Trams in New Zealand were a major form of transport from the 19th century into the mid-20th century. New Zealand's first (horse) tramway was established in 1862 (Nelson), followed by a steam tramway in 1871 (Thames), and the first electric tramway in 1900 (Maori Hill, Dunedin). In New Zealand railway terminology a bush tramway is an industrial tramway, which usually did not carry passengers.
The tram systems in the main centres, and in some smaller towns, were soon electrified. By the 1950s, all systems were in the process of being replaced by trolley-buses or buses. The last tram service closed in 1964, in Wellington. A tram running parallel with a public road opened in Western Springs, Auckland, in 1980 and a central city loop line in Christchurch in 1995. Both are heritage lines.
In modern parlance, trams are known as "light rail vehicles",[1] and modern tram proposals are referred to as light rail – such as proposed the light rail lines in Auckland.
- ^ "Railways Act 2005 – section 4(1)". Parliamentary Counsel Office. Retrieved 25 July 2021.