Regional park concession requested for Rimutaka Railway

The Greater Wellington Regional Council has received an application from the Rimutaka Incline Railway Heritage Trust for a concession to build and operate a railway between Maymorn (in Upper Hutt) and the Rimutaka Summit.

The trust proposes building a railway on the old railway formation that includes the area running through Tunnel Gully and the Rimutaka Rail Trail – a popular walking and cycling track. The formation was used as a railway until the Rimutaka tunnel was opened in 1955.

Greater Wellington’s Development Manager Murray Kennedy says the application will be assessed by Greater Wellington officers using criteria laid out in the Parks Network Plan.

“Our findings will be compiled into a report for Councillors to consider. The report will cover issues including potential tourism and recreational opportunities as well as the impact on walking, cycling and Greater Wellington’s use of the area as a future water supply catchment,” says Mr Kennedy.

Greater Wellington’s Social and Cultural Wellbeing Committee will discuss the proposal at its 23 November meeting. It’s expected that the report will go to full Council for a decision on 15 December.