How great is it to see Central Hawke’s Bay fully embracing the Art Deco spirit and bringing the glamour and excitement of the era right to our own backyard. This year’s festival promises a spectacular mix of vintage charm, live entertainment, and community celebration, making it easier than ever for locals and visitors alike to experience the magic without having to travel far. Whether you’re a history buff, a train enthusiast, or simply love the style of the 1920s, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Train Spotting – Thursday 13th - Monday 17th
For the first time in a decade, the iconic JA1271 steam engine makes its return to the Art Deco Festival, offering a spectacular sight as it rolls through Central Hawke’s Bay. Originally built in 1956, this beautifully restored locomotive will be making stops in Woodville, Waipukurau, Otane, and Dannevirke across the festival dates. If fire conditions prevent JA1271 from operating, the DC4818 diesel locomotive will step in to ensure the journey continues.
For those keen on vintage rail travel, the Pahīatua Railcar Society’s 1939 railcar, RM 31 Tokomaru, will also be in action. As the only heritage New Zealand Railways railcar certified to run on the national network, it will shuttle passengers between Napier and Waipukurau, with an extended journey to Takapau on February 15. A special tour will then take passengers back to Pahīatua after the festival.
Saturday, February 15 – Art Deco Market & Evening Entertainment
One of the festival’s highlights, the Central Hawke’s Bay Art Deco Market, returns for its third year at Russell Park, Waipukurau. From 10 AM to 2 PM, the town will be transformed into an Art Deco wonderland, featuring over 70 stalls showcasing New Zealand-made crafts, artisan goods, fresh produce, and food trucks. Visitors can relax at stylish picnic tables, enjoy live music, and admire vintage cars. Prizes will be awarded for the best-dressed attendees, so don’t forget to don your finest Art Deco attire.
Later that evening, the Waipukurau Club will host an Art Deco Party, featuring 2 classic cocktails, bbq supper, and a live set from renowned Art Deco musician Robert Cross from 5 PM. It’s the perfect way to cap off a day of festivities.
Sunday, February 16 – Otane Market & Roaring 20s Party
On Sunday, the charming Otane Market will be in full swing, located on the green by the railway line on Brogden Street. Running from 10 AM to 12 PM and again from 6 PM to 8 PM, the market will feature a variety of stalls, with some vendors staying throughout the day. Visitors are encouraged to bring cash, as there is no ATM on site.
Adding to the excitement, the historic railcar will arrive at 10 AM, followed by the grand entrance of the steam train at 5:40 PM, creating a spectacular backdrop for an evening of celebration.
The Otane Hotel Roaring Party will bring the festivities in Central Hawke's Bay to a stylish close, with an evening of Art Deco-inspired fun. From 4 PM onward, guests can enjoy live music including a special performance by Kathryn Totty & John. It’s the perfect setting to dance the night away and relive the magic of the 1920s.
With a packed program of events, the 2025 Art Deco Festival in Central Hawke’s Bay promises to be a great celebration of an iconic era. So, polish your dancing shoes, dress in your finest vintage attire, and get ready to step back in time for a weekend of elegance and excitement.
If you’re attending the festival, we’d love to see your photos of Art Deco in Central Hawke’s Bay!
JA1271 Steam Engine or DC4818 Timetable – Dependent on fire restrictions and conditions
Times are approximate please allow 10mins either side
Thurs, 13 February 2025:
Woodville 12:20-12:30pm
Waipukurau 2:53-2:55pm
Otane 3:15-3:35pm
Saturday, 15 February 2025:
Waipukurau 9:45-9:55am
Woodville 11:50am-12:20pm
Waipukurau 2:20-2:50pm
Sunday, 16 February 2025:
Opapa 2:05-2:10pm
Otane 5:40-7:40pm
Monday, 17 February 2025:
Dannevirke 3:45-4:05pm
Woodville 4:50-5:05pm
Eyes to the Sky - Saturday 15th
Warbirds from the Air Force Heritage Flight of New Zealand (AFHF) will be in Hawke’s Bay skies this Saturday 15 February as they fly from their Ohakea base to Napier for this year’s Art Deco Festival, and return after a display in the vicinity of the Soundshell on Marine Parade.
The aircraft will be the North American P-51 Mustang and the Supermarine Spitfire, accompanied on the journey by a T-6C Texan II, our pilot training aircraft.
The flight path sees the three aircraft pass over the Feilding clock tower in loose formation at 12.50pm then over Ashhurst, Woodville, Dannevirke, Takapau, Waipukurau, Waipawa, Otane, Hastings, and Haumoana before the display over Napier.
The return flight, which depending on weather and air traffic control requirements is due to begin at 1.45pm, will take the formation over Havelock North, Tikokino, Ongaonga, Norsewood, Ashhurst and The Square in Palmerston North before landing at Ohakea.
RM31 - Tokomaru
Pahiatua Railcar Society Inc 1939 Standard Railcar – RM 31 Tokomaru!
These iconic railcars once operated across New Zealand, offering a fast and stylish way to travel. Named after Māori canoes, the Standard Railcars were a key part of our railway history.
The six railcars built were:
RM 30 Aotea
RM 31 Tokomaru (returning for Art Deco 2025!)
RM 32 Pangatoru
RM 33 Takitimu
RM 34 Tainui
RM 35 Tikitere
Today, RM 30 resides at the Silver Stream Railway in Wellington and is in operational condition and can be seen running on open days. RM 32 is now located at the Glenbrook Vintage Railway south of Auckland; the railcar moved there in 2001 after the proposed overhaul fell through and the Te Rapa loco depot was demolished, requiring it to find a new home. RM34 now resides at Pahiatua along with sister RM31.
