The
Class B station was built about 1908 and was important in the growth of
Ohakune. Trains calling have included
The Overlander,
Blue Streak,
Scenic Daylight,
Daylight Limited,
Northerner,
Silver Star and
Night Limited. Surveying for the route between
Hīhītahi and
Piriaka began in 1894. The first trains reached Ohakune when the railhead was extended from Rangataua on Tuesday 5 November 1907, when
Public Works Department (PWD) and
New Zealand Railways Department (NZR) made arrangements for both passenger and goods traffic, At that stage the station was described as long on a platform. However, goods traffic between
Mataroa and Ohakune didn't begin until Saturday 7 March 1908. but NZR reported on 25 September 1908, "Obtaining possession of office and other buildings." Although the rails completing the NIMT were laid on 3 August 1908, they said the yard at Ohakune wasn't complete and there was still no platform in November. On Monday 9 November 1908, a stationmaster was appointed with passengers staying overnight in Ohakune from 8pm to 6am. In January 1909 the General Manager gave permission for passengers to sleep in the trains, owing to a lack of accommodation in the town. The first through expresses began on 14 February 1909 and stopped at Ohakune. By July 1909 a footwarmer house had been built by PWD for £54.4.4 a special station building, with District Engineer's office, luggage, stationmaster's, lobby, and ladies rooms, a lengthened and asphalted platform, cart approach, goods shed, loading bank, cattle and sheep yards, crane, water service, coal accommodation, engine turntable, engine shed, stationmaster's house and urinal. In 1910 the goods shed was extended to by . On 12 April 1905, the engine shed burnt down. A new by shed could take five locomotives. In 1910 an ash pit was added. On 7 December 1923 that shed was destroyed by fire. In 1929 the turntable was sent to Huntly and replaced by a turntable for £1800. By 1960 the depot was only being used by Raetihi branch engines. It again caught fire on 17 February 1967. Railway houses were built in 1905, 1906, 1907, 1908, 1912, 1914 and 1965 and a hostel for female refreshment room staff on Tyne Road in 1940. From December 1966,
Centralised Traffic Control replaced tablet signalling. ==References==