Steam-powered adventure

Radiant Sun, Rare Beauty: Wa165 Vintage Steam Train — the last of its kind — graces the day. Picture by Preeti Maheshwari

Eleven-year-old Devansh Ladha shares his weekend journey aboard the Wa165 ‘Diversity Express’ from Gisborne to Muriwai and back.

As an Indian, the rhythm of train rides feels like home to me. There’s something special about the clatter of wheels on tracks, the hustle and bustle of vendors selling chai (tea) and snacks, and the gentle sway of the carriage. These are the familiar sights and sounds that accompanied me on every train journey in India. But when I had the chance to embark on a weekend adventure aboard the historic steam train Wa165 as part of the “Diversity Express” train ride, I knew this journey would be unlike any other.

It all began at the quaint Gisborne railway station. As I stood on the platform, excitement bubbled up inside me like a fizzy soda.

The train itself was amazing! It looked really cool. I could see steam coming out of it, and it made me wonder how it worked. I was curious to see how they put coal in and how it turned into steam to make the train move and the train officials were kind enough to show me the inside of the engine carriage.

Getting onto the train felt like stepping into a different time. Everything was so shiny and fancy, like in the olden days.

With a hiss and a puff of smoke, the train lurched into motion. We were off on a big adventure leaving behind the familiar sights in and around Gisborne.

As we chugged along through the picturesque countryside, the world outside our windows transformed into a living, breathing canvas of vibrant colours and rolling landscapes. There were green fields, rivers, and mountains. It was like being in a storybook. But what made the trip even better was the people on the train. We all started talking and laughing together. It was like we were all friends, even though we had just met.

The real highlight of our journey came when we unexpectedly found ourselves passing through the airport tarmac. And we were face-to-face with the modern marvels of aviation and an Air New Zealand flight waiting to take off. It was amazing to see something so modern next to our vintage steam train.

When we got to Muriwai, we were all really hungry. But there was a surprise waiting for us — a food cart from the Bollywood Star restaurant. The smell of the food made my stomach growl with hunger. The stop at Muriwai allowed plenty of opportunities to take photos on the railway track and with the steam train.

We got to learn about the history of the train from the train driver Geoff Joyce. Dr Angela Lim from Auckland was also there, to talk about the importance of staying connected with our community and taking care of our mental health to avoid burnout.

On our way back to Gisborne, we had a lot of fun. There was music, dancing, and games with the other passengers. It made me realise that the best part of the trip wasn’t just where we went or what we saw. It was the memories we made and the friends we made along the way.

Saying goodbye to the train was hard. I felt so grateful for the trip and for all the people who made it possible.

The Tairāwhiti Multicultural Council did a great job organising everything, and it made the trip even more special. I hope they keep doing things that could make us go out for more such trips.