Northern Explorer

DXB 5097 negotiates the curve as it tows the light train north

27 July 2014

A photographer captures the moment as the train heads towards Tunnel #10

27 July 2014

Passing through Mangaweka, one of the few places where State Highway 1 crosses the North Island Main Trunk at a level crossing

27 July 2014

The train on the Mangaweka Deviation

27 July 2014

Crossing the South Rangitikei Viaduct

27 July 2014

The view from the other side

27 July 2014

Taihape's famed gumboot at the entrance to the town

27 July 2014

DXB 5097 enters the Turangarere Horseshoe

27 July 2014

The bridge on the northern side of the horseshoe

27 July 2014

DXB 5097 negotiates the 180 degree curve

27 July 2014

The train has already travelled over the track seen here

27 July 2014

DXB 5097 notches up out of the curve

27 July 2014

Crossing the Whangaehu River, the Whangaehu River, the site of the Tangiwai disaster in 1953

27 July 2014

DC 4064, looking worse for wear, stabled at Ohakune with a rake of new YL class ballast wagons

27 July 2014

The Ohakune station building

27 July 2014

DXB 5097 stopped with train 200 just before venturing onto the Hapuawhenua Viaduct, to wait for permission to enter a work site

27 July 2014

The train eases onto the viaduct

27 July 2014

A classic scene, albeit usually with a different locomotive class, as the train sweeps around the Hapuawhenua Viaduct

27 July 2014

The old Hapuawhenia Viaduct in use as a walking and cycling track

27 July 2014

The curved Hapuawhenua viaduct behind the train

27 July 2014

State Highway 4 passes down below the Makatote Viaduct

27 July 2014

Between National Park and Waiouru, Mt Tongariro and Mt Ngauruhoe are visible

27 July 2014

Mt Ruapehu, with plenty of snow, is also visible

27 July 2014

The tail end of a very late train 391 departs National Park after crossing 200

27 July 2014