Cab View on the Kaimai Express: Waharoa to Tauranga (Timelapse)

Watch and enjoy as we take a timelapsed cab ride from Waharoa to Tauranga on the first passenger train through the Kaimai Tunnel in 14 years! Want to see more? Subscribe to us to see short films of New Zealand's rail heritage at it's finest! ‪@TNZvideos‬ The Glenbrook Vintage Railway operated the 'Kaimai Express' on Saturday 2 May 2026 - which was significant in the fact a passenger train had not been to Tauranga in 14 years. The train was hauled by DC 4818 & DBR 1254, and operated from Waiuku on the GVR through to Tauranga, with side trips to Mount Maunganui and Whatakao, before a late night run home. Many politicians, journalists and VIP's were onboard to enjoy the experience. The Kaimai Tunnel is the longest tunnel in New Zealand at just under 9 kilometres long, and requires an hour-long wait from the last freight service through the tunnel, for a passenger train to enter, due to the tunnel being unventilated. However, this tunnel happens to be on the busiest freight route in the country with a busy schedule - hence the lengthy decade-long wait for a passenger service. Music by; Paranoid - 'Sing King Karaoke' (original by Black Sabbath) Majestic - Alex Productions    • Epic Cinematic Music for Drone Montages & ...   Hysteria - 'Sing King Karaoke' (original by Muse)