Catch a train, for free, to Inner Harbour events

Road closures will be in place around the Inner Harbour during tomorrow’s Tuia 250 commemorations but people will be able to get there aboard steam train Wa165.

Free buses and rides aboard the historic train are just part of the offerings during the Tuia 250 ki Turanga programme.

Commemorations manager Eddie Ashwell said she hoped everyone would make the most of the free transport during the two Te Moananui Flotilla open days on Sunday and Wednesday (October 9).

People can park their cars for the day at the railway station in Grey St and board Wa165 which will be running continuously to and from the Inner Harbour area between 10am and 4pm on both days.

Free hop-on, hop-off buses will also be running from 9.30am from Kaiti and Elgin.

“With so much going on in the Inner Harbour area and little parking in the area, we hope people will take advantage of the free transport,” said Ms Ashwell.

The Inner Harbour esplanade area will be completely blocked off to traffic on both days.

Traffic will also be restricted on Customhouse Street tomorrow morning around Te Waiohiharore (The Cut) for the Te Moananui voyaging pohiri for the Tuia 250 flotilla arrival and other dignitaries. There will be a single lane closure on Customhouse St between 6am and 2pm, with traffic completely stopped to allow for the procession and mass welcome. People are asked to consider taking a different route, with detours in place around the area.

This is to allow the cultural ceremony for the Polynesian voyages to happen without interruption.

Industry and business had been notified and plenty of signs would be in place.

The historic Wa165 steam train could be boarded from the Railway Reserve where people could park cars for the day.

Once in the Inner Harbour people will be able to go on board the vessels and hear first hand from the crew what it is like to sail the oceans in one of these vessels. As well as the boats, there are interactive workshops, exhibitions, the stardome, stories to be shared and entertainment.

The open days on both Sunday and Wednesday run from 10am through to 4pm at the Inner Harbour.