New Zealand Mark 2s

[Richard Scott]

I know a few trains around Wellington are still formed of ex BR mk2 stock and, obviously, loco hauled.
It also looks like a few around Auckland may be.
Does anyone have a definitive list of loco hauled trains around both cities, please? Considering heading out around March next year so keen to have a ride on any loco hauled trains.
Thanks in advance.

 

[Gag Halfrunt]

Wikipedia has the answers.

New Zealand British Rail Mark 2 carriage - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

The Mark 2s on Wellington commuter services will be replaced by BEMUs built by Alstom, similar to the new Dublin DART trains.

New Zealand - Lower North Island Rail Integrated Mobility (LNIRIM) Program

I found this when looking into Alstom's BEMU offering. Another Adessia Stream B BEMU. https://www.alstom.com/press-releases-news/2025/9/alstom-awarded-eu538m-contract-wellington-new-zealand-18-adessia-stream-b-battery-trains-and-35-years-maintenance Alstom, global leader in smart sustainable...

www.railforums.co.uk

 

[PrincesWinsdor]

Wikipedia has the answers.

New Zealand British Rail Mark 2 carriage - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

The Mark 2s on Wellington commuter services will be replaced by BEMUs built by Alstom, similar to the new Dublin DART trains.

New Zealand - Lower North Island Rail Integrated Mobility (LNIRIM) Program

I found this when looking into Alstom's BEMU offering. Another Adessia Stream B BEMU. https://www.alstom.com/press-releases-news/2025/9/alstom-awarded-eu538m-contract-wellington-new-zealand-18-adessia-stream-b-battery-trains-and-35-years-maintenance Alstom, global leader in smart sustainable...

www.railforums.co.uk

Those metro-like NZ mark 2s look hilarious.
Hopefully it doesn't give UK TOCs crazy ideas.

 

[stadler]

I know a few trains around Wellington are still formed of ex BR mk2 stock and, obviously, loco hauled.
It also looks like a few around Auckland may be.
Does anyone have a definitive list of loco hauled trains around both cities, please? Considering heading out around March next year so keen to have a ride on any loco hauled trains.
Thanks in advance.

There are three separate MK2 locomotive hauled trains run by three separate operators and all on short distance regional routes mainly aimed at commuters.

You have these three separate services:

• Capital Connection (Wellington to Palmerston North) - operated by Kiwi Rail

• Te Huia (Auckland to Hamilton) - operated by Waikato District Council

• Wairapa Connection (Wellington to Masterton) - operated by Metlink

The carriages on the Wairapa Connection are old MK2 carriages with end doors like the British examples except they now have modified sliding doors. The carriages on the Capital Connection and Te Huia are old MK2 carriages but far more modified with large centre double doors. But all three services are run with old MK2 carriages and all are nice routes so it is well worth taking a ride on all three of them.

The following trains below are all guaranteed to be locomotive hauled with MK2 carriages:

Capital Connection:

Capital Connection:

Monday To Friday - Northbound:
17:15 Wellington to Palmerston North 19:20

Monday To Friday - Southbound:
06:15 Palmerston North to Wellington 08:20

Saturday To Sunday - Northbound:
NO SERVICES OPERATE

Saturday To Sunday - Southbound:
NO SERVICES OPERATE

Te Huia:

Te Huia:

Monday To Wednesday - Northbound:
06:05 Hamilton to Auckland 08:30
14:05 Hamilton to Auckland 16:34

Monday To Wednesday - Southbound:
09:45 Auckland to Hamilton 12:11
17:45 Auckland to Hamilton 20:19

Thursday To Friday - Northbound:
06:05 Hamilton to Auckland 08:30
09:30 Hamilton to Auckland 11:54
14:05 Hamilton to Auckland 16:34

Thursday To Friday - Southbound:
09:45 Auckland to Hamilton 12:11
15:25 Auckland to Hamilton 17:50
17:45 Auckland to Hamilton 20:19

Saturday - Northbound:
07:35 Hamilton to Auckland 10:03
09:00 Hamilton to Auckland 11:29

Saturday - Southbound:
15:05 Auckland to Hamilton 17:36
17:30 Auckland to Hamilton 19:52

Sunday - Northbound:
14:45 Hamilton to Auckland 17:17

Sunday - Southbound:
18:15 Auckland to Hamilton 20:37

Wairapa Connection:

Wairapa Connection:

Monday To Thursday - Northbound:
08:21 Wellington to Masterton 10:01
12:45 Wellington to Masterton 14:25
16:25 Wellington to Masterton 18:13
17:30 Wellington to Masterton 19:15
18:18 Wellington to Masterton 20:03

