Museum: 9am - 3pm, 7 days · TrainWorld: 10am - 3pm, Thurs - Sun · Café: 9am-3pm, Tues - Sun

New Zealand’s Largest Model Railway is Right Here!

Experience the wonder of miniature rail in a fully customised forestry-themed display

TrainWorld is a must-see attraction at the New Zealand Timber Museum. With five intricately built model railway systems, it’s the largest and most immersive model train display in the country. Built in collaboration with expert modeller Pierre Vuilleumier, TrainWorld brings to life native forests, plantation timber scenes, sawmills, and the Port of Tauranga export yard… all in stunning detail!

Watch the trains wind their way through landscapes inspired by real New Zealand forestry operations. From tiny steam engines to logging railcars and cargo ships, there’s something here to delight children and collectors alike.

Open Thursday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, TrainWorld is an unmissable experience for model enthusiasts, families, and school groups alike.

Climb aboard the magic of miniature rail!

Highlights - Featured Layouts & Dioramas

TWINPEAKS Middle Layout: Switzerland in the 1990s

Our TWINPEAKS middle layout, currently under development, represents Switzerland during the 1990s. Inspired by Pierre’s homeland, it showcases a captivating alpine landscape featuring viaducts, tunnels, waterways, and multiple trains in motion. A highlight of this layout is a vibrant circus scene nestled within the scenery. Stay tuned as this intricate and nostalgic recreation continues to take shape!

1930s Logging Diorama

This detailed diorama illustrates the early days of native timber logging in the 1930s. It includes a bush tram hauling logs through dense forest to a mill, a traditional Māori village, and a realistic replica of a Kauri dam.

Train Workshop Diorama (1930s Era)

Our fourth diorama is split into two sections, featuring a 1930s-era train workshop where rolling stock is built and maintained. This setting offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the craftsmanship and mechanics of historical railways.

New Zealand Logging Layout

Surrounding the Swiss section is a layout inspired by New Zealand’s rich logging history. This area captures iconic and authentic aspects of Kiwi life along the railway, highlighting the relationship between industry and nature.

For Visitor Entrance fee please see Visit page

Volunteers

TrainWorld thrives thanks to the dedication of our amazing volunteers. If you're passionate about trains and miniature worlds and eager to contribute, we’d love to have you on board. Join us in making TrainWorld an exceptional place by reaching out to us at trainworld@nztm.org.nz.

Supporters

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New Zealand’s Largest Model Railway is Right Here!

Experience the wonder of miniature rail in a fully customised forestry-themed display

Volunteers

Supporters

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