Description

During construction of the North Island Main Trunk railway between Wellington and Auckland, a major obstacle was faced, how to cross the steep slopes between the volcanic plateau and gorges of the Whanganui River. Attempts to find an alternative route were fruitless until the problem was solved in 1898 by engineer R. W. Holmes. Holmes proposed a line that looped back upon itself and then spiralled around with the aid of tunnels and bridges. No camping or overnight parking.