What an interesting and enjoyable trip to the historic town of Kawawa town our WINGS trip turned out to be. We had fabulous weather so were able to walk down Gillies Street, check out the new library and savour lunch at the station café. Great food, generous portions and reasonable prices.
Thanks to, Anne, one of the dedicated Heritage Railway volunteers, we learned that this was home to the first Steam locomotive in North island which used to carry high quality coal, anthracite, down the line for export to America. Sadly the town declined when the mine closed and Whangarei took over the port business.
A $5 million government grant enabled the upgrading of the Taumarere bridge so the line will soon go further and be part of the expanding local tourist industry alongside the very popular dedicated cycle track.
If you haven't been on the train yet - do take a ride - every passenger helps to keep it on the tracks!
