Hobbies

Waitara Railway Preservation Society

Aims: Travel on the Waitara Branch Line which was opened in 1875 as part of the first railway in Taranaki between Waitara and New Plymouth.

Board our train at Waitara, beside the New World Supermarket on Ogle and Queen streets.

Excursion days: First and third Sundays of the month during the Daylight Savings months.
Excursion times: 11:00am, 1:00pm and 2:15pm.

The train travels under the road bridge at the top of Big Jim's Hill on SH3, which we say is our tunnel. At Brixton we travel through our Waitara Road Yards, where the 'Former Tahora Station' is sited. On the way to Lepperton you will see an old house, just over Kairau Road, which was once used as a maternity home about the late 1800s.

On the return trip the train stops at Waitara Road Yards at the 'Former Tahora Station' for hot or cold drinks.

Fares: Adults $12, Child 14 years and under $6, Family $30, Groups of 30 persons $180, Extra person/s @ $6 each. Up to a maximum of 60 persons.

Prices, times and information are subject to change without notice.

Visitors are most welcome.

The Society has working bees on Saturdays and Wednesdays, which usually starts about 8:30am. To get to the yard, drive up Waitara Road off the main road and when you reach the railway line turn right through the gate which is over the railway line. Be mindful of rail vehicles that may be operating.

Contact for Excursions: Brenda Rowe on 06-754 8612 or 027 266 6707.
Operations Manager: Denyse Bettridge on 06-754-4973 (to leave a message) or 027 325 1530 most running days.
Postal address: P.O. Box 104 Waitara
Email: wrps.charters@yahoo.co.nz
Web: http://waitararailwaypres.tripod.com