
Case study: KiwiRail – Manuhiri carriage
- On January 24, 2025
zencontrol Lights Up KiwiRail’s Latest Premium Carriage
Just as 2024 was drawing to a close, zencontrol (NZ) Limited and Intelligent Environments Limited (NZ) delivered something special for KiwiRail’s Northern Explorer route. After successfully equipping two carriages in the South Island, Andy Thompson from Intelligent Environments Limited (NZ) and the team brought the same lighting innovation to the North Island with the stunning Manuhiri carriage.
The project: The Manuhiri isn’t just another train carriage – it’s KiwiRail’s latest masterpiece in their Scenic Plus fleet. Following its award-winning success on the Coastal Pacific and TranzAlpine routes, this premium carriage has now found its way to the Northern Explorer, transforming the journey between Wellington and Auckland.
Project details
Location Wellington, New Zealand Size
- 3 Train carriages –
- Northern & Southern Explorer
Client KiwiRail, New Zealand Installer KiwiRail, New Zealand Integrator zencontrol (NZ), Intelligent Environments Supplied Lighting control
The solution: The Manuhiri carriage was brought to life with:
- A sophisticated application controller that manages the entire lighting ecosystem
- Intuitive 6-button smart switches for easy scene selection
- DMX integration that powers both the feature ceiling lighting and the eye-catching carved elements
Images courtesy of KiwiRail, New Zealand.
The lighting system implemented does more than just illuminate – it creates an atmosphere that complements the carriage’s design, which draws inspiration from New Zealand’s stunning landscapes.
Why it matters: This project showcases what happens when innovative lighting control meets thoughtful design. The Manuhiri is more than a premium carriage – it’s a journey through New Zealand’s natural beauty, enhanced by perfectly controlled lighting that adapts to create the right mood at the right time. For KiwiRail, this means another gem added to their Scenic Plus offering. For passengers, it means experiencing New Zealand’s hospitality and landscapes in a whole new light.
The Manuhiri made its debut journey from Wellington Station in December 2024, marking the start of a new era for North Island rail travel. With its blend of smart technology, genuine Kiwi hospitality, and local cuisine, it’s set to transform the way travellers experience Aotearoa by rail.
Images courtesy of Jason Allen and KiwiRail, New Zealand.
Originally published by Jason Allen (zencontrol NZ)
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