Dunback and Makareao Branches

Dunback and Makareao Branches
Overview
Other name(s)Waihemo Branch
Inch Valley Railway
StatusClosed
OwnerRailways Department
LocaleOtago, New Zealand
Termini
Stations4 / 1
Service
TypeHeavy Rail
SystemNew Zealand Government Railways (NZGR)
Services2
Operator(s)Railways Department
History
CommencedMarch 1880
Opened29 August 1885
Makareao Branch Opened31 March 1900
Inch Valley - Dunback Closed1 January 1968
Closed1 June 1989
Technical
Line length10.17 km (6.32 mi)
Number of tracksSingle
CharacterRural
Track gauge3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm)
Route map

km
15.06
Makareao
14.80
Dunback
10.17
Inch Valley
7.23
Glenpark
4.38
Meadowbank
0.00
Palmerston
Map
Map

The Dunback and Makareao Branches were two connected branch line railways, part of New Zealand's national rail network. Located in the Otago region of the South Island, both lines were 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) in length and shared the first 11 kilometres (6.8 mi). The Dunback Branch, also known as the Waihemo Branch, opened in 1885 and closed in 1968; the Makareao Branch, also known as the Inch Valley Railway or the Inch Valley Branch, opened in 1900 and operated for 89 years to 1989.