Meet the train in Middlemarch

The Otago Central Vulcan and Steam Celebrations are on this weekend with train rides, displays, tours and music included in the fun in and around Middlemarch over the long weekend. With around 400 people expected to arrive by train from Dunedin, there will also be plenty of parking for families who choose to drive up to catch the train for one of the short trips from Middlemarch station.

On Labour Day Monday, at 11am, there will be an historic re-enactment of the turning of the first sod at Wingatui Station in 1879 by Vincent Pyke, author and parliamentarian. The train, en route to the festival, will stop at Wingatui Station to allow passengers to watch the spectacle.

The vintage trains will be doing daily excursions from Saturday to Labour Day Monday between Middlemarch, Sutton and Pukerangi. A full timetable and fares are available on www.dunedintrainfestival.co.nz or by contacting Taieri Gorge Railway.

There are also coach services running daily between Dunedin and Middlemarch over the weekend, some of which have been scheduled to connect with the short train trips from Middlemarch. There are still a few seats available on the Dunedin-Middlemarch train on Monday, 26 October.