From chilly Waimarino to balmy Bay and back — travellers' train trip 'tops'

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 13, Issue 638, 28 May 1996, Page 9

From chilly Waimarino to balmy Bay and back — travellers' train trip 'tops'

By Jane Voon From aboard the s wift Bay Explorer express last Saturday night, Ruapehu mayor Weston Kirton commended Main Trunk Rail Ohakune for its initiative in organising a successful rail excursion for 160 people. Passengers enjoyed a balmy autumn, shirt-sleeved day out in the vineyards and shops of the Napier-Hastings area before returning at 1 1 pm to the snowy chills of the Waimarino. The 17-hour journey began with a 6.10am start, hot Johnny Nation' s pies and pick ups along the darkened track. Passengers from points along the Main Trunk Line joined other rail buffs from as far afield as Auckland and Wellington, Patea and Tokoroa. Changing from electric to turbo diesel engine at Palmerston North, rail personnel dealt efficiently with a troublesome door during which time passengers stretched their legs and worked up a keen thirst for on-board refreshments provided by MTRO and Palmerston' s Railway Travel Group. This group from Palmerston North, consisting of enthusiastic railways people regularly helps MTRO's Bob Norling organise the chartering of trains from Tranz Rail. Time lost at Palmerston was never quite made up although drivers gave it their best shot. Tour bus drivers also did their best too, within the reduced time frame, to allow passengers to experience three hours of tasting and i buying wine, cider and beer and to entertain them with a fly-by tours which included Hastings, Stortfort Lodge, | Greenmeadows Mission, the port and art deco buildings of Napier. The mayors of Ruapehu and Hawkes Bay exchanged greetings and tourist brochures when they met and they agreed to promote each other' s region for their mutual benefit. The headboard on the train pointed up the big part Tranz

Link played in this excursion. Through the efforts of Wanganui's Barry Stevens and Paul Raikes, Tranz Link acknowledged its gratitude to the Waimarino and carrot growers in particular by running a complimentary carriage for these growers. Tranz Link also gave welcome financial assistance to MTRO. En route, New Zealand Rail Scene's Lindsay and Janet Benbrook shot two videos, one of white water in the Manawatu Gorge and another of the Ormondville Viaduct. As usual these videos will be available for purchase through MTRO. One Matiere passenger, Stacy Chandler, thought the trip organisation was 'awesome'. Passengers were able to choose seats in either the senior citizens' Hapuawhenua carriage, the family Taonui carriage, or the Makatote carriage. Those who chose the Makatote singing car certainly seemed toenjoy their preference. All appreciated the attention and service given by volunteer student attendants from Ruapehu College.