February 7, 2013
The small town near us called Kawakawa is known for two things: trains and toilets. The Austrian artist, Friedensreich Hundertwasser lived and worked in Kawakawa and designed what are now very famous public restrooms located at the entrance to the town. Kawakawa is also the home of the Bay of Islands Vintage Railway. There’s a wonderful little cafe at the train station where you can dine amongst the train cars.
We had breakfast at the cafe and it was great. As it’s only about a ten minute drive from our marina, we could get to be regulars here. We also had a wonderful tour of the restoration efforts underway. As we were looking around, Dennis invited us in and showed us all the wonderful things they’re doing.
The have a bunch of cars and engines that they are restoring. Below is the steam engine that they use to give rides on weekends (weekdays, the train is pulled by a 1958 vintage diesel engine).
There are a number of cars being restored. We stepped into this one (below) and could feel the history and tradition.
There’s also the boat that Friedensreich Hundertwasser lived on and used as a studio. He was a patron of the vintage railway and they jumped at the chance to preserve his quirky boat. -Rich
