News
Labour Weekend 2011
Labour Weekend 2011 was a very busy weekend, with lots of visiting locos. Despite having to close the track at lunchtime on Saturday due to poor weather, the crowds turned out in force on Sunday and Monday.
Easter Weekend 2011
Through the dappled warm autumn sunlight, with the huge coloured oak trees as a backdrop, steam, electric and diesel locos and their drivers from all around the North Island descended on Keirunga Park Railway for their annual Easter meet.
From Friday to Sunday of Easter Weekend, hundreds of people turned out to enjoy a ride on the array of locos at Keirunga, with over 20 locos on display or out on the track at any one time.
For the record, visiting locos were from Cambridge, Whangarei, Palmerston North, Hamilton, Manukau, New Plymouth, Levin and Porirua.
The crowds came from near and far to enjoy a picnic, and a ride, and it was great to see so many family groups, young and old, enjoying the railway. The local Playcentre had a stall of goods and baking for sale, and face-painting for children was very popular, giving the place a real carnival atmosphere.
Here's a few photos from our weekend, and you can see more on the photos page.
All steamed up at the station waiting for the green flag.
Caleb driving his loco into the station.
Ian Welsh's big Garratt going over the big viaduct.
Steam and diesel - two locos waiting at the station.
Yard yarns - a great way to spend the afternoon.
"The Mistress" DG760 heads over the viaduct with a full load.
Running repairs on the station points.
Chief cook on the BBQ.
Drivers and families lining up for the traditional Keirunga kai at the end of a hard day's run.
Thanks must go to members and families of Havelock North Live Steamers for hosting such a wonderful weekend, for the visitors and the public. The club members spend weeks preparing the track, provide the meals, run the signal box and station, provide services and facilities, and host visiting drivers with their locos. The weekend ran without incident, only a few minor derailments to contend with, and everyone sprang into action to assist. While many club members do not live in the area, the out-of-towners are grateful for the local members who work tirelessly to ensure a magical weekend of steam, sustenance and social activities. (Story and photos by Dale Hartle, aka"the missus").
More News
Read our News Archives for news and photos about Keirunga Park Railway and its members over the past few years.
- Train Meet, Mana Ariki, 2011
- Labour Weekend 2010
- Keirunga members in Australia
- Easter 2010
- Convention 2010
- Easter 2009
- Convention 2008
- International Visitors 2008
- Easter 2008
- Labour Weekend 2008
- Centennial 2008
- Parliamentary Special
- Rare Lineup of locos 2007
- Easter 2007
Website News
The Keirunga Website has nearly 200 visitors per month - people love looking at our news and events, member profiles, and checking out our operation before visiting. Let us know if there is anything you would like us to do for you, or submit photos you have taken for publication on this website.
Keirunga DVD
Ask our stationmaster to buy your own personal copy of our Keirunga Park Railway DVD.
The 20 minute movie shows the operation of the various steam, diesel and electric locomotives at Keirunga, along with shots of the ride and the station area.
At just $15.00 per copy, it's a great memento of your visit to Keirunga.