Railways and Tramways

Christchurch Trams

Several New Zealand cities had tramways. At first some of these tramways were steam operated. The steam trams usually hauled a few trailers, many of them with a double deck. This photograph from 1902 shows a steam tram in High Street, Christchurch.
Four double decker trams pulled by "Puffing Billy", High Street, Christchurch. Ref: 1/2-073965-G. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. http://natlib.govt.nz/records/22854226

One of the steam trams was preserved at Ferrymead. Here Kitson Tram No 7 is seen by the church building in Ferrymead near the entrance to the heritage park. [Jul 2013]

This is the view of the steam tram from the open top deck of the trailer. I don't know what the trip used to be like back in the days, but the museum steam tram doesn't emit a lot of smoke, so that it's fairly pleasant up top. The coal smell is there, of course. [Jul 2013].

Another view of the Kitson steam tram at the Ferrymead Heritage Park. [Sep 2009].

Kitson Tram No 7 steams it up at the Ferrymead terminal. [Sep 2009].
Kitson Tram No 7 was out of service from 2017(?) for several years. Work progressed to replace the boiler and generally get the tram loco in good condition again. The Kitson Tram was back in public service for the first time again on Labour weekend 2022. [Oct 2022].

Kitson Tram No 7 is sometimes referred to as Kitty. It is one of the main attractions of the Ferrymead Tramway. [Oct 2022].

After electrification of the much of the Christchurch system, the steam trams were still used for transport to the beach, particularly Sumner. The New Brighton Tramway Ltd trailer hauled by Kitty was originally a horse tram, later used together with steam trams. [Oct 2022].

Kitson Tram No 7 sometimes is operated together with electric trams in Ferrymead. A similar mixed operation of steam and electric trams ocurred in Christchurch during the early 20th century. [Oct 2022].

Kitson Tram No 7 meets double-deck electric Tram No 26 near the Ferrymead Church. [Oct 2022].

The steam tram departs the tram stop at the Ferrymead Station, about 1 km away from the Ferrymead Village. Here are the tram sheds and workshops. [Oct 2024].

Kitson Tram No 7 has come from the Ferrymead Station and has entered the historical village past the church. [Oct 2024].

That day the steam tram departed on its trips from outside the Moorhouse Railway Station. Staff were waiting for more passengers before departure. [Oct 2024].

The old tram makes a good show as it steams through Ferrymead. Tram No. 7 was built by Kitson and Company, Leeds, England, in 1879 for the Canterbury Tramway Company. It arrived in Lyttelton on Christmas Eve 1879. [Oct 2024].
For half a century, Christchurch trams were mainly powered by electricity. Here is a scene from the early 1920s showing trams in Cathedral Square in front of the Central Post Office.
Christchurch Post Office, and trams, Cathedral Square. Smith, Sydney Charles, 1888-1972 :Photographs of New Zealand. Ref: 1/2-047408-G . Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. http://natlib.govt.nz/records/22791017

Some of the trams have been restored by the Tramway Historical Society, which runs trains at the Ferrymead Heritage Park in Christchurch. Here Christchurch Tramways tram No. 1 runs around the loop at the Ferrymead tramway. [Oct 2013].

Here, Tram No. 1 hauls a few trailers. Tram No. 1 was built by John Stephenson in New Jersey, USA. It entered service in 1905, as one of the initial batch of five trams. In 1944 it was converted to a trailer, but has since been restored as a working tram. Double-deck open trailer No. 74 was built by a local Christchurch coach builder and also entered service in 1905. It was taken out of service in the early 1950s. The other trailer is an older steam tram trailer converted for use with electric trams. Girls in historical costume board the rear trailer at the Ferrymead Heritage Park. [Sep 2009].

Tram No. 1 arrives in the main street of Ferrymead Heritage Park and stops alongside the church building. [Jan 2021].

Tram No. 1 hauls a double-deck trailer to give passengers a ride during on of the regular night market events. [May 2022].

Tram No. 1 waits for more passengers on a Sunday afternoon in Ferrymead. [May 2023].

Over the years Tram No. 1 had received major alterations. During the 1920s it was rebuilt into a single saloon tram and in 1944 it was converted into a trailer. During restoration it was again rebuilt as a California combination tram with both open and enclosed sections. [Apr 2024].

