The driving of the 'last spike' marked the moment that the two railheads were formally joined and a Wellington-Auckland link created.
The ‘last spike’ was driven just north of the Maunganui-o-te-ao viaduct between Ohakune and National Park.
Prime Minister at the time, Sir Joseph Ward wielded the hammer. He was presented with a commemorative silver spike which is now held in a collection by Te Papa.
ONTRACK in partnership with TranzScenic and the Ruapehu District Council celebrated this historic moment with a ceremony on Saturday, 15 November 2008 at Maunganui-o-te-ao (Pokaka), approximately 11.5 kms south of National Park.
There were a number of other parties who joined us in this celebration including rail heritage groups, NZ Transport Agency, the Rail and Maritime Transport Union, local schools and the Historic Places Trust.
On board the official trainsONTRACK in partnership with TranzScenic provided two trains that carried passengers to Maunganui-o-te-ao (Pokaka) on this historic journey. The Northern Rail Head train departed Auckland return (Silver Fern). The Southern Rail Head train departed Wellington return (Overlander).
Passengers were able to disembark at the site of the Last Spike obelisk due to a temporary sleeper platform being built specially for the celebration.
Last Spike Festival
Ruapehu District Council organised a Last Spike Festival to operate on 15 November from 10am-5pm in the adjacent paddock owned by John and June Dobson. The many food stalls and various stage performers provided a day of fun and entertainment. ONTRACK acknowledged John and June for their contribution toward the celebrations.
For more information on centenary celebrations or memorabilia sales
CONTACT the Project team
Phone ++64-4-4959060
Fax ++64-4-4959045
Email NIMT_project@ontrack.govt.nz