Northern Explorer

Near the Raurimu Spiral, DXB 5097 slows the train for the many tight curves on the line

27 July 2014

DXB 5097 starts circling down from the top of the Spiral

27 July 2014

As the viewing car exits the upper tunnel, DXB 5097 has already entered the lower tunnel

27 July 2014

The train winds its way down before heading down the long grade

27 July 2014

Raurimu is visible from the spiral. In the view is an old freight wagon

27 July 2014

After descending the final grade, briefly heading south towards Wellington instead, DXB 5097 swings the train 180 degrees to head north again

27 July 2014

State Highway 4 and the NIMT run alongside each other on the approach to Taumarunui

27 July 2014

The Taumarunui station building, which unfortunately does not see the Northern Explorer stop on a regular basis

27 July 2014

The turntable at Taumarunui, used for excursions

27 July 2014

The train exits Taumarunui

27 July 2014

Passing the junction of the mothballed Stratford-Okahukura Line at Okahukura

27 July 2014

This boulder on the side of the hill looks like it's balancing precariously - the effect is created by water erosion

27 July 2014

The sun shines over the rugged terrain of King Country

27 July 2014

Entering Porootarao Tunnel

27 July 2014

The sun lights up DXB 5097 as it charges north, running the train further ahead of schedule as time passes

27 July 2014

Shadows give a slightly darker mood to DXB 5097

27 July 2014

DXB 5097 nears Te Kuiti

27 July 2014

Hills in the southern Waikato

27 July 2014

DSJ 4032, with fading and falling paint, sits at Te Awamutu

27 July 2014

DXB 5097 arrives at Hamilton, with the sun shining on the nose

27 July 2014

DXB 5097 and the AKL luggage van

27 July 2014

The coupler between DXB 5097 and the rest of the train. The heavy duty coupler is capable of handling trains far heavier than this

27 July 2014

Passing through Ngaruawahia

27 July 2014

The sun sets as the train approaches Taupiri

27 July 2014