In honour of the Ōtira Tunnel’s centennial, former and current rail workers will join the local community on Friday, the 4th of August, for an exceptional themed TranzAlpine service taking guests to Ōtira township and tunnel.
The tunnel, which opened in 1923, has linked the West Coast to the South Island through the Southern Alps, completing the Christchurch to Greymouth rail link.
This, the third longest in the country, remains an engineering marvel as tunnelers used basic tools to drive through wet shale and rotten rock.
KiwiRail’s General Manager for Scenic Journeys and Commuter Rail, Tracey Goodall, has extended an invitation to step onboard the scenic TranzAlpine train, departing from Addington Station in Christchurch and embark on a time-travelling adventure.
A handcrafted three-course menu is also being served for one day only to honour the legacy of this remarkable part of New Zealand’s rail history.
Other festivities will include special trips to the tunnel, speeches, guided walks, lunch, historical displays, celebratory cake, and live entertainment.
Guests can also purchase a limited edition minted commemorative coin from TranzAlpine’s onboard gift shop to remember this historic day.
The Ōtira township is steeped in rail history as over 600 men and their families were housed at Ōtira village, with some of the original rail cottages still along the road today.
“KiwiRail connects West Coast producers with Lyttelton Port and overseas markets and provides a sustainable transport solution for the region’s supply chain,” said Goodall.
“TranzAlpine is a world-class scenic rail experience that brings tourism to the Coast with our Great Journeys New Zealand packages encouraging visitors to spend two to four days enjoying the region’s best attractions.”
KiwiRail continues investing in the tunnel. At present, it has employed 14 permanent staff based at Ōtira who support ongoing maintenance and upgrades.
