Rimutaka Incline Railway

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Stage 1 - Upper Hutt to Summit

Stage 1 from Upper Hutt to Summit would be the Core Operation, featuring conventional heritage railway locomotives hauling heritage trains on railway reinstated on the heritage railway formation between Maymorn, Kaitoke and Summit, and using the national rail network between Upper Hutt and Maymorn. Discussions have been initiated with New Zealand Railways Corporation for a heritage lease of part of the Maymorn yard for the purpose of a construction base and heritage railway precinct.

Summit is an essential destination, so as to take tourists / visitors to the uphill terminus of the former Fell-worked Rimutaka Incline - this is key to the successful implementation of Stage 1 of the railway.

New walkway

Recreational opportunities would continue to be provided for in the form of a new walkway provided largely parallel to, and at generally higher elevation to the heritage railway formation. The Trust has initiated and proposes to continue to investigate, consult, and source funding for the provision of the proposed new walkway, in order that the railway formation might be made available for the Trust to occupy for the purpose of constructing and operating the proposed heritage railway. Access to the Pakuratahi Forest that currently uses the heritage railway formation will require alternative provision, investigation and consultation has been initiated with affected parties.

New portions of route

New portions of route are required at Maymorn and Kaitoke. Approximately 1.6km of new route will be required at Maymorn to provide a connection between the national rail network at Maymorn station and the heritage railway formation high above the Rimutaka Tunnel.

At Kaitoke the original route passes through a number of residential properties, that presents a significant number of issues to. A possible deviation around Kaitoke is one of the options being explored to reduce impact in this locality.

Linkages with other attractions

Connections to existing attractions in the Southern Wairarapa will be developed in order to sustain and grow visitation to the railway. Summit will be developed as a destination, including the provision of an information and discovery centre, and reinstatement of the local environment as a sub-alpine wilderness area. 4WD and coach connection between Summit and Martinborough are also proposed. A four-hour schedule between Wellington and Martinborough, including the heritage railway experience may be practicable.

Year 1 Budget for Stage 1: Upper Hutt to Summit

Capital Cost	$7,185,427
Operation Revenue	$1,953,600
Operational Costs	$932,980
Operational Profit	$1,020,620
Depreciation	$266,605
Return on Capital (8%)	$574,834
Net Position for Year	$179,181

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Project

Reinstatement Project.

Stage 1.

• Maymorn.

Stage 2.

Stage 3.

Stage 4.

Proposed Operating Timetable.