Centenary of the North Island Main Trunk: 1908-2008

ONTRACK (New Zealand Railways Corporation) and partners are celebrating the centenary of the North Island Main Trunk during 2008 – 2009.

The North Island Main Trunk line was New Zealand’s most important transport link for many years and has a significant place in New Zealand’s history. Completing the line was an engineering achievement of historical importance.

Centenary celebrations include:

• Re-enactment of the Parliamentary Special – the first passenger train to travel the over the entire line. Wellington to Auckland, 6-8 August 2008
• All Aboard celebration of rail festival. Feilding, 23-27 October 2008 (www.allaboard.org.nz)
• Last Spike celebration – to commemorate the official completion of the line when the then Prime Minister Sir Joseph Ward drove the last spike. Manganui-o-te-ao, 8 November 2008
• Commemoration of the first commercial passenger service on 15 February 2009

Communities along the North Island Main Trunk will also be organising celebrations during the year.  Contact your local council for more information.

NIMT History

A main trunk railway between Auckland and Wellington had been discussed since the 1860s, but Vogel’s rail-building boom initially had little impact on the central North Island. More...

NIMT Parliamentary Special

The Parliamentary Special was the first passenger train to travel between Wellington and Auckland entirely by rail.  More...

NIMT Last Spike

The driving of the ‘last spike’ marked the moment that the two railheads were formally joined and an Auckland-Wellington link created.  More...

School Competition

Win one of three trips on the Parliamentary Special and be a part of history and possibly win $200 cash.  Runners up will receive NIMT Centenary stamp collections.  How To Enter.

With thanks to our partners and sponsors

We would like to acknowledge and thank the following organisations for their support and sponsorship of the NIMT Centenary>>

Governor's Special - 9-11 August

The Parliamentary Special train will be returning under the operation of Steam Inc.  Seats on the Governor's Special can be made by contacting Steam Inc on www.steaminc.org.nz.

CONTACT The Project Team
Phone +64-4-4959060
Fax +64-4-4959045
Email NIMT_project@ontrack.govt.nz