A detailed historical account of the railway will be prepared, which will highlight the importance of the line to New Zealand, and the Wellington and Wairarapa regions.

The route from Tunnel Gully to Kaitoke, through to Summit and Cross Creek is registered with the Historic Places Trust – with the exception of the portion of railway route that passes through private land at Kaitoke.

A portion of the former route at Kaitoke has been removed for State Highway realignment works, after appropriate examination of features and documentation.

The Trust proposes that the re-establishment of a railway on the railway formation is an appropriate method of interpretation and use of the heritage site, which will involve the operation of railway locomotives, carriages and wagons of types that saw service on the original line. The original alignment of curves and gradients are important aspects of the railway that will be carefully and meticulously re-established, so that the engineering heritage present in the route can be fully appreciated. Use of heritage items for their original purpose is a mechanism by which the heritage can be self-sustaining. Other important aspects of heritage railway operation will enhance the interpretation and experience of the old railway route, and provide a high-quality visitor experience.