The formation of the Pleasant Point railway

In 1967, New Zealand Railways announced to South Canterbury that the Fairlie branch line was going to close. The line had been losing $43,000 per year and like many other branch lines around the country. They could not compete against road transport. It was to be a great loss to the region and to the many small communities, which were formed and would die, because of it.

After 93 years of service to Pleasant Point and 84 years of service to the Mackenzie Country, the Fairlie Flyer was no more.

Once the line was shut, Bill Timmings approached the businessman’s association in Pleasant Point with the idea of having a memorial to the much-loved line.

Fairlie had already turned down the idea of a memorial in their town centre, and Pleasant Point took the chance. A decision was made to secure the former railway station and find money to purchase a locomotive.

The closure of the line coincided with the demise of steam. Locomotives were being sold for scrap, and after raising $600 from an extravaganza at Sutherlands, two members brought a 46-year-old locomotive, ‘Ab’ 699.

While an attempt was made to secure one of the two locomotives which pulled the final train on the Fairlie Branch Line, New Zealand Railways would not release them and stated one of them was still used for steam heating and the other had bad bearings. Ab718 and 798 were later scrapped.

On 28 November 1970, ‘Ab’ 699 was pushed by a diesel locomotive into its final resting place in front of the then-vandalised Pleasant Point railway station. As soon as the locomotive was uncoupled, contractors lifting the tracks of the Fairlie Branch line moved in swiftly. This left a sour taste in the mouths of many of the 700 who turned up to see this event, as the speeches were not even over.

The locomotive stood proud in the centre of the town, with a new verandah over it to protect it from the weather. At this time, no one ever believed it would be steamed again. To prevent the locomotive from becoming a rusting hulk, as some people had feared, members brought out barrels of used oil to put into the boiler to try and preserve it.

It was a day to be remembered when a small team put the first fire in, something that may never have happened had a place to put concrete into the boiler gone ahead.

As years progressed, and its popularity grew, the small society started relaying track. As the new line snaked its way along the old formation, more and more people came to see it.

The line may only be a shadow of its former self, one and a half miles re-laid from the original 38, but year year it draws thousands of people to the small rural town.

The society now owns a fleet of wagons, several carriages and guard vans, two diesel shunting locomotives and one of the world’s only operational Model T Ford Railcar replicas.

Members of the society agree, that without volunteers and the kind donations from local businesses and members of the district, there would be no railway, nothing to link a new generation to the magic which surrounded that iron house that was the Fairlie Flyer.

Become A Member:

Family $50; Single $40; Junior $25; Overseas $50.

By becoming a member you’re supporting both the society and the district. More than 10,000 people visit Pleasant Point each year to ride the train and that’s good news for the local retailers as well as us.

Members are entitled to free entry on a running day and also get the chance, should they wish, be trained up to become the likes of a guard, stationmaster, fireman, or driver. You also get the opportunity to help at working bees ... there’s much work needed to keep the place ticking over.

Email, B&M Blanchard.

Hire The Train or Site:

With a conference room and kitchen facilities available we can cater for wedding receptions, parties or meetings.

Email, B&M Blanchard.

Driver Experience:

For prices, bookings, or general inquiries about the driver experience, CONTACT US TODAY!

Discover Pleasant Point

A pleasant point to stop a while, which is pretty much where the name came from.

It's en route from Timaru City through to the Mackenzie Country, and back in the 1800s, it was a favorite place to stop and refresh for wagoners.

Today it's a pleasant outing for locals and visitors alike. Locals head to Point for walks, swimming, bike rides, and real fruit ice creams. The Museum and Railway attract visitors from all over the world.

Parr water wheel

Walton Flour Mills - Mill farm / Mill Road, Kerrytown.
In 1867 the Parr Brothers, William and James Parr, built a flour mill powered by an over-shot water wheel on the Pleasant Point Stream and a three story mill house was built beside the wheel. The mill, the third to be built in South Canterbury, was operated by the Parr's and subsequent owners until 1905. They built a 1½ acre (.6 ha.) mill pond to control the flow of the stream and a 600 metres mill race (about a quarter of a mile). The race rose gradually over the last quarter above the ground to give 2 metres (6.5ft) of head. Water dropped from the flume on to the iron and wooden compartments that were 2.2. metres wide (about 7ft). The wheel is 3.6 metres in diameter (11.8ft). The wheel bearers were at ground level. Overshot wheels are designed to produce twice the power from a limited flow as undershot wheels. In 1905 the mill machinery was removed to Winchester and the mill house pulled down but the wheel was left on site.

BIKE & WALK TRACKS

Well-marked trails lead from Pleasant Point’s adventure playground opposite the primary school in Halstead Road and Pleasant Point Domain. Flat, easy walking amongst native trees and wildlife.

Pleasant Point Golf Club

A fabulous country golf course and visitors of all ages are welcome. If you don't have clubs with you, there is a small range of clubs for hire, as well as golf carts.

Opihi Walkway

A long but flat walkway of 3 hours one way, so you might consider having a car at each end. A great walk to stretch your legs, you can start at the Arowhenua end and finish for lunch or refreshments in Pleasant Point.

Obsolete Iron Motors/Frocks and Shocks,

COFFEE TO GO

A Range of Vintage and Retro frocks, gift-ware and Jewelry

Specialist Repairs & Vintage Parts W.O.F. - SERVICES Full comprehensive restoration and Custom work is undertaken.

Go for a swim at the community pool

Pleasant Point's pool is a fantastic place to cool off over summer. There's a pool for everyone including a 25m 6 lane pool, a toddlers pool, and a learners pool. All pools are outdoor and heated, and there's is a great area for having a picnic too.

Real fruit ice creams at Strawbery Divine

When we say real fruit ice cream, we mean it. Hosts Giles and Crissie grow their own berries and stone fruit, or source fruit locally. Pick one or two fruits and see them mixed before your eyes with vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt. Served in a waffle or a cone. Gluten-free options are available.

68 Te Ngawai Road, Pleasant Point

MAORI ROCK ART

Discover haunting images, immerse yourself in the history and culture of Ngai Tahu's ancient rock art in the Opihi Valley near Pleasant Point. Tours run from November-April. Book a guided tour at Te Ana Rock Art Tours located at Timaru information center.

DENHEATH CUSTARD SQUARES

Home of the Denheath custard square and other delish decadent desserts. Premium gourmet slices and squares, sold at four square Pleasant Point

PLEASANT POINT DOMAIN

36 hectares at the eastern entrance to Pleasant Point - camping ground, children’s playground, 18 hole golf course, rugby, tennis and cricket, walk & bike tracks. See the amazing giant Redwood trees approximately planted in1880's.

Look for bats

Pleasant Point is home to colonies of native Long-Tailed Bats.

They are tiny and elusive but keep an eye out for bat roost trees. You'll recognise these by the aluminium bands tied around them to stop predators from scaling the trees. If you stare hard enough up into the branches of these trees you might get lucky and catch a glimpse of these little locals.

Go to the politically incorrect Christmas Parade

If you're easily offended give this annual Christmas parade a wide berth! If, on the other hand, you have a great sense of humour and an appreciation of the politically incorrect then head along!

No topic is off-limits, and no one has any idea of how many floats will appear, or what they will be mocking, prior to the event - not even the organisers.