Tram No. 1 rounds the curve near the Ferrymead Exhibition halls. [Apr 2024].

Tram No. 26 is an open top double deck tram. It was built in 1905 by John Stephenson & Co in New York. In 1918 it was converted into a single-deck tram, and in 1920 into a trailer. It left service in 1953, with restoration to its former glory completed in 2010. [Feb 2021].

Tram No. 26 has arrived back at the tram depot in Ferrymead after running for the Ferrymead Night Market. [Feb 2021].

On Labour Weekend 2022 Ferrymead had a big heritage festival with all tram and train rides included for visitors. The crowds were fairly large on a brilliant day. Tram No. 26 was busy carrying passengers. [Oct 2022].

A nice side view of Tram No. 26 as it has stopped at the main tram stop near the Ferrymead Church to load more passengers. [Oct 2022].

At the monthly night market at Ferrymead Tram 26 has stopped as the last passengers enjoy the tram. [Dec 2022].

The afternoon sun shines at the beginning of the Ferrymead Night Market as Tram No. 26 arrives outside the church. [Mar 2024].

This is the view from the top deck of Tram 26 along the main street of Ferrymead Village with the steam locomotive Peveril hauling a train on the nearby railway line. In New Zealand the railway had a track gauge of 1,067 mm, while most tramways had the standard track gauge of 1,435 mm. [Oct 2024].

The trams at Ferrymead are run by the Tramway Historical Society, one of the many member societies of Ferrymead. Ticketing for the trams is additional to park entry. From 2024 tickets were sold directly by the friendly tram conductors. [Oct 2024].

But not just Christchurch trams run at Ferrymead. Since many cities had a similar system with a gauge of 1435mm, trams from other cities were restored by the Tramway Historical Society and run on operating days. This silver tram comes from Brisbane, Australia. It has found a home here in Christchurch and is one of the trams used most frequently. [June 2013].

Tram 236 travels along the main street in Ferrymead. [Oct 2021].

Tram 236 from Brisbane now is confined to the small piece of track of the Ferrymead Tramway. It travels through Ferrymead Park back towards the heritage village. [Oct 2021].

Brisbane Tram No. 236 has departed from its stop in front of the church of Ferrymead on a miserable winter day. [Jul 2022].

Tram 236 trundles through the streets of Ferrymead Heritage Park in winter. [Aug 2022].

The tram line also runs from the heritage park to the Ferrymead Station, but on another route to the railway. Here, Tram 236 stands at the Ferrymead terminal. [Aug 2023].

Tram 236 on its round through Ferrymead Heritage Park. [Oct 2023].

Tram 236 has just crossed a bridge on the way from the heritage park around Moorhouse Station to Ferrymead Station. [Oct 2023].

This Dunedin tram is also often seen at Ferrymead. I always find it interesting that the gauge for trams was wider in New Zealand than the railway gauge. Unfortunately that also means that the two systems are not interoperable. [Jun 2013]

On this day Tram 22 was hired for a birthday party and after a trip along the tram route was now parked up so that the guests could drink and eat without being shaken around. [Aug 2023].

In 1995 trams returned to the streets of central Christchurch. A loop was opened operating heritage trams. The operation was always seen as a tourist venture. It is not integrated into the Christchurch public transport sytem and the ticket prices are quite high. Nevertheless, it's nice to have trams clanging through the streets again. Two trams stand in Cathedral Square. [Nov 2013]

The trams fit well into some of the redesigned streets, creating a relaxed cafe atmosphere. In 2013, with a shortened line, the trams reversed here in New Regent Street. The driver is seen lowering the pole, after having connected the other, ready to depart in the opposite direction. [Nov 2013].

The 2010 and 2011 Canterbury Earthquakes destroyed much of the Christchurch inner city. Much of the tramway infrastructure was also destroyed. Tramway operations stood still for over 2 years. With the rebuild, the tram lines were also slowly reinstated. In November 2013 the Christchurch Tramway started operation again on a reduced line between New Regent Street and the Canterbury Museum. Here the Invercargill tram passes the destroyed Christchurch Cathedral. [Nov 2013]

Three trams in Cathedral Square with the ruined Cathedral in the background. Christchurch is slowly rebuilding, but it will be a different city. Note the many building fences and also the overhead work truck on the right. I hope that the heritage tram will run through Christchurch's streets for a long time and that trams one day will be part of public transport. [Nov 2013].

