Spooners Tunnel - western end

An old rail tunnel has been turned into a cycling experience, part of the Great Taste Trail, and the New Zealand Cycle Trail.
With all 1.35km dug by hand in the 1890s, Spooners Tunnel was part of a rail link through the Spooners Range, which was intended to eventually link Nelson and the West Coast by rail. The project was never completed and the line stopped at Gowanbridge, after discussion in Parliament in 1896, with services ceasing and the tunnel boarded over in 1955.

It has been reopened for cyclists and walkers who enjoy a spooky ride in the dark (torches essential) and for those who travel north to south, the potential hospitality of the humming Belgrove Tavern at the far end.

Please let NZPlaces know if you can share your pictures with us, we would love to see them.