DXs 5039 and 5402 cross Big Kowhai Viaduct to reach relatively high speed Canterbury Plains trackage after a long slog through the Southern Alps. The willows in the creek are brandishing their spring colours in this October morning view.
Trains on 3' 6" (1.067m) track from Whangarei to Bluff with virtually heritage rebuilt EMD and GE locomotives still the mainstay power. The network was privatized in 1990's and operated by Toll until 2008 when state owned KiwiRail was established.