Monday To Thursday - Southbound:
05:46 Masterton to Wellington 07:30
06:20 Masterton to Wellington 08:10
06:47 Masterton to Wellington 08:31
10:30 Masterton to Wellington 12:10
15:38 Masterton to Wellington 17:18

Friday - Northbound:
08:21 Wellington to Masterton 10:01
12:45 Wellington to Masterton 14:25
16:25 Wellington to Masterton 18:13
17:30 Wellington to Masterton 19:15
18:18 Wellington to Masterton 20:03
22:25 Wellington to Masterton 00:05

Friday - Southbound:
05:46 Masterton to Wellington 07:30
06:20 Masterton to Wellington 08:10
06:47 Masterton to Wellington 08:31
10:30 Masterton to Wellington 12:10
15:38 Masterton to Wellington 17:18
20:14 Masterton to Wellington 21:54

Saturday To Sunday - Northbound:
09:55 Wellington to Masterton 11:35
18:55 Wellington to Masterton 20:35

Saturday To Sunday - Southbound:
07:45 Masterton to Wellington 09:25
16:45 Masterton to Wellington 18:25

Tickets for all three trains (Capital Connection and Te Huia and Wairapa Connection) are simply purchased onboard from the guard. No need to buy online or in advance nor is it even possible. Just board and simply buy a ticket onboard. Both the Te Huia and Wairapa Connection have smartcards which get you cheaper fares so you could optionally get one of those. But the Capital Connection does not have any smartcard option.

For travel on the Te Huia and Capital Connection you can easily do a full return journey along the entire route. But unfortunately for the Capital Connection you could only go as far as Paraparaumu or Waikanae and get a multiple unit back unless you want to continue to Palmerston North and get an Intercity Coach back. Unfortunately services are not frequent.

Additionally there is also the long distance Auckland to Wellington and Wellington to Auckland trains which are locomotive hauled but all of the MK2 carriages have been replaced with new Kiwi built carriages.

Northern Explorer:

Northern Explorer:

Northbound:
WE / FR / SU ONLY (NOT MO / TU / TH / SA)
07:55 Wellington to Auckland 18:45

Southbound:
MO / TH / SA ONLY (NOT TU / WE / FR / SU)
07:45 Auckland to Wellington 18:25

However these trains are extortionately expensive and mainly intended for tourists rather than as public transport. Most people buy online but it is possible to purchase from the guard as you board. It is a very scenic route but there are no MK2 carriages in the formations so not sure if you are interested.

Over on the South Island there are also two scenic locomotive hauled routes. You have both the Coastal Pacific (Christchurch to Picton) and the Tranz Alpine (Chrustchurch to Greymouth) services. Again these are both tourists orientated expensive services. Also no more MK2 carriages on these two either.

 

[Richard Scott]

There are three separate MK2 locomotive hauled trains run by three separate operators and all on short distance regional routes mainly aimed at commuters.

You have these three separate services:

• Capital Connection (Wellington to Palmerston North) - operated by Kiwi Rail

• Te Huia (Auckland to Hamilton) - operated by Waikato District Council

• Wairapa Connection (Wellington to Masterton) - operated by Metlink

The carriages on the Wairapa Connection are old MK2 carriages with end doors like the British examples except they now have modified sliding doors. The carriages on the Capital Connection and Te Huia are old MK2 carriages but far more modified with large centre double doors. But all three services are run with old MK2 carriages and all are nice routes so it is well worth taking a ride on all three of them.

The following trains below are all guaranteed to be locomotive hauled with MK2 carriages:

Capital Connection:


Te Huia:


Wairapa Connection:


Tickets for all three trains (Capital Connection and Te Huia and Wairapa Connection) are simply purchased onboard from the guard. No need to buy online or in advance nor is it even possible. Just board and simply buy a ticket onboard. Both the Te Huia and Wairapa Connection have smartcards which get you cheaper fares so you could optionally get one of those. But the Capital Connection does not have any smartcard option.

For travel on the Te Huia and Capital Connection you can easily do a full return journey along the entire route. But unfortunately for the Capital Connection you could only go as far as Paraparaumu or Waikanae and get a multiple unit back unless you want to continue to Palmerston North and get an Intercity Coach back. Unfortunately services are not frequent.

Additionally there is also the long distance Auckland to Wellington and Wellington to Auckland trains which are locomotive hauled but all of the MK2 carriages have been replaced with new Kiwi built carriages.

Northern Explorer:


However these trains are extortionately expensive and mainly intended for tourists rather than as public transport. Most people buy online but it is possible to purchase from the guard as you board. It is a very scenic route but there are no MK2 carriages in the formations so not sure if you are interested.

