Rotorua Branch

The Rotorua Branch crosses State Highway 36, looking back towards Putaruru

1 April 2013

Looking back towards Rotorua from State Highway 36

1 April 2013

This section of line is in good condition, considering it was last used in 2001

1 April 2013

Most crossings on the line have brand new Give Way signs installed, presumably for the Railcruisers that now operate along this section

1 April 2013

The Rotorua Branch crossing Taui St. One side of the crossing has old alarms (presumably not working), but the other side does not

1 April 2013

A small yard still exists next to Taui St, with some rolling stock still there

1 April 2013

Just down the line from the Taui St crossing is a small bridge over a stream, also in surprisingly good condition

1 April 2013

However at the end of the bridge, evidence of sunken formation is visible as the track drops sharply

1 April 2013

Looking back towards Taui St from the bridge, it is clear this line is not in use

1 April 2013

Further down the line, looking towards the Beaumont St crossing

1 April 2013

The only evidence this line could still be use: a plastic shopping bag pressed onto the line, possibly by a Railcruiser

1 April 2013

However just metres down the line, evidence shows the exact opposite! Overgrowth on the line almost covers one rail

1 April 2013

Ballast has fallen out of places of the line

1 April 2013

Looking down the line towards Rotorua

1 April 2013

Back up the line at Beaumont St, another crossing which has received fresh Give Way signs

1 April 2013

Looking up the line from Beaumont St back towards Putaruru

1 April 2013

You might be forgiven for not even knowing there was a railway here! Overgrowth so bad most of the track is covered

1 April 2013

Not so bad, although still terrible, overgrowth, covering one rail almost completely

1 April 2013