Brian's place - Ghost Railways

Brian's place

Roxburgh

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Some of the images can be clicked on to enlarge. Click here for the South Island map.
I have joined these two locations on one page because, well, I felt like it. And they both start with 'R'.

Please note that all photos are copyright to me (unless otherwise attributed).

This attractive branch line ran from Clarksville (on the main south trunk line) through to Roxburgh in central Otago (go the Highlanders, after the Crusaders of course!). Clarksville itself is a couple of houses and a road over rail bridge, I was expecting something bigger - after all, the Monkees sung a song about the last train to Clarksville, didn't they? Maybe that was Clarkville.

The line was originally started to get into the gold mining areas in Otago, but was completed through to Roxburgh mainly for the carriage of fruit. At this point I have to give my standard plug for one of my favourite books, "Exploring New Zealand's Ghost Railways" by David Leitch and Brian Scott. Buy it, and have a good guide to exploring the line and the history of the line.

I explored the Roxburgh Branch in two sections, because of the way I drove around Central Otago and Southland. I did the first section, Roxburgh to (somewhere, can't remember!), then headed off south to Invercargill. Returning north a few days later up the east coast, I did Clarksville to Waitahuna. I missed the middle bits, notably Lawrence, due to a lack of time. I have arranged the photos in the same order one would find if you followed the book.

I failed to get a shot of the beginning of the ghost railway line at Clarksville. There is a neat road bridge over the railway line, I just missed a good shot of a DC heading a goods train south. On to the Ghost Railway section, this wonderful old water-standard once filled the tenders of the locomotives serving this line. It's been about 40 years since a loco watered here, I wonder what passers-by think it was.

Not too far from the water-standard is the Manuka tunnel. You have to park in the Manuka Gorge Scenic reserve car park, but it is all obvious from the main road. This is a very attractive short walk, highly recommended. As I rounded the corner, I got the eerie view of steam rising out of the tunnel. It looks for all the world like a steam-hauled train was about to emerge! Just a natural phenomenon I am sure. Warm air rising through the tunnel (I was at the higher end) but it was strangely spooky.

I tried to capture the mist on film (well, card anyway) but this was the best I could do.

This is the same portal as above,obviously looking out this time. This whole area is very pretty.

Manuka Tunnel

The far end of the tunnel. I would recommend taking a GOOD torch! The book says that this end is often under water, but DOC or the local council (bless 'em) have built up the walkway. All the same it was a bit soggy in places, so reasonably stout shoes are recommended.

The Waitahuna Station in faded glory. Quite cool to see a station building, toilet block, and good's shed still standing. I would have loved to have a closer look but I didn't know who owned the land, and it was incredibly hot. My Triumph doesn't like the heat at all, and it is preferable to keep the old girl going.

Click on the photo for a larger view.

The wonderful old curved roof good's shed.

By way of contrast, here's the Teviot Good's shed and loading bank, further up the line.

On to Roxburgh, this is the station area. The water vat still stands proud, I wonder how long such relics can stand in defiance of nature. New Zealand Railways had it's own distinctive style in everything, from locomotives and rolling stock, to structures, signals, and operations. I believe that it is an important and often neglected part of our heritage (thank goodness for the enthusiasts!), and it was a real pleasure to see some of the relics remaining on this line.

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