Lyttelton by train

by Akaroa LibraryAttention: This post is over 3 years old and the information may be out of date.September 18, 2017

Maybe you lived in Lyttelton and caught the train to go to high school. Or worked on the wharves but lived in town and caught the train to and from work. And what about the ferry service to Wellington – you might have taken the train to catch a sailing.

The port at Lyttelton re-opening after the strike : showing the rail-yards with 39 trucks of general cargo unloaded from the S.S. Rimutaka [1913] CCL PhotoCD 2, IMG0030

Lyttelton Museum and Christchurch City Libraries would love to hear your stories! For Beca Heritage Week this year (13–23 October) we are getting together to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the opening of the Lyttelton Rail Tunnel in 1867. We want to make it a real community event. Find out more.

Sadly, the passenger train (and the ferry service) came to an end in 1976 – passenger numbers had dropped off dramatically once the road tunnel opened.

But people loved travelling on the train – and we want to capture those memories. At the Lyttelton Library, people will be able to share their stories via video/audio/or written form. With your permission, we’ll collect them up and they can be safely stored for future generations. You might also have photos, or train tickets or timetables or any other objects relating to the train service.

Get in touch and let us know if you have stories to tell! For further information or to register your interest, contact: Christchurch City Libraries 941 7923

Lyttelton by rail

In celebration of the opening of the Lyttelton Rail Tunnel 150 years ago, members of the public are invited to share their stories, memories and images of travelling on the Lyttelton to Christchurch passenger train. These memories will be collected and recorded in the Lyttelton Library by volunteers for the Lyttelton Museum. There will be an accompanying display of images and information about the Lyttelton Rail Tunnel at the Lyttelton Library.

Lyttelton Library
14 – 21 October during library opening hours

Book talks - Port to Plains; Over and under the Port Hills, the Story of the Lyttelton Railway Tunnel

David Welch, author of the recently published book, “Port to Plains; Over and Under the Port Hills, the Story of the Lyttelton Railway Tunnel” shares stories about the railway tunnel, the Bridle Path and the section of the original Sumner Road, from Ferrymead via Sumner to Lyttelton. Participants are invited to join in an open discussion about local history and various research methods.

Lyttelton Library
Monday 16 October 6.30–8pm

Matuku Takotako: Sumner Centre
Tuesday 17 October 3.30–4.30pm

Entrance to a tunnel on the Christchurch railway [ca. 1868] CCL PhotoCD 18, IMG0029

Christchurch railway station [1878] CCL PhotoCD 18, IMG0028

The railway yard and station, west of the Madras Street bridge [1900] CCL PhotoCD 3, IMG0068

Christchurch to Lyttelton suburban Ec electric locomotive undergoing maintenance in the Addington Workshops [ca. 1960] CCL PhotoCD 11, IMG0054

Read Lyttelton by train in uncover - huraina issue 5