OUR STORY -
The Waitara Railway Preservation Society was formed in 1999 with the aim of preserving the 7km long Waitara branch line in North Taranaki. With grants from the Taranaki Electricity Trust, TSB Community Trust and others, the line was purchased from Tranzrail for $360,000, and since 2003 has run regular excursions, using a mixture of former New Zealand Railways rolling stock.
The train ride from Waitara climbs a 1 in 40 gradient (the steepest on a preserved railway in 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 parallel to Kiwirail's Marton-to-New Plymouth line, close to the old Lepperton yards.
Regular excursions are held every first and third Sunday, during daylight savings months (and sometimes in other months)
For details go to the 'Timetable Running' page
Private charters are also available for family, social or work parties
Email wrps.charters@yahoo.co.nz
PO Box 104 Waitara.
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To all those people who have had a ride on our train, thank you for your support. We hope to see you again some time!
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The Society welcomes new members
Come along and see what we do at weekly working bees, at the depot on Waitara Road, on Saturdays from 9.30am.
Also there is potential to gain a Society rail-type license to operate trolleys, become a guard or locomotive driver.
To get to the yard, drive up Waitara Road off the main road and turn right at the level crossing.
Be mindful that rail vehicles may be operating.
Wish to join? click this link for an application form
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Some history . . .
The original railway line was opened in 1875, as the first railway in Taranaki, running between Waitara and New Plymouth.
It became disused after the Waitara Freezing Works closed in 1997.
With help from the TET Trust and TSB Community Trust, and members, the line was purchased by the society in 2001 from TranzRail, at a cost of $360,000
In 2003 the Society started carrying fare paying passengers.
In 2004 the former Tahora Station building was relocated at Brixton, Waitara Road.
In 2015, thanks to the generosity of the TSB Community Trust, the bridge over the Waiongana River was re-sleepered
The original railway line was opened in 1875, as the first railway in Taranaki, running between Waitara and New Plymouth.
It became disused after the Waitara Freezing Works closed in 1997.
With help from the TET Trust and TSB Community Trust, and members, the line was purchased by the society in 2001 from TranzRail, at a cost of $360,000
In 2003 the Society started carrying fare paying passengers.
In 2004 the former Tahora Station building was relocated at Brixton, Waitara Road.
In 2015, thanks to the generosity of the TSB Community Trust, the bridge over the Waiongana River was re-sleepered
The Future . . .
Current projects are the restoration of a DSA class locomotive, and the extension of our line into the former Lepperton railway yard, to provide a destination and run-around capability for our excursions.
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