Tram No. 11 is the oldest in the fleet. It was built in 1903 by J.G. Brill and operated in Dunedin until the early 1950s. It has been painted in the colours of Christchurch Tramways and is probably the most photographed of the trams. [Nov 2013]

Tram No. 11 stops in New Regent Street on a wet and miserable day. The street is deserted - no diners brave the elements. [Jun 2020].

Tram No. 11 has entered the Cathedral Junction indoors mall from the tram barn. The tram driver moves the pole to the other end so that the tram can continue in the opposite direction. [Jul 2020].

Tram No. 11 is near the Canterbury Museum, which was closed at the time for several years to renovate the building. [Apr 2023].

The smallest tram of the Christchurch fleet travels along High Street. [Apr 2023].

Tram No. 11 travels past the Christchurch Cathedral, which at that time was under restoration. [Apr 2023].

In June 2022 a 500 m long extension loop was opened running along Lichfield Street, Poplar Street and High Street. After a derailment in January 2023, the extension was closed again. After some work was done on the track, the loop was re-opened in November 2023. Tram No. 11 travels along Poplar Street. [Dec 2023].
Tram No. 152 was one of 28 cars built by Boon & Co in Christchurch. It entered service in 1910 and was withdrawn in 1954. These trams had a drop centre, so that passengers did not have to climb so high up the steps. In a sense it was an early version of a low-floor vehicle, though in comparison with modern low-floor vehicles the floor was still very high. [Mar 2020].

Tram No. 152 rounds the curve near the Arts Centre and the Canterbury Museum. Tram 152 has twin bogies, allowing for a smoother ride and longer car body. [Mar 2020].

Because it has a large open section, Tram No. 152 is normally not in service during winter. Here it sits in the depot on a winter day, together with trams No. 411 and No. 1888. Large windows allow passers-by to look into the depot. [Aug 2023].

Tram No. 152 is also known as the royal tram, because it has been used for royal visitors. There are several plaques on the tram indicating where a royal has sat on its trip. The tram near the Arts Centre. [Sep 2023].

Tram No. 152 crosses Gloucester Street from New Regent Street to Cathedral Junction. [Nov 2023].

Much of Christchurch is quite flat. That's why it is an ideal city for cycling. Tram No. 152 passes a few bikes in central Christchurch. [Dec 2023].

On warm days the outside section is actually quite comfortable, especially if a light breeze brings a bit of cool. [Dec 2023].
Tram No. 24 was built by Boon & Co, Christchurch, in 1920. It was a hills car, also running on the steep section of the tram network in Christchurch, such as to Cashmere. [Dec 2023].

Tram No. 24 has an even larger open section than any of the other trams. That's why it's ideal for summer running. [Dec 2023].

Back in the day when the tram ran on the large Christchurch network, there were no safety side boards on the tram and one could access the benches from the whole side. A historical photo of Tram No. 24. The tram was first taken out of service in 1954. Christchurch tram, `Hills Car'. The Press (Newspaper) :Negatives. Ref: 1/1-007693-G. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. https://natlib.govt.nz/records/22906139

After a long restoration process, Tram No. 24 entered service again on Boxing Day 2023. Here it is entering New Regent Street a few days after its first trip on Christchurch rails after such a long time out of service. [Dec 2023].

After original double deck trams No. 24 to 26 were converted to trailers, they were renumbered to No. 143 to 145. The numbers were available for new trams. That's why when the new hill cars delivered by Boon & Co. in 1920 they got No 24 to 26. At Cathedral Junction the conductors swap over before the tram sets out for another round. [Jan 2024].

Tram No. 24 trundles through Christchurch near the art gallery. [Jan 2024].

Tram No. 24 stands at Cathedral Square, with the plastic wrapping of the Cathedral reinstatement project in the background. That evening the tram was used for an evening tour of the Canterbury Railway Society. Later on the tram made a quick trip round the loop. With no stops and little traffic, it took than less than half the normal time of 50 minutes to complete the loop. [Aug 2024].

