Dads can ride the train for free when accompanied by another fare paying passenger. Silver Stream Railway is located  at Reynolds Bach Drive off Eastern Hutt Road Upper Hutt. It is the Wellington region’s only operating heritage railway and is open every Sunday from 11am to 4pm.  Admission is $10 adult, $5 child, and $25 family and allows you to ride the train as many times as you like.  For more information visit the website or just get along for a fun day with Dad on the trains.

C847 Steam Locomotive at Silver Stream Railway

I swim most weekdays before work at H2O Xtream between 7am and 8am. This is a very healthy habit I have had since it opened over 10 years ago. I have made many friends with people I have met there. When I meet people in the street I enjoy saying, “you look much better with your clothes on” and watch the reaction from others nearby as they work out what I mean.

On Father’s Day all Dads can get a free swim between 11am and 1pm at H20Xtream. I am not sure if they get a free slide down the various hydroslides but they are worth making the small investment anyway. Wave pool, rapid river, sauna, spa and steam room – and with the family all day fun whatever the weather as it’s all under one roof.

You can add to the experience by joining the train anywhere along the rail line from Welllington Station to the Hutt Valley and alight at Upper Hutt Station – its only minutes to the pool.

If you need any more tips for Father’s Day just call us at the Upper Hutt i-SITE Visitor Centre on 04 527 2141.

Paul Lambert