Over on the South Island there are also two scenic locomotive hauled routes. You have both the Coastal Pacific (Wellington to Picton) and the Tranz Alpine (Wellington to Greymouth) services. Again these are both tourists orientated expensive services. Also no more MK2 carriages on these two either.

Thanks, that's great. Just what I was after, appreciate all your effort.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 26 Sep 2025 ==

Sorry, one more question. Probably in Auckland Easter Weekend, which train(s), if any, will run on Easter Sunday and Monday, if you have the information, please?

 

[stadler]

Thanks, that's great. Just what I was after, appreciate all your effort.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 26 Sep 2025 ==

Sorry, one more question. Probably in Auckland Easter Weekend, which train(s), if any, will run on Easter Sunday and Monday, if you have the information, please?

It is too early to know for certain at the moment. That will only become known in late 2025 or early 2026 as the engineering work in New Zealand is not normally planned this far in advance. It is normally planned around four months in advance.

But be aware that Easter is a very popular time to do engineering work. The last four years in a row (2022 2023 2024 2025) have had a complete shutdown of the entire Auckland railway network (both the local Auckland Transport suburban EMU trains and the Te Huia regional MK2 trains) for engineering work over the entire four day Easter weekend. The entire train network was replaced with buses over the last four years Easter weekends.

I will try to remember to post an update in this thread in a couple of months time as soon as information on Easter engineering work in Auckland is confirmed.

 

[Richard Scott]

It is too early to know for certain at the moment. That will only become known in late 2025 or early 2026 as the engineering work in New Zealand is not normally planned this far in advance. It is normally planned around four months in advance.

But be aware that Easter is a very popular time to do engineering work. The last four years in a row (2022 2023 2024 2025) have had a complete shutdown of the entire Auckland railway network (both the local Auckland Transport suburban EMU trains and the Te Huia regional MK2 trains) for engineering work over the entire four day Easter weekend. The entire train network was replaced with buses over the last four years Easter weekends.

I will try to remember to post an update in this thread in a couple of months time as soon as information on Easter engineering work in Auckland is confirmed.

Thanks for info, be a pain if it is but can't do much about it!!!
Would the Wellington to Auckland train still run or does that get bus replacement too?

 

[Furrball]

Over on the South Island there are also two scenic locomotive hauled routes. You have both the Coastal Pacific (Wellington to Picton) and the Tranz Alpine (Wellington to Greymouth) services. Again these are both tourists orientated expensive services. Also no more MK2 carriages on these two either.

To be pedantic....

The coastal Pacific does contain MK2 carriages albeit not passenger carrying

The luggage car and kitchen car on the Coastal Explorer are MK2 carriages

 

[daodao]

Over on the South Island there are also two scenic locomotive hauled routes. You have both the Coastal Pacific (Wellington to Picton) and the Tranz Alpine (Wellington to Greymouth) services. Again these are both tourists orientated expensive services. Also no more MK2 carriages on these two either.

The South Island routes run from Christchurch.

 

[stadler]

Thanks for info, be a pain if it is but can't do much about it!!!
Would the Wellington to Auckland train still run or does that get bus replacement too?

Unfortunately that would be a rail replacement bus too. The train from Wellington to Auckland runs over the same tracks as the Auckland suburban EMUs and Te Huia regional MK2s so it is also subject to bus replacement. Fingers crossed this Easter 2026 does not get engineering work yet again.

If engineering work is only in the Auckland area then they usually run an Auckland to Hamilton rail replacement bus. If engineering work is only in the Wellington area then they usually run a Wellington to Palmerston North rail replacement bus.

If there is any significant sections of engineering work outside of the Auckland and Wellington areas on the centre part of the route then they usually just cancel the entire Northern Explorer and refund everyone. It is mainly used by tourists coming specifically for the train ride so they never bother running rail replacement if the entire middle rural section is shut. But this is very rare (a couple times a year at the most) and does not usually happen at the Easter weekend.

So if the Auckland network ends up being shut down again in Easter 2026 then you can expect to have to alight at Hamilton and take a rail replacement bus for the final part of the journey. But at least this is towards the end of the route (and not in the major scenic section) and the bus will just increase the journey time by about an hour.

Most ordinary non enthusiast or non tourist travellers from Wellington to Auckland just use the Intercity Coach which costs a quarter of the price of the train and only takes an hour more. But the train is of course far more interesting and enjoyable. It is a lovely train ride so definitely worth the money if you are going all the way there.

To be pedantic....

The coastal Pacific does contain MK2 carriages albeit not passenger carrying

The luggage car and kitchen car on the Coastal Explorer are MK2 carriages

True good point. Just unfortunately none used for any passenger accommodation.

The South Island routes run from Christchurch.

Haha well spotted. I did of course mean to write Christchurch instead of Wellington there.

