BLENHEIM, New Zealand — Blenheim’s railroad history dates back to November 18, 1875, when a rail link with Picton opened.
However, the initial line stopped short of reaching Blenheim proper. The extended line opened in 1880 with the completion of a bridge over the Opawa River in Blenheim.
The city’s first station opened around that time.
A rail connection between Blenheim and Seddon to the south opened in October 1902.
Following pressure for a newer, larger station, George Troup designed the present Blenheim railway station, built for £2,850; it opened on July 19, 1906. The station was moved 40 meters in 2000 as part of the State Highway 1 realignment.
The Main North Line connecting Picton and Canterbury did not open on December 15, 1945.