Last Train To Paradise

Journeys from the Golden Age of New Zealand Railways

Graham Hutchins

No book exists specifically on the famous, popular ‘name’ trains that used to run on the New Zealand rail network.

The Auckland–Opua Express once carried passengers to the Bay of Islands, the Onehunga Boat Train used to be part of the main route between Auckland and Wellington, and the Rotorua Limited enabled tourists and the well-to-do to take the waters in Rotorua. Later trains like the Silver Star and Northerner – even the Kaimai, Geyserland and Bay Expresses, withdrawn in 2001 – had a distinctive character too.

Last Train to Paradise describes the halcyon days of New Zealand rail, some of which the author was fortunate enough to experience personally. The ‘name’ trains and journeys cover a considerable period of New Zealand’s history, from the late 1800s, through the ‘golden’ era of train travel (the first four decades of the 20th century). Among the special journeys covered are the Prince of Wales’ royal progress through New Zealand in 1920, and travelling the ‘Test Match Special’ to enjoy the rugby in 1956. The book also includes a wide variety of fascinating and unfamiliar photographs, not just of the trains themselves but also of the characters who travelled in them.

About the author

Graham Hutchins, author of Great New Zealand Railway Journeys, has written many books on New Zealand railways. He has also written extensively on rugby and cricket, as well as the earlier Exisle title, Eight Days a Week. He lives in Hamilton. 

Review

'Beautifully produced ... brings to life gain the great New Zealand express routes. This book will be treasured.' Mike Crean, The Press, Dominion Post