Wellington has said goodbye to its fleet of Hungarian-made trains, after more than 30 years.
The Ganz-Mavag trains have kept the capital running since the early 80s, but have now been replaced by new units from Hyundai in Korea.
A group of avid train enthusiasts turned out to take the last scheduled trip yesterday afternoon and others crowded the platform to wave goodbye.
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Most of the trains will head to Africa, while one will go to the Ferrymead Heritage Park in Christchurch as an exhibit.
Greater Wellington Regional Council public transport spokesman Paul Swain says they've been "loyal and faithful servants".
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"We thought it was special we honour them and take a ride on them and say farewell in formal style, on behalf of the Wellington region."
He says many Wellingtonians will have fond memories of the trains, given they've been part of their lives for decades.
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"They came in in 1982 and they've been part of the Wellington scenery now for a long time. They've carried millions of people back and forward to work and at the weekends."
The new Matangi trains will supersede the Ganz-Mavag model in a number of ways including heating, air conditioning, more comfortable seating and faster speed.
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But Mr Swain says in their heyday the Ganz-Mavag was also seen as the best and newest model.
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