Whanganui
is a town on the west coast of the North Island, about three hours drive from
Wellington. Every year they have a vintage
weekend. We went on a blisteringly hot Sunday and had a
great time. The photos here concentrate on the transport on display but there
was also a market, food stalls and entertainment. This video
gives a general idea of what it was like but it is from a previous year – the tram
was damaged by a flood late last year and is out of action.
We started with a ride behind this traction engine.
There was a second one taking passengers on a 15 minute trip
around the CBD.
The restored railcar Tokomaru was
running trips up to the site of the old East Town
Railway Workshops. There is a video here.
A couple of planes were flying around overhead.
The river plays a central part in Whanganui life. This steam
launch was puttering up and down.
The paddle steamer Waimarie has been restored and operates cruises up the river.
It had a race with this waka. The waka won but I think it might have been fixed – the steamer seemed to slow down before the finish line.
There were lots of vintage/classic cars. This is the oldest there, a 1910 Buick Roadster 14B.
The obligatory Morris Minor
and a small selection of the others.
You don’t often see swallows on the ground. Maybe the heat was getting to this one.
A collection of super heroes in a brass band provided entertainment.
Finally an ancient mini-bus
and a steam truck. It must have been uncomfortable to drive, sitting right beside the boiler.
