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Hapuawhenua Viaduct

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The Hapuawhenua viaduct epitomises the three aims of engineering: function, economy and (above all) grace. Designed by Peter Seton Hay and built by the Public Works Department between 1906 and 1908 the Hapuawhenua and nearby Taonui viaducts were integral components in the completion of the North Island Main Trunk line. They were constructed using the cooperative contract system, an element of liberal labour policy from the 1890s.

Both viaducts were upgraded and strengthened in 1934 and 1971 as newer, heavier locomotives were introduced. In 1987 when the track was electrified a 10km deviation between Ohakune and Horopito saw both viaducts bypassed and become part of the surrounding national park.

The viaducts helped complete the most difficult central section of the North Island Main Trunk line. Constructed of steel, it was the longest viaduct on this section of the line at 284m long.

Hapuawhenua Viaduct

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Further Information: The construction of the NIMT, of which they are a part, also had major social impacts - changing the way people travelled and freight and mail moved, contributing to the establishment of towns such as Taumarunui. Ohakune and Taihape, opening up an area of the country previously under Maori control to greater European settlement, and encouraging the growth of sawmilling, and later farming and horticulture, once the forests had been depleted.