The railway line through here was completed in 1891 and has since held itself as a vital transport link through the area. The road through here, once forming part of State Highway 3, has a chequered history of closures due to land subsidence. The most recent of which was in 2017, when authorities decided to close the scenic road for good. Fast forward to 2024 and work is nearly completed on the huge infrastructure project to rejoin the two ends of the gorge with a purpose-built highway - Te Ahu a Turanga – Manawatū Tararua Highway.

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Travel through to Woodville where our train will be turned and serviced, before coming back for a second glimpse at Te Āpiti - you might catch a glimpse of Meridian’s wind farm, producing enough sustainable energy to power 45,000 kiwi homes. Upon disembarking at Palmerston North, reflect on an experience like no other, a steam experience for the whole family.

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With Ww 644 and a train of open platform carriages, this is sure to be one of the highlights of the weekend!