The first train to use the new line was an express from Auckland on 8 December 1894 led by two original J class steam locomotives; the trip had taken 8 hours and 40 minutes to reach Rotorua and travelled at an average speed of less than .
On December 8th, 1894, the first train to use the new line departed from Auckland. It was an express service, pulled by two original J class steam locomotives, taking eight hours and forty minutes to reach Rotorua. The train's average speed was below .