The Auckland to Wellington 'Northern Explorer' train travelling along the Rangitikei Valley. This train travels three times a week each way, and includes an open observation van for photographers.
Trains on 3' 6" (1.067m) track from Whangarei to Bluff with virtually heritage rebuilt EMD and GE locomotives still the mainstay power. The network was privatized in 1990's and operated by Toll until 2008 when state owned KiwiRail was established.