Number of Images on this Page = 40


New Zealand Railways

On a few short trips to New Zealand for conferences and the like, I was able to capture a little of New Zealand Railway scenes. Of course, the country is much more reknown for its natural scenery, but sometimes you can combine both!

New Zealand Railways: North Island

  • Image : dir=nz/ page=index 309263 bytes, 800x533 pixels
  • Date : Jan 2009, catalogued 31 Jul 2009
  • Photographer : Neil Quigg
  • Medium : email digital image, image location IMG_1196
  • Description : The tail end of the southbound Overlander, as seen from the northbound Overlander departing National Park. Compare with Overlander-2 below


  • Image : dir=nz/ page=index 317644 bytes, 800x533 pixels
  • Date : 26 Jan 2009, catalogued 31 Jul 2009
  • Photographer : John Hurst
  • Medium : digital camera (Canon EOS350D), image location 20090126-140725
  • Description : The tail end of the southbound Overlander, as seen from the northbound Overlander departing National Park. Compare with Overlander-1 above


  • Image : dir=nz/ page=index 163065 bytes, 800x600 pixels
  • Date : 25 Jan 2009, catalogued 31 Jul 2009
  • Photographer : Barb Hurst
  • Medium : digital camera (Canon A430), image location 20090125-065805
  • Description : The tail end of the northbound Overlander, with some reflective agopanthus. Also in reflective mood is the author, seen ready to push the train out of the station.


  • Image : dir=nz/ page=index 372185 bytes, 800x533 pixels
  • Date : 25 Jan 2009, catalogued 31 Jul 2009
  • Photographer : John Hurst
  • Medium : digital camera (Canon EOS350D), image location 20090125-093005
  • Description : A permanent way gang resumes work on the track after the northbound Overland passes. A fellow passenger commented on the fact that as we passed, none of the workers was actually working. "Typical!" she commented disparagingly. I asked her if she would be prepared to continue working on the track as the train passed. I don't think she even comprehended the concept.


  • Image : dir=nz/ page=index 310624 bytes, 800x533 pixels
  • Date : 25 Jan 2009, catalogued 31 Jul 2009
  • Photographer : John Hurst
  • Medium : digital camera (Canon EOS350D), image location 20090125-140751
  • Description : The southbound (left) and northbound (right) Overlanders crossing at National Park. This crossing entails several shunting movements designed to simplify the transfer of staff between the two trains - at least, that was what I was told. It seemed to complicate it to me.


  • Image : dir=nz/ page=index 122739 bytes, 800x600 pixels
  • Date : Jan 1994, catalogued 16 Apr 2001
  • Photographer : John Hurst
  • Medium : Kodachrome, slide number 19218
  • Description : A model of the Raurimu spiral, at Raurimu.


  • Image : dir=nz/ page=index 64016 bytes, 800x600 pixels
  • Date : Jan 1994, catalogued 16 Apr 2001
  • Photographer : John Hurst
  • Medium : Kodachrome, slide number 19219
  • Description : A general view of the Raurimu spiral. If you compare this scene to the previous image, it is taken from an equivalent vantage point, but closer to ground level. The track between the foreground line and the spiral proper can be seen in the break in the line of trees on the hill in the middle distance.


  • Image : dir=nz/ page=index 98450 bytes, 800x600 pixels
  • Date : Jan 1994, catalogued 17 Apr 2001
  • Photographer : John Hurst
  • Medium : Kodachrome, slide number 19220
  • Description : A further view of the Raurimu spiral. Comparing this to the model seen in Raurimu-1, the view is taken from the opposite side of the model, looking back over the top of the longer tunnel in the direction of the diagonal supporting angle iron. That is, it takes in the top left corner of the layout.


  • Image : dir=nz/ page=index 136230 bytes, 800x600 pixels
  • Date : Jan 1994, catalogued 17 Apr 2001
  • Photographer : John Hurst
  • Medium : Kodachrome, slide number 19221
  • Description : More of the Raurimu spiral. This view is taken from the trackside of the line visible in the previous photo, Raurimu-3, (visible in the foreground of this image), and shows the descending path of the middle section (Raurimu-1), discernable as the line of catenary support poles in the middle distance. The right hand side of this image almost abuts the left hand side of Raurimu-3.


