A popular bush railway in west Auckland will be permanently closed to the public on safety grounds.
The Rainforest Express in the Waikatere Ranges. Photo: Supplied
The Rainforest Express in the Waikatere Ranges was closed 18 months ago after a landslide, and its owner Watercare said it could not be made completely safe.
The two narrow gauge lines carried visitors for 15 years, as-well-as moving Watercare staff and equipment to facilities in the ranges.
Watercare's chief executive Raveen Jaduram said consultants said it would cost $11 million -$20 million to bring the lines up to an acceptable safety level, but risks would remain.
The company said it would continue to use the lines infrequently for service work at catchment dams and facilities, as more elaborate safety precautions could be taken on such trips.