Media Release

RailCruiser Runs Napier-Gisborne Railway

The new railway based tourist activity of RailCruising came to the Gisborne Railway last Thursday with an exploratory test run undertaken by the Gisborne Vintage Railway in conjunction with the RailCruising company, Rail Riders Ltd.

RailCruisers are four seat self-drive railway vehicles, which for the first time allow tourists to drive themselves on a real railway.

As a result of yesterday’s successful 66km return run from Gisborne to the spectacular Beach Loop, an area that overlooks the Pacific Ocean, Gisborne could soon be the home of a major new tourist attraction.

RailCruising owner Neil Oppatt confirmed that the Gisborne to Beach Loop section of the line is perfect for RailCruising. We are keen to see Gisborne’s existing steam train excursions combined with daily RailCruising excursions between Muriwai and Beach Loop, a return distance of 30km. In addition we believe that Rail Biking is perfect for the section of the line that runs through the town and out to the airport. Rail Bikes are four-seat pedal railway vehicles.

Geoff Joyce, President of Gisborne Vintage Railway was impressed with the Rail Cruiser and stated that his organisation is keen find another operator to work with them to see this section of track fully reinstated for their steam train operations and provide ongoing track maintenance.

Whilst both organisations are hopeful that a private freight service between Napier and Gisborne can be established, either way they are keen to see the railway be developed fully for tourism.

This signals a bright future for the Gisborne District as a joint operation between Gisborne City Vintage Railway and an organization such as Rail Riders Ltd has the potential to bring thousands of new visitors to Gisborne, to run what Neil Oppatt describes as one of the best sections of railway in New Zealand.

RailCruising on Gisborne Railway - passing over SH 2

ENDS

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