WELLINGTON, New Zealand — Most people who visit New Zealand’s capital city like to enjoy its many cultural offerings.
Whether it’s a museum such as the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa or a top-notch restaurant such as Charley Noble, it’s safe to say most people don’t make it a point to visit the train station unless they are taking The Northern Explorer to or from Auckland.
However, railfans will enjoy the viewing opportunities Wellington Railway Station offers.
The grand station opened in 1937 and is the southern terminus for the North Island Main Trunk (NIMT) line, which was completed by about 1909. In addition to the long-distance train to and from Auckland, the nine-platform sees dozens of commuter trains daily.
The most common trains in and out of the station are the New Zealand FP/FT “Matangi” class electric multiple units. Diesel locomotives — often powered by the EMD GT22 MC (DFB) — pull some trains over non-electrified lines.
