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HomeNgā Kaupapa | What's OnThings to do in KāpitiHeritage TrailParaparaumuThe Last Spike
Ngā Kaupapa | What's On
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    • Upcoming Council events
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      • Ōtaki and Te Horo
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The Last Spike

Te Reo

 

Location: Southward Car Museum Carpark. Opposite 229 Otaihanga Road, Paraparaumu.

The government of Sir George Grey approved the construction of the Wellington and Manawatu Line on 27 August 1878. However, Grey's government was defeated in October 1879, and the government of Sir John Hall concluded that work should not proceed.

In response, John Plimmer, considered the “Father of Wellington” proposed the formation of a private company to build and operate the line. The Wellington Chamber of Commerce supported the move, and the Wellington and Manawatu Railway Company was formed in May 1881. That same year the government passed the Railway Construction and Land Act, which allowed joint stock companies to build and run private railways. The company signed a contract to construct the line in 1882 in exchange for large tracts of Crown land along the route.

After four years construction, the 83 mile Wellington and Manawatu Railway Company Line was officially opened on 3 November 1886. The last spike was driven at a public ceremony by the Governor of New Zealand, Sir William Jervois. The first public timetable was introduced on 1 December 1886.

Photo gallery

Click the thumbnail to enlarge the image.

Completion Of Wellington Manawatu Railway Co Line 1886 Completion Of Wellington Manawatu Railway Co Line 1886 Monument Monument Opening Of Wellington Manawatu Railway Near Waikanae 1886 Opening Of Wellington Manawatu Railway Near Waikanae 1886
Completion Of Wellington Manawatu Railway Co Line 1886 - Thumbnail
Monument - Thumbnail
Opening Of Wellington Manawatu Railway Near Waikanae 1886 - Thumbnail

Download a brochure

Click on a link below to download or print a copy of each heritage trail brochure.

Ōtaki and Te Horo[PDF 2.41 MB] 
Waikanae[PDF 2.51 MB] 
Paraparaumu[PDF 1.67 MB] 
Paekākāriki[PDF 1.41 MB] 

Related links

www.marinenz.com 
Museums

Supporters of the Kāpiti Coast Heritage Trail

Te Whakaminenga o Kāpiti
Kapiti Pakeke Lions
Kapiti Historical Society
Otaki Historical Society

paraparaumu-library
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Kāpiti Coast District Council
175 Rimu Road
Private Bag 60601
Paraparaumu 5254

Phone: 04 296 4700
Toll free: 0800 486 486
Fax: 04 296 4830
[email protected]

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