Waikato Freights

In the consist of train 225S was loaded EWR wagons, restricted to a maximum speed of 55km/h when loaded. Welded lengths of rail are carried across multiple wagons

9 August 2025

Concrete sleepers are also making the journey down to Wellington in the consist of train 225S

9 August 2025

Behind a second rake of welded rail on EWR wagons, regular freight on its way south follows

9 August 2025

Towards the end of the lengthy consist, the ballast cleaner rake is also being carried south, heading to Palmerston North

9 August 2025

Sandwiched between YK wagons that carry old ballast, ETM 567 travels south as part of the ballast cleaner rake

9 August 2025

At the end of the ballast cleaner rake are wagons carrying supplies and an FM wagon converted for crew use. Behind this, more regular freight heads south

9 August 2025

DL 9020 rolls down the Whangarata bank with empty coal train 141 in tow. A number of first-generation DL class locomotives, including 9020, were parked for some time ahead of their expected withdrawal, however DL 9020 has instead received a minor overhaul and cleaned, then returned to service

11 August 2025

SRV 5893 leads a very late train 1302 up the Whangarata bank out of Pōkeno, heading only as far as Pukekohe on this journey

21 August 2025

On the rear of the train, failed DFB 7077 is assisted by rescue locomotive DFB 7335 up the hill. DFB 7077 failed at Rotokauri on the first trip of the day, requiring DFB 7335 to run long hood leading from the yard to rescue the train

21 August 2025

DFB 7307 leads train 200 on the home stretch of its journey to Auckland through Pōkeno, with AKC 2552 filling in for the usual AKF in the consist. The AKF kitchen carriage assigned to the Northern Explorer is in for maintenance, so a second AKC has been added to the train to fill in

24 August 2025

Both AKCs are visible on the train here, as train 200 climbs out of Pōkeno and heads for Auckland

24 August 2025

An unusual sight in this part of the country, DC 4951 leads train 211 solo into Pōkeno. The locomotive earlier led train 222 solo up to Auckland, and is now returning to Te Rapa

12 November 2025

Another uncommon movement, DCP 4513 and DCP 4790 lead train 345 down the grade into Pōkeno. DCP 4513 came up from the South Island at some point ahead of the retirement of Aratere, and now lives in the upper North Island

3 December 2025

DL 9515 leads DL 9193 on train 228 up through Pokeno. DL 9193 is the second first-generation DL to return to service, now fitted with larger handrails on the sides

10 April 2026