  • Image : dir=nz/ page=index 174934 bytes, 800x600 pixels
  • Date : Jan 1994, catalogued 17 Apr 2001
  • Photographer : John Hurst
  • Medium : Kodachrome, slide number 19222
  • Description : My final Raurimu photo: I found it difficult to find a vantage point (that I could get to without hiking gear!) that could take in the actual spiral. Maybe another day. This view shows the (northern/leftmost) entrance to the longer tunnel in Raurimu-1. It is taken from almost the same position as the previous photo, but on the opposite side of the track.


  • Image : dir=nz/ page=index 78188 bytes, 800x600 pixels
  • Date : Jan 1994, catalogued 01 Apr 2001
  • Photographer : John Hurst
  • Medium : Kodachrome, slide number 19132
  • Description : Although Rotorua station has not seen a train in years, it still finds use us a bus terminal and transport exchange.


  • Image : dir=nz/ page=index 99073 bytes, 800x600 pixels
  • Date : Jan 1994, catalogued 01 Apr 2001
  • Photographer : John Hurst
  • Medium : Kodachrome, slide number 19133
  • Description : Evidence of the lack of trains at Rotorua station: what used to be a large station yard, is now just a collection of weeds, and the back end of the Rotorua Travel Centre.


  • Image : dir=nz/ page=index 62654 bytes, 400x600 pixels
  • Date : Jan 1994, catalogued 17 Apr 2001
  • Photographer : John Hurst
  • Medium : Kodachrome, slide number 19240
  • Description : A view of one of the cable hauled cars on the funicular railway in Wellington.


  • Image : dir=nz/ page=index 118283 bytes, 800x600 pixels
  • Date : Jan 1994, catalogued 17 Apr 2001
  • Photographer : John Hurst
  • Medium : Kodachrome, slide number 19243
  • Description : A more general view of the funicular railway in Wellington, with the CBD in the middle distance, and the harbour in the background.


  • Image : dir=nz/ page=index 116104 bytes, 800x600 pixels
  • Date : Jan 1994, catalogued 17 Apr 2001
  • Photographer : John Hurst
  • Medium : Kodachrome, slide number 19227
  • Description : My research on New Zealand locos is rather limited, so I can't tell you much about these locos as yet. I came across this pair sitting in the middle of nowhere, with no crew in sight. I presume they had broken down, although the diesel was idling away OK. Made for a nicely scenic "photostop", tho'! M Benge, Leeds was kind enough to write filling in some details:
    The electric loco no 30128 is a triple Bo loco built in Britain 1988-1989 for the electrification of the North Island main trunk between Palmeston North and Hamilton. The loco behind is a DC class built in Canada between 1961-1967 and rebuilt between 1978-1980 in Australia. The train is a drop off working using the diesel to shunt the yards.


  • Image : dir=nz/ page=index 84730 bytes, 800x600 pixels
  • Date : Jan 1994, catalogued 17 Apr 2001
  • Photographer : John Hurst
  • Medium : Kodachrome, slide number 19228
  • Description : See the previous image.


  • Image : dir=nz/ page=index 128445 bytes, 900x600 pixels
  • Date : Jan 1994, catalogued 17 Apr 2001
  • Photographer : John Hurst
  • Medium : Kodachrome, slide number 19229
  • Description : A close up of 30128


  • Image : dir=nz/ page=index 325845 bytes, 800x533 pixels
  • Date : 26 Jan 2009, catalogued 17 May 2009
  • Photographer : John Hurst
  • Medium : digital camera (Canon EOS350D), image location 20090126-133249
  • Description : The southbound Overlander headed by 4219 waits at National Park for the northbound Overlander to arrive


  • Image : dir=nz/ page=index 306708 bytes, 800x533 pixels
  • Date : 26 Jan 2009, catalogued 17 May 2009
  • Photographer : John Hurst
  • Medium : digital camera (Canon EOS350D), image location 20090126-133417
  • Description : The southbound Overlander headed by 4219 waits at National Park for the northbound Overlander to arrive


