McLeans Island Miniature Trains (CLS)

Christchurch Live Steamers runs miniature steam trains at McLeans Island, with a 7¼" gauge track that winds through forest, over bridges and through a tunnel on the banks of the Waimakariri River. It's a volunteer-run model engineering club, so the locomotives are the real, driver-operated deal rather than a fairground ride, and kids of any age seem to love it.

They open on the first and third Sunday of the month, weather permitting, with rides sold individually or as concession cards. It's cash only, so leave the eftpos card at home. There's shade, open grass and BBQ tables for a picnic, making it easy to turn a quick ride into a longer stay, and birthday parties can be arranged too.