About us

The Society . . .

The Waitara Railway Preservation Society was formed in 1999 with the aim of preserving the 7.5km long Waitara branch line in North Taranaki, after it was closed by Tranzrail. With grants from the Taranaki Electricity Trust, TSB Community Trust and others, the line was purchased and restored, and since 2003 has run regular excursions for the public of Taranaki and New Zealand.

The Ride . . .

The train ride from Waitara climbs the 1-in-40 Waitara Incline (one ofthe steepest New Zealand), passes under the SH3 overbridge on Big Jim's Hill, through our depot and yards at Waitara Road, and crosses the picturesque Waiongana Stream. It ends in the Lepperton Junction yard next to Kiwirail's Marton-to-New Plymouth line. The locomotive 'runs around' the train for the return journey.

The Waitara Branch Line . . .

The original railway line was opened in 1875, the first railway in Taranaki, running between Waitara and New Plymouth, to help with the settlement of the fledgling community.It became disused after the Waitara Freezing Works closed in 1997.With help from the Taranaki Electricity Trust, TSB Community Trust, and members, the line was purchased from Tranzrail by the society in 2001.

The Train . . .

Locomotive - Portland 11One of 12 built by W G Bagnall in Stafford, UK for New Zealand. Nine were bought by NZ Railways, two by the Portland Cement Co in Whangarei, and one by NZ Pulp & Paper Co, Kinlieth.Ours is one of the Portland locos.
Carriage A56536Built in 1938 at Addington. Restored by members with generous financial support from David and Lorraine Brown.
Open viewing wagon EA3298Originally a crane wagon with NZR, bought by NZ Rail Heritage Trust and adapted to a passenger vehicle in 2022 by our members

We are an incorporated society, a registered charity, and all members are volunteers

Our rail passenger licence was issued by the NZ Transport Agency

and regular audits assure public safety

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