  • Image : dir=nz/ page=index 284268 bytes, 800x533 pixels
  • Date : 26 Jan 2009, catalogued 17 May 2009
  • Photographer : John Hurst
  • Medium : digital camera (Canon EOS350D), image location 20090126-140141
  • Description : The southbound Overlander headed by 4219 waits in the loop at National Park while the northbound Overlander arrives at the platform


  • Image : dir=nz/ page=index 296003 bytes, 800x533 pixels
  • Date : 26 Jan 2009, catalogued 17 May 2009
  • Photographer : John Hurst
  • Medium : digital camera (Canon EOS350D), image location 20090126-140143
  • Description : The southbound Overlander headed by 4219 waits in the loop at National Park while the northbound Overlander arrives at the platform


  • Image : dir=nz/ page=index 327403 bytes, 800x533 pixels
  • Date : 26 Jan 2009, catalogued 17 May 2009
  • Photographer : John Hurst
  • Medium : digital camera (Canon EOS350D), image location 20090126-140313
  • Description : The northbound Overlander waits in the platform At National Park for the photographer to board the train


New Zealand Railways: South Island

  • Image : dir=nz/ page=index 72954 bytes, 800x531 pixels
  • Date : unknown, catalogued 11 May 2005
  • Photographer : Graeme Moffat
  • Medium :
  • Description : New Zealand abounds in combined road-rail bridges, and here is one of them, across the Arahura River, near Hokitika on the west coast of the South Island. I am indebted to Graeme Moffat for forwarding this photo, along with the correction for Taramakau-1 , which I had mislocated at Arahura.


  • Image : dir=nz/ page=index 93032 bytes, 800x600 pixels
  • Date : Sep 1991, catalogued 21 May 2000
  • Photographer : John Hurst
  • Medium : Kodachrome, slide number 18346
  • Description : The "South Island Limited" has left, and the Dunedin platform returns to its quiet existence.


  • Image : dir=nz/ page=index 97019 bytes, 800x600 pixels
  • Date : Sep 1991, catalogued 27 May 2000
  • Photographer : John Hurst
  • Medium : Kodachrome, slide number 18350
  • Description : The imposing Dunedin Railway Station, completed in 1906, but now little more than a tourist landmark.


Visitors interested in the Taieri Gorge Railway will enjoy visiting John Swan's description of a trip on the railway.

  • Image : dir=nz/ page=index 88950 bytes, 900x600 pixels
  • Date : Sep 1991, catalogued 27 May 2000
  • Photographer : John Hurst
  • Medium : Kodachrome, slide number 18347
  • Description : A view of one of the Taieri Gorge Railway excursion carriages in the back platform at Dunedin Station.


  • Image : dir=nz/ page=index 69719 bytes, 800x600 pixels
  • Date : Jan 1994, catalogued 21 Apr 2001
  • Photographer : John Hurst
  • Medium : Kodachrome, slide number 19257
  • Description : New Zealand abounds in combined road-rail bridges, and here is one of them, across the Taramakau River, just north of Kumara Junction, about 10 miles south of Greymouth. the west coast of the South Island. I am indebted to Graeme Moffat for correcting the location of this photo (see Arahura-1 )


  • Image : dir=nz/ page=index 57139 bytes, 800x600 pixels
  • Date : Sep 1991, catalogued 21 May 2000
  • Photographer : John Hurst
  • Medium : Kodachrome, slide number 18340
  • Description : Dunedin station and the northbound "South Island Limited", hauled by 5454, with the now rather desolate Dunedin station yards in the background.


  • Image : dir=nz/ page=index 94717 bytes, 800x600 pixels
  • Date : Sep 1991, catalogued 21 May 2000
  • Photographer : John Hurst
  • Medium : Kodachrome, slide number 18341
  • Description : Dunedin station and the northbound "South Island Limited", hauled by 5454, stand in front of the imposing station building.