 

[Richard Scott]

Unfortunately that would be a rail replacement bus too. The train from Wellington to Auckland runs over the same tracks as the Auckland suburban EMUs and Te Huia regional MK2s so it is also subject to bus replacement. Fingers crossed this Easter 2026 does not get engineering work yet again.

If engineering work is only in the Auckland area then they usually run an Auckland to Hamilton rail replacement bus. If engineering work is only in the Wellington area then they usually run a Wellington to Palmerston North rail replacement bus.

If there is any significant sections of engineering work outside of the Auckland and Wellington areas on the centre part of the route then they usually just cancel the entire Northern Explorer and refund everyone. It is mainly used by tourists coming specifically for the train ride so they never bother running rail replacement if the entire middle rural section is shut. But this is very rare (a couple times a year at the most) and does not usually happen at the Easter weekend.

So if the Auckland network ends up being shut down again in Easter 2026 then you can expect to have to alight at Hamilton and take a rail replacement bus for the final part of the journey. But at least this is towards the end of the route (and not in the major scenic section) and the bus will just increase the journey time by about an hour.

Most ordinary non enthusiast or non tourist travellers from Wellington to Auckland just use the Intercity Coach which costs a quarter of the price of the train and only takes an hour more. But the train is of course far more interesting and enjoyable. It is a lovely train ride so definitely worth the money if you are going all the way there.


True good point. Just unfortunately none used for any passenger accommodation.


Haha well spotted. I did of course mean to write Christchurch instead of Wellington there.

Thanks again for all the info, it's been invaluable. All I have to do now is decide if I take the chance on whether or not Easter weekend is a total shutdown in Auckland!!! Linking it in with an Australia trip and trying to do as much of the loco haulage as I can in just over 2 weeks! Know it's ambitious but it's all the time I have. Pity it's so far away!!!

 

[stadler]

Thanks again for all the info, it's been invaluable. All I have to do now is decide if I take the chance on whether or not Easter weekend is a total shutdown in Auckland!!! Linking it in with an Australia trip and trying to do as much of the loco haulage as I can in just over 2 weeks! Know it's ambitious but it's all the time I have. Pity it's so far away!!!

If you are able to wait a couple months to make final plans then it should be known by early January 2026 whether or not the Easter 2026 weekend will see another total rail shutdown in Auckland for the fifth year in a row. But i suppose the difficulty is that flights start to get more expensive the closer you book them. Probably cheaper to book flights now.

Also it is worth remembering that even if there is no engineering work then it will still be a Sunday timetable on Friday and Monday (and normal Saturday timetable on Saturday and normal Sunday timetable on Easter Sunday) meaning very limited locomotive hauled trains will be running. Good Friday and Easter Monday always get a Sunday timetable on both the Auckland and Wellington networks (all trains and local buses) if the trains are running.

Ideally the best days to get locomotive hauled sets in Auckland are Thursday and Friday (but not on a public holiday) as there are two separate locomotive hauled diagrams (and a more frequent three trains in each direction) running on the Te Huia trains. Saturday also has two seperate locomotive hauled diagrams on Te Huia but less frequent. The best days for Wellington are any day from Monday to Friday as you will get four different locomotive hauled diagrams. You have three separate diagrams on the Wairapa Connection train plus one diagram on the Capital Connection train. So weekends and holidays are not ideal if you want to get as many locomotive hauled trains as possible. Less frequent on weekends too.

 

[Richard Scott]

If you are able to wait a couple months to make final plans then it should be known by early January 2026 whether or not the Easter 2026 weekend will see another total rail shutdown in Auckland for the fifth year in a row. But i suppose the difficulty is that flights start to get more expensive the closer you book them. Probably cheaper to book flights now.

Also it is worth remembering that even if there is no engineering work then it will still be a Sunday timetable on Friday and Monday (and normal Saturday timetable on Saturday and normal Sunday timetable on Easter Sunday) meaning very limited locomotive hauled trains will be running. Good Friday and Easter Monday always get a Sunday timetable on both the Auckland and Wellington networks (all trains and local buses) if the trains are running.

Ideally the best days to get locomotive hauled sets in Auckland are Thursday and Friday (but not on a public holiday) as there are two separate locomotive hauled diagrams (and a more frequent three trains in each direction) running on the Te Huia trains. Saturday also has two seperate locomotive hauled diagrams on Te Huia but less frequent. The best days for Wellington are any day from Monday to Friday as you will get four different locomotive hauled diagrams. You have three separate diagrams on the Wairapa Connection train plus one diagram on the Capital Connection train. So weekends and holidays are not ideal if you want to get as many locomotive hauled trains as possible. Less frequent on weekends too.

