road and rail through the Waimate Gorge

An undated postcard but probably 1900s.  As those who have our railway books know, the 13.3 km extension of the Waimate Branchline to Waihao Downs through the Waimate Gorge was built by a private company in 1883 and taken over by the Government two years later.

Today you can count the number of buildings at Waihao Downs on your fingers, so it is no surprise that passenger trains ceased going there in 1931.  Freight traffic ceased in 1953.  However, the road is now tar-sealed and called the Hakataramea Highway, although isn't much busier than in this scene.