Rail enthusiasts will be able to step back in time next week when steam train excursions run between Dunedin and Sawyers Bay.
On September 20, carriages hauled by steam locomotive Ja1271 will make five one-hour return trips along the west harbour.
Taieri Gorge Railway chief executive Murray Bond said the company had hired the locomotive for a day while it was in Dunedin on a private tour.
The locomotive was one of 35 "Ja" class engines made at Dunedin's Hillside workshops between 1946 and 1956.
The locomotives operated on all main-line New Zealand routes until they were retired in 1971.
Ja1271 was restored to operational standards by excursion company Steam Incorporated in 1997.
"It is a rare opportunity for people who appreciate steam to travel on a period locomotive. We held a steam centennial on Labour Weekend 2006 and 30,000 people turned out. While we would not expect anywhere near that, we think it will be very popular."
The $15 (return) ticket price reflected the expense of running the locomotive and line charges, Mr Bond said.
