The Tawhiti Bush Railway is a dramatic presentation of the logging railways that used to operate in Taranaki.

With life size figures, buildings along the line and an interpretation centre set in a reconstructed sawmill at the end of the track, this 2'6" gauge railway is an additional attraction on the museum site.

Rail for the project was sourced deep in the bush of North Taranaki and lifted out by helicopter before the difficult transportation over rough gravel roads to the Tawhiti Museum.

Wheel-sets came from the west coast of the South Island and much of the other sawmilling equipment came from rugged east Taranaki.

Track-laying started in 1989 and with buildings, native planting and bridge completed, the gala opening was held in December 1990.