Rail Cruising the Rotorua branch, NZ

The Rotorua Branch (see earlier posts) is one of the NZ railway lines that has been Steven Joyced, but instead of lying unused, an enterprising group, recognising the line's scenic appeal to tourists, have created their own self-drive mini railcar vehicles and operate an experience at Mamaku on the line.

It's a concept that has now attracted interest from elsewhere, including Australia and the US.

According to its website:

"Groups of RailCruisers spaced about 300 metres apart, travel together like a virtual train in one direction from Mamaku Railway Station to Tarukenga. They are then turned to head back to Mamaku.

Cruising along at 20km/h, you can listen to the audio tour and discover a unique piece of New Zealand railway history. This is the ultimate way to experience a railway.

The RailCruiser V3000 is the world’s first fully automated, state of the art petrol-electric four seat self-drive hybrid rail vehicle. The RailCruiser has comfortable seats with unobstructed views, is fitted with clear drop down waterproof sides and comes with onboard heating.

RailCruising is very safe; an onboard computer controls the speed of the RailCruiser. At certain places along the track the RailCruisers automatically reduce or increase in speed.

Each RailCruiser is equipped with a system that ensures that should a RailCruiser ahead on the track stop then the following RailCruisers will automatically stop 5 metres apart.

Prior to the start of each excursion a Rail Guide undertakes with all customers a trip safety briefing. In the briefing the customers have explained important safety requirements and given a brief overview of how the RailCruiser excursion will operate.

Each RailCruiser group of passengers is required to elect of one of their group to act as the RailCruiser Pilot. It is the RailCruiser Pilot’s job to if required communicate with the Rail Guide on the radiotelephone, apply the brake in an emergency and activate the horn if needed."