Thanks again, think I'll book flights and take a chance. Never been before so be plenty of non train things to see and do if there is a shutdown over Easter. An excuse to go back then assuming mk2s around Auckland have a few years to go?

 

[Gag Halfrunt]

A few more years, but no more than that unless there are problems with the Alstom BEMUs.

Manufactured at Alstom’s Savli manufacturing facility in India, the fleet will replace the current diesel locomotive-hauled trains due for retirement in 2028 and 2029.

Alstom awarded a €538m contract in Wellington, New Zealand for 18 Adessia Stream B battery trains and 35 years of maintenance

Contract signed with the Greater Wellington, a regional council in New Zealand’s Lower North Island, for the Lower North Island Rail Integrated Mobility (LNIRIM) program

www.alstom.com

 

[stadler]

Thanks again, think I'll book flights and take a chance. Never been before so be plenty of non train things to see and do if there is a shutdown over Easter. An excuse to go back then assuming mk2s around Auckland have a few years to go?

The MK2s in Auckland have no planned replacements so will certainly last a lot longer than the Wellington ones. Something will be ordered in the coming years (especially as they are getting very old) but it is not likely to be until the early 2030s that the MK2s in Auckland actually get replaced. So probably another five or six years left in service.

The MK2s on the two Wellington services (Capital Connection and Wairapa Connection) are due to be replaced in the late 2020s between around 2028 and 2029 by new battery multiple units. These were just ordered last month. So at least another three or four years for those.

A few more years, but no more than that unless there are problems with the Alstom BEMUs.

Alstom awarded a €538m contract in Wellington, New Zealand for 18 Adessia Stream B battery trains and 35 years of maintenance

Contract signed with the Greater Wellington, a regional council in New Zealand’s Lower North Island, for the Lower North Island Rail Integrated Mobility (LNIRIM) program

www.alstom.com

That new order of Alsthom built battery multiple units is only for the two Wellington services. They will replace the MK2s on both the Capital Connection and Wairapa Connection trains. They are not for the Te Huia trains in the Auckland area.

Te Huia in Auckland is likely to place an order for new trains to replace MK2s towards the end of 2026 next year. Waikato District Council have created a business case for new trains but it depends on further funding being made available next year. So if and once they ordered it will probably be about 2030 or 2031 when they enter service.

 

[stadler]

Thanks, that's great. Just what I was after, appreciate all your effort.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 26 Sep 2025 ==

Sorry, one more question. Probably in Auckland Easter Weekend, which train(s), if any, will run on Easter Sunday and Monday, if you have the information, please?

The rail works for Easter have been fully planned and confirmed now and unfortunately it is a full network wide shutdown in the Auckland region for four full days.

The entire Auckland railway network is shut on the 3rd/4th/5th/6th over the Easter weekend. The last trains will run in the late evening on the 2nd and then they will not restart until the 7th in the early morning. Buses will be replacing everything on all railway lines. This is the fifth year in a row that they have done a complete shutdown over the Easter weekend.

This means there will be no Auckland Transport trains (CAF Civity EMUs) on any lines with everything being replaced with buses. So expect longer journey times everywhere if using buses to get around the city.

There will also be no Te Huia trains (Auckland to Hamilton locomotive hauled MK2s) operating at all over the four day weekend. They do not even bother running rail replacement buses on weekends or public holidays so you have no alternatives.

It will also mean that the Northern Explorer (Wellington to Auckland and vice versa) will be replaced with a bus between Hamilton and Auckland and vice versa on these days. But at least it is just the short Northern section and not the scenic part.

Wellington has no Easter rail closures planned so at least that end should be fine. Wellington does plan their closures later than Auckland so it could always change but it is unlikely as previous Easter weekends have seen Wellington services running as normal. So at least you will be able to ride these Wellington area trains. But unfortunately in Auckland there will be no trains.

 

[Richard Scott]

The rail works for Easter have been fully planned and confirmed now and unfortunately it is a full network wide shutdown in the Auckland region for four full days.

The entire Auckland railway network is shut on the 3rd/4th/5th/6th over the Easter weekend. The last trains will run in the late evening on the 2nd and then they will not restart until the 7th in the early morning. Buses will be replacing everything on all railway lines. This is the fifth year in a row that they have done a complete shutdown over the Easter weekend.

This means there will be no Auckland Transport trains (CAF Civity EMUs) on any lines with everything being replaced with buses. So expect longer journey times everywhere if using buses to get around the city.

There will also be no Te Huia trains (Auckland to Hamilton locomotive hauled MK2s) operating at all over the four day weekend. They do not even bother running rail replacement buses on weekends or public holidays so you have no alternatives.

