Hear an excerpt from a radio documentary about the North Island main trunk line.
Overlander
Articles
The North Island main trunk line
All aboard! The North Island main trunk railway was 100 years old in 2008. Take a trip back in time to explore the epic story of its construction, the heyday of the steam passenger train and the place of the iconic railway refreshment room in New Zealand life. Read the full article
Page 1 - The North Island main trunk line
All aboard! The North Island main trunk railway was 100 years old in 2008. Take a trip back in time to explore the epic story of its construction, the heyday of the steam
Page 3 - Rise and fall
A history of the North Island railway main trunk line since the first through train left Wellington on 7 August
Page 4 - Travelling by train
For most second-class travellers, travelling the main trunk meant a long, sleepless journey on hard-backed seats, struggling to find 'elusive comfort with the NZR
Page 5 - Refreshments
Refreshments are an essential and often talked about part of any train
