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Last modified: 02 Aug 2023 3:34pm

Historic black and white image of workers digging the Ōtira tunnel with men standing on the tracks and on the hillside above the tunnelOne of New Zealand’s most impressive railway tunnels, located in the Southern Alps, will this week celebrate a significant birthday, marking 100 years since it opened.

The Ōtira Tunnel, which connects Arthur’s Pass with Ōtira, officially opened on 4 August 1923. At the time of its construction, it was the longest tunnel in the British Empire, measuring 8,529m in length.

The tunnel is celebrated for its engineering excellence and role in connecting the South Island’s east and west coasts. It is reported that when construction at each end of the tunnel finally met in 1918, the centre lines were less than 30mm apart: an impressive achievement at the time.

The tunnel remains in use today, with the TranzAlpine train climbing through the tunnel several days a week.
To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the tunnel’s opening, a special event will be held at Ōtira on 4 August, with more than 500 people expected to attend.

The day will feature history displays, guided walking tours, a cake and ribbon cutting, as well as a plaque and panel unveiling. Selwyn Libraries staff will also be on hand delivering children’s programmes, recording oral histories, and digitising historic photos and documents.

Interesting historical facts
  • According to Engineering NZ Te Ao Rangahau, although expected to take five years to complete, the Ōtira Tunnel actually took 15 years.
  • When the tunnel opened in 1923, it marked the completion of the Midland railway, which had started almost 40 years prior.