Writers take poetic licence of train

A historic steam train described as a journey into "landscape, history and imagination," with fine food, wine and performance sets out from central Auckland on Sunday, September 22. Part of the Going West Books and Writers' Festival, the journey aims to celebrate the train trip in Maurice Gee's novel Going West.

Writers and performers who take the stage at stops along the way to Helensville include Paul Minifie, Peter Simpson, Geoff Chapple and singers Wayne Mason, Caitlin Smith and Arthur Toms.

Bookings are essential and the trip cost $160 a person, which includes food and wine. The steam train departs from Auckland Central Railway Station at 9.30am and returns at 5.30pm.

Contact: (09) 836 8000 (extn 8780)

email Barbara.Cade@waitakere.govt.nz

website Going West