Media Release

9 July 2025

Bay of Islands heritage railway celebrates Gold Qualmark accreditation with Tourism Minister

The first passenger rail service in New Zealand (established 1867) with the Kawakawa to Tauamrere tramway and subsequent rail link to Opua (opened 1884), has been awarded the Gold Sustainable Tourism Business Award this month. The Bay of Islands Vintage Railway and operating charitable entity Keteriki Ltd opened the extended two-hour railway experience along the Taumarere River in October 2024, following significant restoration works, recovering the heritage tracks from Taumarere to Whangae Tunnel (built 1880-84), alongside significant work to restore vintage engines and carriages, completed with support from the provincial growth funding 2021-2024.

Tourism Minister Louise Upston joined the team in celebrating their achievement this week, congratulating the Kerikeri-Bay of Islands Vintage Railway team for their well-deserved Gold Qualmark. “I know the team have worked hard to make the vintage railway a sustainable visitor destination and I really enjoyed my trip yesterday morning, departing from Kawakawa. The work they are doing to boost business and tourism while focusing on youth employment across Northland is really positive,” said Minister Upston.

Qualmark Specialist Greg Anderson’s report acknowledged the significant period of growth and change and notes this accomplishment has only been possible due to very strong management, systems and great people right across the operation. “Bay of Islands Vintage Railway have achieved many best practice scores throughout their assessment, which is a significant achievement and recognises the mahi across the entire team.” Going on to say, “the Bay of Islands Vintage Railway is of enormous importance to Kawakawa and the continued tourism renaissance in the Bay of Islands, the strong community and Ngati Hine foundations are an outstanding legacy model that is possible with great leadership, a strong vision, heaps of energy and sound governance.”

“It’s been an incredible team effort to open the new section of the rail between Taumarere Station and Whangae Tunnel, now travelling over Long Bridge, the longest curved wooden bridge in the Southern Hemisphere, and getting us closer back to our destination of Opua,” says General Manager for Keteriki Ltd, Lau’rell Douglas. We celebrate 160 years of rail with the discovery of coal in Kawakawa in 1864 and the subsequent Kawakawa to Taumarere Tram way established 1867. The restoration of the Heritage listed asset is significant for all New Zealanders and the cultural, heritage and ecological features along the corridor are breathtaking. We thank our visitors and patrons who have contributed to our success.

Tireless efforts from many volunteers over decades to realise this dream; with this Gold Qualmark accreditation, our team is excited to now be Trade ready and seeking key partnerships with inbound operators and tour groups who want to really feel the manākitanga and significant history of our experience. We can carry up to 150 passengers per journey and operate all year round, so have a lot to offer the tour, conference and event market. We now also have our Railway Station Café catering on board the train or at the station for up 150 guests. Winning the most Outstanding Event at the inaugural Savour Northland event, October 2024, was also testament to the quality of hospitality from our local team.”

NZTA Rail Safety Officer, Ra Thompson congratulated the Bay of Islands Vintage railway team on “a truly outstanding achievement.” “This recognition reflects not only your unwavering commitment to quality, sustainability, and visitor experience, but also the passion and care that define Bay of Islands Vintage Railway as a standout in New Zealand’s tourism landscape. It’s a well-deserved testament to the vision, leadership, and tireless work that you bring to preserving and showcasing our heritage is such a compelling way. Wishing you continued success as you inspire visitors and raise the bar for excellence in the tourism and heritage sector.”

Keteriki Ltd Chairman, Pita Tipene congratulated the General Manager for her continued leadership on our behalf of the board and our community, especially in the achievement of our Gold Qualmark. Moreover, our whole team is to be congratulated for their comprehensive efforts. We look forward to the next steps and the planning we have set for ourselves at Keteriki Ltd as we aim to fulfil our vision of being the ‘Choice journey for travellers in the Bay of Island’s” alongside our kaupapa- mission “All aboard and steaming back to the future”

Keteriki Ltd is a joint venture charitable entity (with Ngā Tangariki O Ngati Hine) established to operate the vintage railway. They are currently fundraising for the final stage of the restoration project, the Whangae Tunnel and final stage of track recovery 2.8km to Opua. The tunnel is the oldest rail tunnel in New Zealand, built with hand made bricks onsite between 1880-1884. Keteriki Ltd are also working with Kerikeri Steam Trust to complete the restoration on the 1910 steamboat the Minerva, which will connect to the rail visitor experience in Opua and the Far North District Council on the Pou Herenga Tai Twin Coast cycle trail.