Proposed Stage 1 of the Rimutaka Incline Railway between Upper Hutt and 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. A heritage lease of part of the Maymorn yard has been 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 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 and a portion has been incorporated into State Highway 2. A deviation around Kaitoke has been designed and is the preferred option to reduce impact in this locality.

New walkway

A new walkway has been designed for the entire length of the route, to continue to provide a high quality walking and cycling track. The new walkway would be built in stages, with each stage commissioned ahead of railway construction.

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.