29 October 2023 marks 100 years since the official opening of the Ōkaihau Railway Branch. The final stage of the link opened on October 29, 1923. A group of passionate locals from the Ōkaihau community have developed a railway-themed rest area along Pou Herenga Tai Twin Coast Cycle Trail to commemorate this significant event.

The Ōkaihau Railway branch would have opened years before 1923, but work on the line stopped with the outbreak of World War I. There was a shortage of men available to work, and the country’s funds were diverted towards the nation’s war effort.

Okaihau was a bustle of activity in the 1940s and 50s with six trains a week coming through the station. The service moved to freight only in 1976. Finally, with relaxed road transport laws and a decline in forestry, this branch line closed in late 1987.

The influence of the railway is still seen and felt in the area. Pou Herenga Tai Twin Coast Cycle Trail runs along the old route between Ōkaihau and Kaikohe, and the rail tunnel in the centre of town is a quiet reminder of what might have been had the government pursued the line north.

The rest area looks out to the site of the old railway station and includes a charming shelter where trail users can pause and ponder what this place would have been like in its heyday. Pou Herenga Tai Twin Coast Cycle Trail Trust has supported the project by clearing the site and creating a bilingual interpretation board that tells the history of the railway in Ōkaihau.

Members of the Ōkaihau community, local businesses, and organisations, including Okaihau Lions Club, Okaihau Transport, and Okaihau Community Association, have donated many hours, resources, and funding to complete this project in time for the anniversary.

Local resident and owner of Ōkaihau Rail Stay Noeline Inverarity has been key in bringing the project to life. The railway is an important piece of Ōkaihau’s history, and the community wanted to do something significant to commemorate the anniversary, says Inverarity.

“It’s been heartwarming to see the community support this project. Locals have volunteered their time in various ways, whether helping with construction at the site like Mike Richardson, who built the shelter or providing historical photographs for the storyboard. Everyone has done their bit. We even had Jack Winwood telling stories about his time working at the Ōkaihau Railway Station to raise money for the project.”

A blessing of the site and ribbon cutting ceremony will be held on Sunday, 29 October, followed by a community picnic at Two Ponga Park, Ōkaihau.

Pou Herenga Tai Twin Coast Cycle Tail is a Great Ride, one of the country’s 23 premier cycle trails.  It is an 87 km cycle trail from Opua to Horeke, with interpretation boards giving cultural and historical insights into the areas that trail users pass.