It will also mean that the Northern Explorer (Wellington to Auckland and vice versa) will be replaced with a bus between Hamilton and Auckland and vice versa on these days. But at least it is just the short Northern section and not the scenic part.

Wellington has no Easter rail closures planned so at least that end should be fine. Wellington does plan their closures later than Auckland so it could always change but it is unlikely as previous Easter weekends have seen Wellington services running as normal. So at least you will be able to ride these Wellington area trains. But unfortunately in Auckland there will be no trains.

Thanks for information, did note that. Looked at Northern Explorer tickets for the Friday and they wouldn't quote me a price so assumed completely cancelled. I've now committed anyway so, whilst Auckland is a minor irritation, it's not end of the world as can do touristy things there!
Wellington was always the more appealing train wise as more diagrams!! Quick question; do locos coming in to Wellington in the morning return in the evening or are there chances of a swap?

 

[stadler]

Thanks for information, did note that. Looked at Northern Explorer tickets for the Friday and they wouldn't quote me a price so assumed completely cancelled. I've now committed anyway so, whilst Auckland is a minor irritation, it's not end of the world as can do touristy things there!
Wellington was always the more appealing train wise as more diagrams!! Quick question; do locos coming in to Wellington in the morning return in the evening or are there chances of a swap?

It varies a lot. The majority of the time it is the same locomotives. But they do often change the locomotives between the morning and evening workings depending on the operational needs and if a certain locomotive needs maintenance or needs to be in a certain place. From my experience about 75% of the time it is the same locomotive and about 25% of the time they change it between the morning and evening workings. There is no way to be certain as it can vary. But if you have the time then it is worth checking all four diagrams in the morning and all four diagrams again in the evening just in case.

Capital Connection (Palmerston North - Wellington) is just one diagram that works Palmerston North to Wellington in the morning peak and then lays over in a yard in Wellington all day before working Wellington to Palmerston North in the evening peak.

Wairapa Connection (Masterton - Wellington) is three separate diagrams. All three diagrams do morning peak workings. Then one diagram continues to day daytime workings while the other two layover in a Wellington yard. Then all three diagrams do evening peak workings.

All of these above services have the chance to change locomotives in the Wellington yards between the morning and evening workings.

So on a Monday to Friday you are guaranteed to get at least four locomotives. One on the sole Capital Connection diagram. Plus three on the three separate Wairapa Connection diagrams. If you are lucky and they changeover the locomotives between peaks then you may see even more.

 

[Richard Scott]

It varies a lot. The majority of the time it is the same locomotives. But they do often change the locomotives between the morning and evening workings depending on the operational needs and if a certain locomotive needs maintenance or needs to be in a certain place. From my experience about 75% of the time it is the same locomotive and about 25% of the time they change it between the morning and evening workings. There is no way to be certain as it can vary. But if you have the time then it is worth checking all four diagrams in the morning and all four diagrams again in the evening just in case.

Capital Connection (Palmerston North - Wellington) is just one diagram that works Palmerston North to Wellington in the morning peak and then lays over in a yard in Wellington all day before working Wellington to Palmerston North in the evening peak.

Wairapa Connection (Masterton - Wellington) is three separate diagrams. All three diagrams do morning peak workings. Then one diagram continues to day daytime workings while the other two layover in a Wellington yard. Then all three diagrams do evening peak workings.

All of these above services have the chance to change locomotives in the Wellington yards between the morning and evening workings.

So on a Monday to Friday you are guaranteed to get at least four locomotives. One on the sole Capital Connection diagram. Plus three on the three separate Wairapa Connection diagrams. If you are lucky and they changeover the locomotives between peaks then you may see even more.

Thank you, it's probably the only chance I'll get to do it so will try and maximise the trawl!
Emailed about the Northern Explorer as still showing sold out. Seems to be same for both directions so possibly not released tickets yet. Said to them understand it's running to Hamilton so hopefully will be a positive result otherwise coach it is!!

 

[Gag Halfrunt]

There's a new video about the Mark 2s in New Zealand. I haven't watched it yet.

After spending 19 months in the making, my remade British Rail Mk2 video is finally done. Feel free to join me as I go into detail about the Mk2 coaches that ended up in New Zealand (of all places) between 1997 and 2008. They have since been rebuilt in some rather unusual ways, variants of which are - at present - still in use on the Capital Connection, Wairarapa Line, Te Huia, Coastal Pacific, Northern Explorer and TranzAlpine passenger trains.

This video mostly uses footage that I have recorded in real life, along with clips from Train Simulator classic and Train Sim World 6 where appropriate. All of the photographs and video footage used in this video are my own.

