In early November 2002 the Working Bee gangers started the removal of the railway sets along the West Quay in Waitara. The railway had been in this area about 128 years or so.

In 1875, the railway served from the wharf on the Waitara River, to the station in Waitara, and then to New Plymouth, with Waitara being a sheltered port nearest to New Plymouth. Also serving the many stations in between the two towns along the 11 miles of railway line.

With the Waitara Freezing Works commencing in 1885, there were railway lines that served the Freezing Works as well, with stock being delivered in by the rail and the processed meat then railed out to New Plymouth, to the cool stores which was then loaded on to the boats at the New Plymouth wharf.

The Freezing Works saved the branch Line as in 1884, as the breakwater was sufficiently advanced to allow the berthing of coastal boats. The Branch line had served its purpose.

In more ways than one, with the Freezing Works being established saved the railway line. The main traffic on the Branch Line is of full stock wagons and empty refrigerated wagons in, and full refrigerated wagons and empty stock wagons out.

Last steam hauled passenger on Waitara Branch was 13th December 1963 with Ab 713 hauling six carriages.

Ab 708 steamed out from Waitara for the last time on the 08th November 1966. This was the last steam for Taranaki.

A passenger carriage was attached to the regular goods trains for the convenience of the settlers along the line. Passengers traffic was never important and this service was discontinued from 29th April 1946.