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 .
The first train journey on the new line was an express service using two original J class steam locomotives. The trip took eight hours and forty minutes to reach Rotorua, with a slow average speed.