New Zealand - Christchurch - Railway - Steam Locomotive - Ferrymead - 1970’s - Reed Photo - Photo Postcard Format #t1312 Ferrymead owes its importance in history to the hills dividing Christchurch from the port of Lyttelton. Pioneers transported their goods over the steep Bridle Path from Lyttelton to Heathcote, where punts were used to cross the river into early Christchurch. Later traffic came by sea up the estuary. In 1863, the first railway in New Zealand was opened, running from Ferrymead into central Christchurch. This railway line was the inspiration for Ferrymead Heritage Park and the restored railway line follows part of the route today. Ferrymead Park features an early 1900s (Edwardian) township and the park has a variety of restored cottages plus a school house, church and businesses which reflect the period and allow visitors to experience life for the early residents of Christchurch including the smell of a coal range and the sounds of a tram rattling past the door. There are a large array of heritage exhibitions and displays that are open for viewing, particularly on Sundays. These displays are owned and operated by individual societies and manned by their volunteers. They have restored and displayed their collections for you to enjoy and these include tractors, fire engines, aeroplanes, trams, trains, cars, printing, post and telegraph, model railway, photography and much much more. If you are interested in a particular society's display, please contact the society in advance of your visit, to ensure that volunteers will be on site. https://www.ferrymead.org.nz/ Christchurch - The largest city in the South Island of New Zealand - The Christchurch urban area lies on the South Island's east coast, just north of Banks Peninsula. - The urban area is home to 377,200 residents - The territorial authority has 385,500 people - The second-most populous city in New Zealand after Auckland - The Avon River flows through the centre of the city (Reference: Wikipedia) New Zealand Railway - Rail transport in New Zealand is an integral part of New Zealand's transport network - With a nationwide network of 4,128 km of track linking most major cities in the North and South Islands - Connected by inter-island rail and road ferries - Has a particular focus on bulk freight exports and imports - 18 million net tonnes moved by rail annually (Reference: Wikipedia)