 

[stadler]

Thank you, it's probably the only chance I'll get to do it so will try and maximise the trawl!
Emailed about the Northern Explorer as still showing sold out. Seems to be same for both directions so possibly not released tickets yet. Said to them understand it's running to Hamilton so hopefully will be a positive result otherwise coach it is!!

It is rather odd. I wonder if Easter is a very busy time and it actually has fully sold out. If you search for Wellington to Auckland on the 3rd of April or the 5th of April then it shows sold out. But yet if you put in the 1st of April or the 8th of April when the full line is open then it allows you to buy a ticket.

They have line closures in Auckland all next week and it allows you to book the Northern Explorer train. For example if you select Wellington to Auckland on the 14th of January or the 16th of January then it allows you to book a ticket and just has a message (a red exclamation mark that you click on) about a Hamilton to Auckland rail replacement bus. They were also selling tickets during the Hamilton to Auckland line closure in October a few months back. So they have no problem selling a ticket for journeys that have a bus.

I suppose the other possibility is that maybe Easter is a very quiet time for them and they have just decided to fully cancel the service over the Easter weekend rather than running a bus. I know that they have done that around Christmas often but normally at Easter it still runs. Hopefully they will reply soon and clarify to you. If you do not hear from them then i will ask my friend that works at Kiwi Rail as he will have an answer.

 

[Richard Scott]

It is rather odd. I wonder if Easter is a very busy time and it actually has fully sold out. If you search for Wellington to Auckland on the 3rd of April or the 5th of April then it shows sold out. But yet if you put in the 1st of April or the 8th of April when the full line is open then it allows you to buy a ticket.

They have line closures in Auckland all next week and it allows you to book the Northern Explorer train. For example if you select Wellington to Auckland on the 14th of January or the 16th of January then it allows you to book a ticket and just has a message (a red exclamation mark that you click on) about a Hamilton to Auckland rail replacement bus. They were also selling tickets during the Hamilton to Auckland line closure in October a few months back. So they have no problem selling a ticket for journeys that have a bus.

I suppose the other possibility is that maybe Easter is a very quiet time for them and they have just decided to fully cancel the service over the Easter weekend rather than running a bus. I know that they have done that around Christmas often but normally at Easter it still runs. Hopefully they will reply soon and clarify to you. If you do not hear from them then i will ask my friend that works at Kiwi Rail as he will have an answer.

The reply said it wasn't running but I'd be really grateful if you could get confirmation. If it doesn't run then it's the bus!
Thanks in advance.

 

[Russel]

If there was ever a real life Triggers Broom, the New Zeeland Mk2 are it.

Do the Te Huia Mk2s actually still contain any original Mk2 structure?

 

[Gag Halfrunt]

Do the Te Huia Mk2s actually still contain any original Mk2 structure?

This video suggests that the sheet metal of the bodysides was replaced.

These trains are now running on Te Huia between Hamilton and Auckland. Archival video from the Auckland Regional Transport Authority in 2005, credit to a .pptx file from Angus Gabara.

Not explained in the video is the fact that the "refurbished" bogies did not, of course, come from the Mk2s.

 

[Russel]

This video suggests that the sheet metal of the bodysides was replaced.

Not explained in the video is the fact that the "refurbished" bogies did not, of course, come from the Mk2s.

I'm struggling to see what is actually left of the original Mk2!

 

[stadler]

The reply said it wasn't running but I'd be really grateful if you could get confirmation. If it doesn't run then it's the bus!
Thanks in advance.

I have messaged my friend at Kiwi Rail and the trains on the 3/4/5/6 of April are fully cancelled over the entire route. They have engineering work planned in the central section of the line around the Taumarunui and Ohakune and Taihape areas. So unfortunately nothing is running (not even a rail replacement bus) due to such a significant section being closed for engineering works.

Kiwi Rail have a policy that they will only put on a rail replacement bus for the Hamilton to Auckland section and the Palmerston North to Wellington section. This is the far North part and the far South part. But if any parts of the line in between are closed then they just cancel the entire service with no bus replacement. I suppose it makes sense as nobody wants to pay for a train ride and then have a long rail replacement bus through the main long scenic section.

So unfortunately it looks like it will have to be coach ride (unless you have any ability to shift your plans to travel from Wellington to Auckland on the 1st or 8th instead of the 3rd or 5th) for this journey.

Intercity currently have cheap coach fares selling for NZD49.00 for a Wellington to Auckland single. For example on Friday the 3rd of April you have both a 08:30 Wellington to Auckland 18:55 service and a 09:15 Wellington to Auckland 20:45 service both selling at NZD49.00 single. That is only £20.95 at the current exchange rate which is a bargain for such a long distance. Not as enjoyable as a train ride but at least the coach is very cheap and good value.

