Mixed manifest train bound for the port at Mt Maunganui crosses the Whakatao Stream immediately after exiting the nearly 9Km long Kaimai Tunnel. Ferns (particularly the Silver Fern) are a feature and symbol of New Zealand incorporated in the KiwiRail and Ontrack branding.
Trains on 3' 6" (1.067m) track from Whangarei to Bluff with virtually heritage rebuilt EMD and GE locomotives still the mainstay power. The network was privatized in 1990's and operated by Toll until 2008 when state owned KiwiRail was established.