From Waro to MOTAT: The Story of Bertha

Bertha is a 5 ton locomotive that was built in 1904 by Orenstein and Koppel of Berlin. She was bought by the Northern Coal Company for use at Waro on its railway. 

This photograph shows Bertha operating in Hikurangi. She was affectionately known as "Bertha" because of her wee size.

Bertha was 1' 11½" (600 mm) gauge and was one of three such locomotives built. Bertha worked at Waro for the Northern Coal Company until purchased by the NZ Cement Company in 1913 to operate at their quarry on Limestone Island.

In 1918, Bertha moved to Portland to Wilson’s Cement, where she worked mostly on their wharf run. During this move she was re-gauged to the NZ standard of 3 ft 6 inches.

In 1957, Bertha was donated to the Old Time Transport Preservation League at Matakohe. From there, she was moved to MOTAT (Museum of Transport and Technology), where she was restored to operating condition and now runs for visitors to enjoy during MOTAT’s Steam Train Live days, held on the third Sunday of each month from February to November.

Bertha is a significant part of Hikurangi and NZ’s transport and industrial history. She was one of only five German steam locomotives ever to be imported to NZ, and is the smallest 3’6” locomotive to ever have been used in the country.

Next time you are in Tāmaki Makaurau, pay Bertha a visit at MOTAT and say hi from Hikurangi!

Don’t forget to pay us a visit too at the Hikurangi Museum. We are open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday 10am to 11.30am or by appointment.

Email: hikurangi.museum@gmail.com 

Website: hikurangimuseum.org.nz