We’ve just ticked off one of the “must do” things off our list during our South Island Odyssey, – a trip on the Weka Pass Vintage Railway. Quite by chance, we have been camping at Waikari, the end of the line, so to speak. There was no trouble doing the return trip back to front, we were told. It was just a short trip up the road in the car, and we were ready to start our adventure.
This way to the train
Waikari Station
There was our train, lined up ready and waiting. DG 770, Locomotive 2274/D53, built in 1955 at the Vulcan Foundry, Lancashire, England, was on duty today, pulling vintage 1930 carriages and open air observation carriages. Even though it was raining, the dry summer pastures meant that the more romantic steam engine could not be used due to fire risk. The wet conditions were no deterrent to the men who were quite determined to brave the elements in the open air carriages for the sake of photo opportunities. Not so us girls, we were quite happy to watch the scenery go by through the carriage windows, warm and dry inside.
Diesel-Electric Loco DG 770
The Waiau Branch railway line, opened in 1884, was originally intended to be the main line north from Christchurch, but remained a branch line, and closed down in 1978. Several years later a group of locals and rail enthusiastic acquired the track and rolling stock to preserve this piece of railway heritage. The Weka Pass railway owns five diesel locos plus A428, the steam engine. The 14km journey travelled through rolling farmland, vineyards and orchards.
Looking forward through the rain
But Weka Pass itself was the star of the day, in my view. Completed in just two years in the 1880s, tons of clay and limestone were removed by hand to form the cuttings and large embankments. The rocky edges of the cuttings seemed to crowd into both sides of our carriage with barely room to spare as the train travelled through the cuttings. Interesting rock formations rise out of the yellow grass covered hills , with Frog Rock being the most well known.
Frog Rock, complete with seagulls
Interesting rock formations
The train pulled into Glenmark Station and the serious business of turning the engine around for the return trip attracted a very interested crowd. The well engineered turntable seemed to need very little effort to get moving with just two men doing the pushing.
Turntable at Waikari Station
Turntable at Glenmark Station
Glenmark Station
With the engine reattached it was “All Aboard” for the return journey back through the farmland and giving us a chance to marvel at the work involved in the cuttings of Weka Pass again. Weka Pass Railway is run and maintained by a group of enthusiastic volunteers who must be congratulated for their dedication in preserving this wonderful slice of rail history.
Enjoying our vintage train ride
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