MetroPort train from Tauranga has just passed through the nearly 9Km long Kaimai Tunnel and crossed an east-bound train at Hemopo at the western portal. Built by Dalian Locomotive - CNR, the 3600 Hp DL class are the first Chinese built locos exported to a western railroad.
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.