 

[Richard Scott]

I have messaged my friend at Kiwi Rail and the trains on the 3/4/5/6 of April are fully cancelled over the entire route. They have engineering work planned in the central section of the line around the Taumarunui and Ohakune and Taihape areas. So unfortunately nothing is running (not even a rail replacement bus) due to such a significant section being closed for engineering works.

Kiwi Rail have a policy that they will only put on a rail replacement bus for the Hamilton to Auckland section and the Palmerston North to Wellington section. This is the far North part and the far South part. But if any parts of the line in between are closed then they just cancel the entire service with no bus replacement. I suppose it makes sense as nobody wants to pay for a train ride and then have a long rail replacement bus through the main long scenic section.

So unfortunately it looks like it will have to be coach ride (unless you have any ability to shift your plans to travel from Wellington to Auckland on the 1st or 8th instead of the 3rd or 5th) for this journey.

Intercity currently have cheap coach fares selling for NZD49.00 for a Wellington to Auckland single. For example on Friday the 3rd of April you have both a 08:30 Wellington to Auckland 18:55 service and a 09:15 Wellington to Auckland 20:45 service both selling at NZD49.00 single. That is only £20.95 at the current exchange rate which is a bargain for such a long distance. Not as enjoyable as a train ride but at least the coach is very cheap and good value.

Thanks for info. Unfortunately has to be that weekend. Somewhat annoying as that was part of reason for going but with other plans just didn't work out. A long way to go to do it another time do will have to wait a couple of years!!
How long have mk2s got left around Auckland? Will try and plan better next time.
Still lots to do in Australia including Tasmania and South Island of New Zealand so plenty of reasons to return.
Thanks again for all your help.

 

[stadler]

Thanks for info. Unfortunately has to be that weekend. Somewhat annoying as that was part of reason for going but with other plans just didn't work out. A long way to go to do it another time do will have to wait a couple of years!!
How long have mk2s got left around Auckland? Will try and plan better next time.
Still lots to do in Australia including Tasmania and South Island of New Zealand so plenty of reasons to return.
Thanks again for all your help.

The MK2 stock in Auckland have a bit longer than the Wellington ones as no replacement has been ordered yet. They are highly likely to place an order towards the end of 2026 for new Te Huia trains to replace the locomotive hauled MK2 stock. Waikato Council have created a business case for new trains but it depends on further funding being made available. So if they are ordered towards the end of 2026 as planned then it is estimated to be around 2029 or 2030 when they enter service and replace the MK2 trains.

If you can get back to New Zealand within three years then you should still have a chance to ride the Auckland MK2 stock too. South Island of New Zealand is lovely with some very scenic areas and Tasmania was by far my favourite region on Australia so it is definitely worth another visit to both of those in the future if you can afford it. It is just a shame that it is so expensive to visit New Zealand and Australia nowadays. I would go far more often if flights and costs were cheaper.

You will still have lots to see on the railways around Wellington with the two locomotive hauled MK2 routes. Wellington is a nice city to explore too. Plus the coach ride is still rather scenic even if it is not as good as the train. Let me know if you have any other questions.

 

[Richard Scott]

The MK2 stock in Auckland have a bit longer than the Wellington ones as no replacement has been ordered yet. They are highly likely to place an order towards the end of 2026 for new Te Huia trains to replace the locomotive hauled MK2 stock. Waikato Council have created a business case for new trains but it depends on further funding being made available. So if they are ordered towards the end of 2026 as planned then it is estimated to be around 2029 or 2030 when they enter service and replace the MK2 trains.

If you can get back to New Zealand within three years then you should still have a chance to ride the Auckland MK2 stock too. South Island of New Zealand is lovely with some very scenic areas and Tasmania was by far my favourite region on Australia so it is definitely worth another visit to both of those in the future if you can afford it. It is just a shame that it is so expensive to visit New Zealand and Australia nowadays. I would go far more often if flights and costs were cheaper.

You will still have lots to see on the railways around Wellington with the two locomotive hauled MK2 routes. Wellington is a nice city to explore too. Plus the coach ride is still rather scenic even if it is not as good as the train. Let me know if you have any other questions.

Thanks very much, hopefully the Wellington mk2 trains will work out then can return 2028/29 to do Auckland ones and Northern Explorer.
There's so much to do in the world!!!

 

[185]

Morning all.

Silly question. Someone is running a train next week:

Christchurch Dunedin 20 Jan 26
Dunedin Invercargill 21 Jan 26
Invercargill Dunedin 22 Jan 26
Dunedin Christchurch 23 Jan 26

Ponamu Tourism Group NZ t/a The Mainlander

Q. Anyone know anything about them? Seen a couple of local journalists reported it. Not going to book (ie pay) until I'm sure it's running...