Tranz Scenic Press Information

06 June 2009

The Overlander Builds Up a Head of Steam for Winter Sundays

There has been a change to the increasingly popular steam powered special Overlander train services for this winter. A steam locomotive hauls the Overlander for part of the journey on every second Sunday.

“Steam specials have become a highlight of many passenger’s winter for the past three years,” comments Tranz Scenic marketing manager Richard Keenan. “Now we are looking to bring the pleasure of travel behind a historic steam locomotive to even more people by changing to a Sunday.”

Commencing on 7th June, the ‘Steam Sundays’ run every two weeks until the 11th October. From Wellington, the journey starts at the normal time of 7.30am with a diesel hauled departure. However when the Overlander reaches Feilding at 10am a 1927 Wab steam locomotive will take over the leading duties.

The Wab was a common sight around New Zealand railways eighty years ago. The powerful 4-6-4 tank locomotive hauled both passenger and freight trains. After 7 years of dedication from a team of volunteers, 2003 saw the completion of Wab794's restoration.

Northbound Overlander passengers will be treated to a 1 hour 45 minute steam hauled journey from Fielding, across the picturesque Rangitikei Gorge bridges to Taihape. The town is making every effort to welcome visitors on the day, including a Sunday market and links to other local attractions such as the Mokai Gravity Canyon. “Being the gum boot capital of the world there will, of course, be gum boot throwing challenges as well,” adds Mr Keenan.

Passengers continuing their journey on towards Auckland will have a more regular Overlander experience for the rest of their trip, described by veteran writer Man in Seat Sixty One as ‘one of the world's great railway journeys, and one of my favourites’. However the timetable alters slightly to accommodate the engine changes.

Day trippers from the Wellington and Palmerston North regions will have over three hours to enjoy Taihape while the steam locomotive is turned and positioned ready to meet the southbound Overlander.

“The special Sundays will treat steam fans from Wellington and Auckland to some of the most spectacular scenery in New Zealand, whether they are on board for a day trip, a short section or the full 685 kilometre journey,” comments Richard Keenan. “For the first time we have added family fares to make it even easier for young and old to enjoy the experience.”

“With the change in timing to when more people have a day off and return fares from as little as $79, we are expecting Steam Sundays to be more popular than ever.”

More information on Overlander Steam Sundays is available from www.tranzscenic.co.nz.

ENDS