  • Image : dir=nz/ page=index 85158 bytes, 800x600 pixels
  • Date : Sep 1991, catalogued 21 May 2000
  • Photographer : John Hurst
  • Medium : Kodachrome, slide number 18343
  • Description : Dunedin station and the northbound "South Island Limited", hauled by 5454, stand in front of the imposing station building.


  • Image : dir=nz/ page=index 84765 bytes, 800x600 pixels
  • Date : Sep 1991, catalogued 21 May 2000
  • Photographer : John Hurst
  • Medium : Kodachrome, slide number 18344
  • Description : Dunedin station and the northbound "South Island Limited", hauled by 5454. In this view you can see part of the Dunedin CBD behind the platform awning.


Driving Creek Railway

Glenbrook Vintage Railway

  • Image : dir=nz/ page=index 188478 bytes, 800x600 pixels
  • Date : Nov 1993
  • Photographer : John Hurst
  • Medium :
  • Description : A close up of the rear (high-pressure) engine on the Mallet at Glenbrook Vintage Railway


  • Image : dir=nz/ page=index 153381 bytes, 800x600 pixels
  • Date : Nov 1993
  • Photographer : John Hurst
  • Medium :
  • Description : The Glenbrook Vintage Railway]s Mallet, in their workshops. Note that the high pressure cylinder has cylinder valves, while the low pressure cylinder uses slide valves.


Taieri Gorge Railway

  • Image : dir=nz/ page=index 176072 bytes, 800x600 pixels
  • Date : Nov 1994, catalogued 19 May 2001
  • Photographer : Barbara Hurst
  • Medium : Kodachrome, slide number 19417
  • Description : The gorse bush is resplendent in this scene taken on the Taieri Gorge Railway.


Ja1250

  • Image : dir=nz/ page=index 173693 bytes, 788x593 pixels
  • Date : Nov 1993, scanned 27 Jun 1997
  • Photographer : John Hurst
  • Medium : colour print
  • Description : On the occasion of the photographer's visit to Glenbrook Railway, NZ, the locals were very obliging and towed "the girlfriend" out of the shed, where, with a wide angle lens, I was just able to get an imposing angle on those characteristic fenders. Thanks, lads!


  • Image : dir=nz/ page=index 173693 bytes, 788x593 pixels
  • Date : Nov 1993, scanned 27 Jun 1997
  • Photographer : John Hurst
  • Medium :
  • Description : The number plate of Ja1250.


  • Image : dir=nz/ page=index 48442 bytes, 400x600 pixels
  • Date : Nov 1993, scanned 27 Jun 1997
  • Photographer : John Hurst
  • Medium : colour print
  • Description : The view from the cab of Ja1250.


  • Image : dir=nz/ page=index 117470 bytes, 400x600 pixels
  • Date : Nov 1993, scanned 27 Jun 1997
  • Photographer : John Hurst
  • Medium : colour print
  • Description : See if you can work out what moves what! The diabolical cleverness of the Baker valve gear is hinted at in this study of Ja1250's valve motion.


Bay of Islands Vintage Railway

We first travelled to the Bay of Islands in 1994 (when I was still taking slide photographs!), and came across this wonderful little railway, running on the vestiges of the northernmost railway in New Zealand. While we did not get a chance to travel on the train, we did get a chance to take a few photographs of it, here labelled as "Gabriel-1" through to "Gabriel-8".

We returned 22 years later, and were disappointed to discover that the section of track to Opua had been removed, and assumed that the railway was no longer functional. But no, a dedicated band of volunteers has kept the railway running, even though all the bridges on the line from Kawakawa to Opua had been condemned. This meant that train trips could only run as far as the first bridge, a fairly short trip!

Over the years, those bridges have steadily been recommissioned, and trains now run to Taumarere (not sure how far this is). Full credit to those hardworking volunteers!

Peckett

  • Image : dir=nz/ page=index 158857 bytes, 800x600 pixels
  • Date : Nov 1993
  • Photographer : John Hurst
  • Medium :
  • Description :


  • Image : dir=nz/ page=index 158857 bytes, 800x600 pixels
  • Date : Nov 1993
  • Photographer : John Hurst
  • Medium :
  • Description :


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