As the train powers along to its destination, you might be forgiven for thinking you had stepped into Middle-earth.
A seemingly endless swathe of rolling hills and rushing rivers on a picturesque day provided a treat for the about 200 staff, special guests and passengers who enjoyed the inaugural trip on Saturday.
Dunedin Railways general manager Rebekah Jenkins said it was an emotional return for her team.
"It’s incredible. We have a very passionate team who have missed bringing passengers back to Pukerangi — it is pretty awesome to see the work that’s gone into the track and even the maintenance of the assets. It’s a pretty cool, pretty cool feeling," she said.
"I love the train. I think it’s such a novelty and such a cool tourist attraction."
The train made a brief stop in Hindon, where a karakia and ribbon-cutting ceremony took place before continuing to Pukerangi, where passengers were greeted by a lone bagpiper.
Ms Jenkins said as the cruise ship season was now open, interest in the line would provide another boost to the local economy.
"I think we are servicing approximately 80 cruise ships this year, which is fantastic.
Locomotive driver Andy Howie said he was pleased he was retained as the Covid-19 pandemic had significantly reduced employee numbers.
"We have lost our brand, really. Some people just don’t know we are running, so it is good that we are back up and running and hopefully we can market this place back to what it used to be like," he said.
Ms Jenkins said it was important to have the line open again for staff, tourists and the local community to enjoy.
"To bring the train back to Pukerangi after four years, it’s really emotional for most of the team."
The service to Pukerangi will run twice weekly throughout the summer.
