The popular miniature train at Aotea Lagoon in Porirua is
back on track.
You’ll be able to hop on board this Labour Weekend, as the Lions Club of Aotea Railway celebrates the opening with free rides on Sunday and Monday (22-23 October).
“We’re really thrilled to be back,” says engine driver and Lions club member Kevin Wright. ”A big thanks to the Council for all the work they’ve done with us to repair and upgrade the track so we can start running the train again.”
Council Project Manager Philip Royle says the service stopped running in 2015 mainly because of rust and decay affecting the track.
Since then:
The 832m track runs around the park from a small station
at the southern end of the lagoon. The loop takes about five minutes on the
train.
“This is a fantastic attraction for children and their families, so we’re really pleased we’ve been able to help get the service back on track,” says Mr Royle.
While the track repairs have been done, the Lions have been spending the weekends doing maintenance and tidying up the engine and carriages so they’re ready for action.
The Aotea Lagoon miniature train service has been running since 1979, in fact Mr Wright remembers taking his own children and became involved, as a driver and maintenance volunteer, when his grandchildren were young.
“I joined as a volunteer 17 years ago and I’ve been down there every Sunday since…I love it. I absolutely love it. It’s the kids; their laughter and satisfaction, the screams in the tunnel. It’s a million dollars to the young ones.”
“There’s been so much interest in getting the trains running again. I’ve already got three party bookings for December,” says Mr Wright.
The miniature train will run every Sunday from 12 noon to 3pm all year round (weather permitting) with rides costing $2.50 (children aged three and under are free).
16 Oct 2017
