Foxton Railway Yards

The expanse of flat land to the south (behind you) and the “road” leading to the north, were originally part of the Manawatū River but was reclaimed for the construction of Foxton’s Railway Yards and Track. In 1880 it was decided to re-route the line and establish the Railway Station next to a new wharf.

The new line deviated from the old northern end of Park Street, ran over what is now manawatū College’s grounds, through part of Feltex N.Z. land and down to the riverside. All the construction was completed by 1881 and until 1959 the Railways Department operated from here. At the railways peak in the early 1900’s, the buildings in the Railway Yards included the station and platform, engine, carriage and goods shed.

There are few relics of the port and railway in existence but the old ships boiler nearby is one. It is possible that this is from one of the small steamers used in the flax trade and/or as pleasure craft.