Resurrecting an iconic Foxton tourist attraction is a priority for FTDA

An iconic image that has been part of Foxton's history for the past 30 years will hopefully be seen again in the not too distant future.

There is a very strong desire by Foxton locals to get a long-time tourist attraction up and running again.

At the end of August, the Clydesdale horse and tram/buggy combo ceased operating after over 30 years of transporting visitors around Foxton.

Spokesman for the Foxton Horse Tram Society, Jayden Moore, said at the time the committee had made this decision due to the loss of their horse Blaze earlier in the year, as well as the ongoing health issues of another horse, Hamish.

The unpredictability of Covid had also affected the viability of the operation, as had the lack of volunteers with enough time to run the attraction properly.

The tram, horses and equipment were purchased in 1988 from Garry Coster in Dunedin, who had assembled the machinery under the sponsorship of Speights Brewery.

Foxton's iconic horse-drawn tram will hopefully be back on the streets soon - photo sourced from Foxton Horse Tram Society.

Built on a truck chassis this replica of an 1800s tram was both new and old as the exterior had been constructed with fibreglass, while the interior contained the same timber work as used in original constructions.

The society's assets had been returned to the Foxton Tourist Development Association, until a new group is able to take over the venture.

David Roache, spokesman for the Foxton Tourist and Development Association (FTDA), said the group planned to call a meeting in the near future for all those interested in helping this iconic attraction get back on its feet.

"We are open to investigate all options and will even reach out for assistance and advise outside of the district if required," he said.

FTDA is fully committed to getting the attraction up and running again, whether that involves setting up a separate committee or putting an agreement in place with current Clydesdale owners to operate the ride on behalf.

The Clydesdale ride at the Foxton Spring Fling has always been a popular attraction.

Roache said, "we plan on getting Horowhenua District Council on board, and are happy to help with grant funding etc, but we need somebody to take on the day-to-day operation of the tram rides".

Ex-driver Jim White is also happy to help train and guide new operators in the intricacies of Clydesdales and tram/buggy driving.

Roache has asked anyone interested in contributing to the future plans of the tram rides to get in touch with him directly, on either 027 442 5961 or 06 363 8363.