On its evening run Tram No. 24 made a few photo stops. Here it is outside the Arts Centre - the former Canterbury University. [Aug 2024].

The facades of the buildings in New Regent Street are lit up in colours at night. Tram No. 24 has stopped to be part of the light show. [Aug 2024].

At the very southern tip of the tram loop, in Poplar Street, is a short stub track. At one point there was a dream to continue the tramway network further south to the Polytechnic and possibly even the former railway station site. It is likely that the tramway will not be extended. Tram No. 24 used the siding on Poplar Street with the Corgi Tram Stop to the left. [Aug 2024].

Tram No. 15 was built in 1921 by J.G. Brill & Co, Philadelphia, USA, for Invercargill Tramways. It was one of the Birney Safety Cars type trams exported all around the world. It is the only tram in service on the new Christchurch Tramway that is in the livery of another tramway operation. [Nov 2013].
Tram No 15 waits in Cathedral Junction, where the office of Christchurch Tramways is located. Here the trams enter an indoor mall. [Feb 2021].

Tram No. 15 is equipped for one-man operation, as passengers enter and exit through the left front door, in whatever direction the tram is travelling. Here it rounds the corner near the Garden Bridge over the Avon River. [Mar 2021].

Tram 15 travels past the ruins of Christchurch Cathedral. [Nov 2021]. .

On its way through the central city Tram 15 stops outside the Fiddlesticks Restaurant near the Christchurch Art Gallery. [Jul 2023].

On a rainy day Tram 15 has stopped outside the Arts Centre near the Botanical Gardens. [Sep 2023].
Tram No. 178 was built in 1922. It was one of 25 of this tram type, built by Boon & Co in Christchurch. These trams were withdrawn in 1954. Tram No. 178 is equipped for one-man operation, as passengers enter through the front door. [Nov 2013].

Tram 178 was initially restored from 1967 to 1970. For several years it carried the 1930s colour scheme of white with green lining. Here it is seen in pre-earthquake days in Worcester Boulevard near the Arts Centre just before Christmas. [Dec 1999].

In the early 2000s Tram 178 was repainted in a red and cream colour scheme, which proved to be quite popular and photogenic. The tram is at the Arts Centre in Worcester Boulevard. [Jan 2020].

These trams were originally equipped with multiple-unit control, allowing two trams to be operated from one tram. Towards the end of tram services in the 1940s and 1950s, these trams became the mainstay of the Christchurch fleet. [Feb 2020].

Tram No. 178 enters New Regent Street with its many restaurants from Armagh Street. Here at the corner the South American restaurant Casa Publica is quite prominent. [Mar 2021].

Tram 178 travels past the reconstruction site of the Christchurch Cathedral. The Distinction Hotel is one of the few high-rise buildings not destroyed by the earthquakes and therefore one of the few such high buildings in Christchurch. After the earthquakes the height of buildings in Christchurch was restricted to seven storeys. This photo was taken from Tūranga, the central Christchurch library. [Nov 2021].

Tram No. 178 travels along New Regent Street with Tram No. 1888 just behind it. It is noticeable how little space the trams require. Because they run on fixed rails, tables and umbrellas can be put out with confidence. Pedestrians can also walk safely along the street. The tram doesn't veer off its course. [Feb 2023].

From New Regent Street trams travel onto Cathedral Junction Mall. Here they enter an indoor area. The large glass doors can be closed when trams are not operating. [Feb 2023].

Tram No. 178 had major maintenance done in 2023, including new side panels. Here it is shown in its new splendour on the last day of the year. [Dec 2023].

Another photo of Tram No. 178 in Cathedral Square. It was the last tram of the day. [Jan 2024].

Tram No. 244 was built in 1925 in Melbourne, Australia, by Melbourne Metropolitan. There it was withdrawn from service in 1983. It was restored by the Sydney Tramway Museum and shipped to Lyttelton in 1996 to enter service on the Christchurch Tramway. [Feb 2020].

Tram 244 departs from its stop in Cathedral Junction. This is a covered mall with the main ticket office of Christchurch Tramways among the shops lining the tram line. [Jul 2022].

Tram No. 244 travels along Cashel Street, one of the main shopping vicinities in the Christchurch City Centre. [Jan 2023].

