Dunedin steam fans passionate about visitor

Passchendaele arrives at Dunedin Railway Station. Photo / Peter McIntosh

Train-spotters basked in an historic steam locomotive's glory as Passchendaele chugged into Dunedin Railway Station yesterday.

Some of those enthusiasts had been with the 100-year-old engine and its accompanying carriages, riding alongside in cars and campervans, from the start of its journey at Picton.

Wellington computer programmer Dennis King, 60, was one of them.

He said he grew up with steam trains and followed it because people did not get many opportunities to see them on the tracks anymore.

"I've lived with them all my life. My father was a steam engine driver.

"When they went, it was a sad day really."

There had been some great sights and sounds along the way especially watching the locomotive "climbing up to Seacliff", Mr King said.

"The engine [was] really working hard."

Mr King's brother John, 59, of New Plymouth, had been travelling with him and said it was "fantastic" to see a piece of history.

"It was just a great chance to get down and see it," he said.

Australian steam engine passenger Gary Barton, 65, said he took the trip because he was a "train nut".

"You don't need highlights when you're behind steam."

It was Mr Barton's first time in New Zealand and he said the scenery was "really brilliant".

About 100 people were at the station when the train pulled in, slightly late, at 4pm to disembark 176 travellers.

Steam engine driver Mike Kilsby, of Dunedin, is driving the train on its journey from Picton to Bluff. Photo / Peter McIntosh

Steam engine driver Mike Kilbsy, 45, of Dunedin, a third generation steam engine driver and one of a few ticketed steam engine drivers in New Zealand, said it was much tougher than driving diesel engines.

"I don't work steam engines everyday in my job. It involves more process than [normal]."

Mr Kilsby, who drove the engine from Picton, said the scenery and engaging with the public were what he enjoyed most.

Passchendale was built in 1915 and was withdrawn from service in 1967.

It was stored in Dunedin before Paekakariki company Steam Incorporated restored it to working order in 2014.

Dunedin Railways operations manager Grant Craig said it was a homecoming of sorts.

"It was built in Christchurch but spent a good many years based in Dunedin.

"People love them," he said.

Passchendaele would travel from Dunedin to Bluff today before returning to Dunedin at the weekend.

It leaves for Picton on November 8.