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Nelson Weather
18°C |
Railway tunnel unlocked for walk
The longest disused railway tunnel in New Zealand was opened up again for walkers on the weekend.
Located near the top of the Spooner’s Range, the Spooner’s Railway Tunnel runs in a straight line for 1352m. It has only been used for guided tours and monthly walks over the summer since it closed in 1955 when the entire railway network shutdown in Nelson.
Bob Stewart, the man who was in charge of opening the steel door at the beginning of the tunnel on Sunday, says the tunnel is a remarkable structure. “You got to remember this was built 50 years after the first settlers arrived in Nelson so it’s quite historical and has a lot of significance.”
Although it does have a lot of historical significance to some people, Bob admits there will be a lot of Nelson residents that don’t even know it exists. “I remember as a kid coming through on the train, which is an important part Nelson’s history. But people do forget about it. Once this goes you’ll never ever replace it.”
The tunnel remains locked as an agreement between the Tapawera Historical Society and Land Information New Zealand.
Around 25 people walked through on Sunday.
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