Tram 244 travels along High Street. This street runs diagonal to the grid in the central city. It is now lined with new buildings. [Apr 2023].

Tram No. 244 stops outside the Christchurch Arts Centre. After suffering significant damage during the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes, this has now been largely restored. [Jul 2023].

Now that the tourists are returning to Christchurch after COVID-19, the trams are busier again. Tram 244 departs Cathedral Junction. [Aug 2023].

Tram No. 244 departs from the tram stop at the intersection of Tuam and High STreets. This new extension opened up the SALT District to tourists. This area is named after the principal streets running through it: St. Asaph Street, Lichfield Street, and Tuam Street. [Dec 2023].

Tram No. 244 makes its way along Worcester Boulevard, which runs between Cathedral Square and the Botanic Gardens. [Jan 2024].

Tram No. 244 in Cathedral Square. New commercial buildings are being erected in that area now. [Apr 2024].
Another tram built in Melbourne, but now operating in Christchurch is Tram 411. It is now used as the restaurant tram in Christchurch. Here it is at Cathedral Junction waiting for departure while guests board. [Sep 2022].

Tram 411 was built in 1927 and retired from the Melbourne system in 1982. It then spent some time as a dining space in a hotel, before being donated to the Sydney Tramway Museum in 1995. It was then rebuilt to a restaurant tram in Sydney and shipped to New Zealand, where it started operation in Christchurch in 2000. Here Tram 411 is about to depart Cathedral Square. [Sep 2022].

Tram 411 departs for its dining trip most days at 7pm, when other tram services have ceased for the day. The dinner served on the tram is not cheap, but the experience is included in the price. [Sep 2022].

Tram No 411 has just left the tram stabling and stands in the narrow Tramway Lane before the start of its evening trip. [Jan 2024].

The Old Government Building in Christchurch was opened in 1913 for use by various government departments. It is now a hotel and posh bar. Tram No. 411 passes the building on its way across Worcester Street to Cathedral Junction. [Jan 2024].

Tram No 411 makes its way along High Street. Even so many years after the earthquakes, there are still many building sites in Christchurch. [Jan 2024].

Restaurant tram No. 411 stops briefly in High Street to chat with the driver of Tram No. 24, which stands on Cashel Street arriving with a group of railway fans. [Aug 2024].
Tram No. 1888 was built in 1934 in Sydney, Australia. After it worked in Auckland for a few year on the new Wynyard Quarter Tram, it was moved to Christchurch in 2017. . [Mar 2020].

The inside view of Tram No. 1888. The wooden seats look somewhat comfortable, or at least assuring. Not many people travelled that day, due to the fear of infection through the coronavirus COVID-19. [Mar 2020].

At Cathedral Junction the trams enter an indoors mall. Here is also the main office of Christchurch Tramways. . Tram No. 1888 has finished its run and exits the Cathedral Junction Mall through narrow doors to drive to the tram shed. [Mar 2020].

Tram No. 1888 trundles across Worcester Street to Tramway Lane to get to the tram shed. It was going to rest here for some time as restrictions in response to the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. [Mar 2020].

The tram travels along Worcester Street and is just about to arrive at the Museum Stop. [Feb 2021]. .

Tram 1888 drives along the pedestrian mall on Cashel Street. [Mar 2021].

Tram 1888 mixes with vehicular traffic on Armagh Street. In the background are the Canterbury Provincial Council Buildings. These buildings were built between 1859 and 1865. They were substantially damaged during the 2011 Earthquakes and have not been restored yet. [Mar 2021]. .

The Armagh Street Bridge crosses the Avon River in central Christchurch near Victoria Park. Tram 1888 trundles across the bridge on its way back to Cathedral Junction. [Mar 2021].

Tram No. 1888 as seen from Tram No. 178. The two trams travelled one after the other along Armagh Street. Unfortunately, the trams have a tendency to bunch rather than travelling along the circuit evenly spaced. [Feb 2023]. .

Tram 1888 arrives at the Arts Centre stop. This previously housed the University of Canterbury and is now a centre for arts and arty shops. [Apr 2023].

Workers are busy on the Cathedral Restoration Project while Tram 1888 trundles past. [Apr 2023]. .

The cityscape looks nearly European as Tram 1888 arrives at Arts Centre in Christchurch. [Sep 2023].