A new route is proposed to deviate the railway from the former Kaitoke alignment, which is the Trust's preferred option for the railway reinstatement.

Background

Kaitoke station was located on a flat bench cut into a hillside when the Wellington and Masterton Railway was built in the 1870s. The location was chosen as it marked the end of the steep climb from the Mangaroa valley, a relatively straight and level alignment was available, and a water supply could be arranged to replenish steam locomotives.

Since closure of the line in 1955 the station area, including houses, has been subdivided and sold, a portion of the railway formation alongside State Highway 2 obliterated. The remainder of the railway formation is being used as road access to the Rail Trail, go-kart track, glider club and rifle range.

Reinstatement options

Reinstatement of the former route would be extremely difficult, presenting high impact to residents, requiring new roads to be formed, and a potentially constrained station site.

The Trust's preferred option deviates from the former alignment at the crest of the climb from Maymorn, a few hundred metres short of the original Kaitoke station. A new alignment for both railway and walkway would be built, entirely within land held by Greater Wellington Regional Council. It would head east, climbing towards a saddle in the Kaitoke hill flank, passing through in a 15-20 metre deep cutting. Skirting south of the go-kart lease area, it reaches a new hillside station site as illustrated.

The Kaitoke Deviation avoids residential areas, and maintains current road access arrangements. Further work and consultation is needed, and adjustments made.