Welcome to the historic Chain Hills Tunnel! We hope you have time to admire the tunnel before you catch your train?
The Chain Hills tunnel is 23½ chains (517 yds, 473 m) long, fully lined with 14" (36 cm) of brickwork increasing to 18" (46 cm) in softer ground. From the Wingatui end the tunnel has a slight rise on a gradient of 1 in 364 to the centre at 173 feet (53 m) above sea level. From the Dunedin end the gradient is steeper, rising 1 in 66 to the centre. Check it out - from one portal, can you see right through the tunnel to the other portal?
Dogs permitted but MUST be ON LEASH at all times.
This Chain Hills tunnel was part of the Main South railway line from its opening in 1875 until it was superseded in 1914 by the present Wingatui railway tunnel.
In December 2025, thanks to years of work by the Dunedin Tunnels Trails Trust and the access easement donated by community-minded landowner Clare Noakes, the Chain Hills tunnel reopened to the public as a shared trail.
At present this 1.2km Section One of the Dunedin Tunnels Trail ends at the Kiwirail property boundary, so you will have to return the same way. The next sections of the trail are being planned and will ultimately provide a flat 15km shared path from Dunedin to Mosgiel through both the Chain Hills and Caversham tunnels.
The start point for this easy multi is the Wingatui portal of the Chain Hills tunnel.
Read the signs at the Wingatui portal to find the numbers for the final coordinates.
- Green emergency exit sign on the tunnel roof includes a two digit number: CE metres.
- Blue sign at tunnel entrance:
Light will remain on for XB minutes.
Phone number at bottom right of blue sign is (03)XXFXXXX.
- White sign at tunnel entrance: Emergency zone DA.
Final cache is a short walk away at S45 52.ABC E170 24.DEF.
Stay on the path, and please avoid notice when searching for the cache.
This Chain Hills tunnel was the most difficult section of the Dunedin and Clutha railway, one of the first six railway lines built under Vogel's "Great Public Works Policy".
The tunnel approach cuttings were extremely unstable with constant landslips. Once they began tunnelling the workers struggled to hand-drill hard schist which turned soft after exposure to air, blocks shifting without warning. The tunnel had to be supported by heavy timbering then immediately lined with triple brick. Men worked around the clock, but progress was slow.
On 10 February 1875 a foreseeable tragedy: Thomas Kerr and Patrick Dempsey were killed instantly by falling rock, and George Turnidge was crippled for life. ODT 12 Feb 1875 P2 Thomas Kerr left a widow and 7 children.
At the end of February 1875 the contractor Brogden & Sons imported a patent Burleigh pneumatic drill. This was ground-breaking technology. On 1 June 1875 the tunnel was pierced, and on 1 September 1875 the railway was opened with an official train from Dunedin to Balclutha.
On 28 August 1895 George Thompson was the third person killed in the Chain Hills tunnel. He was returning home to Abbotsford after seeing his nephew at Wingatui, but missed the 10.30 pm train. Taking a shortcut through the tunnel, George was hit by the evening goods train. He left a widow and 12 children/stepchildren.
Passenger and commercial traffic increased so from 1907 the Dunedin to Mosgiel railway was realigned and double tracked. On Monday 23 March 1914 the new double-track Wingatui railway tunnel opened. The 1875 Chain Hills tunnel and adjacent railway line was closed.
In July 1914 the government aquired the sections around the Wingatui side of the tunnel for an explosives magazine, including using the tunnel for temporary storage. The magazine was used through to the 1970s; the access to the magazine along the former railway alignment became Magazine Road.
From the 1970s, landowners allowed informal access through the tunnel for locals - it was a popular walking and horseriding route between Wingatui and Fairfield.
In the 1980s the sewer line from the Fortex meat processing works was laid through the Chain Hills tunnel. The sewer became unused when Fortex went bankrupt in 1994. Around 1998 the DCC gated the tunnel shut.
In the present day, the Dunedin half of the Chain Hills tunnel and the old rail alignment are owned by farmer Clare Noakes, who has generously granted a public access easement (for $10!). The Wingatui side of the tunnel, 324 Gladstone Rd, was bought by DCC via DTTT in 2017. The easement for this section of the shared cycle/walking trail was funded by Herenga-a-nuku Walking Access NZ, and the trail was constructed by Fulton Hogan with DCC ratepayer funding.
Railway line at Chain Hills Tunnel, Otago Main Trunk Line, Dunedin and Clutha Railway. Photograph circa 1874, photographer unknown. Tiaki Ref 1/2-066645-F
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Optional background reading below, if you're waiting for your train...
James Brogden and his workers
John Brogden and Sons was a British firm of Railway Contractors which operated from 1828 until its bankruptcy in 1880.
Julius Vogel not only needed loans from Britain to fund his Publis Works Scheme – he also needed labour and expertise. The main British railway network was largely complete, so English contracting firms like John Brogden and Sons were looking for new opportunities overseas. An outbreak of rural unrest in Britain also encouraged farm labourers to undertake the long and difficult sea voyage to New Zealand.
In 1872 the company was preferentially given six rail contracts:
- Auckland and Mercer: completed 1875.
- Wellington and Hutt: reached Lower Hutt in 1874.
- Napier and Paki Paki: opened 1 January 1875.
- Picton and Blenheim: completed 1875.
- Dunedin and Clutha: opened to Green Island 1 July 1874, completed to Balclutha 1 September 1875.
- Invercargill and Mataura: part opened 12 February 1874, completed 30 August 1875
However, there were considerable difficulties in the operation of the contracts and the management of the men.
On the Green Island to Clutha contract, the delay in opening the Chain Hills tunnel led to extremely high freight costs transporting supplies to the Taieri Plains section of the track.
On all contracts work was more difficult and slower than expected and in 1879 the company was in dispute with the New Zealand Government over contract payments. The next year Brogden and Sons went bankrupt.
Brogden contracts dispute. New Zealand Times 26 April 1878 P6
Report of Parliamentary commission on Brogden claims ODT 8 June 1883 P4
Although this was a disastrous result for Brogdens, New Zealand obtained useful citizens who were happy here – at least 62% of those arriving with the Brogden scheme stayed - and their letters back to Britain encouraged more people to come.
James Brogden
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The Workers
The workforce on the Chain Hills tunnel were a mix of local people and Brogden’s immigrant workers. Most were farm labourers, not miners – they learnt on the job. The railway and the camps provided employment for a range of trades, such as blacksmiths to sharpen the drills, carpenters to mend waggons, brickmakers for the tunnel lining. Young lads got jobs driving tip-drays. Women had jobs in the camps and boarding houses, cooking and cleaning – Thomas Kerr’s eldest daughter was working nearby when he was killed.
Groups of Brogden’s immigrant labourers hired to work on his Otago railway contract arrived at Port Chalmers 5 December 1872 on the Christian McAusland and 15 February 1873 on the Charlotte Gladstone. The Brogdens’ agent had no work arranged for the men from the Christian McAusland, who had to move away to find other jobs.
Married men from the Charlotte Gladstone were sent to Waihola Gorge [between Clarendon and Milburn] while the single men went to Chain Hills and Otokia.
Brogdens supplemented the workforce by taking on sixty German-Polish immigrants who had not found other work in January 1873. They had previously hired a crew of Chinese labourers working under a Chinese sub-contractor but encountered some difficulties over who was responsible for their wages.
Archaeological investigation while building the first part of the Dunedin Tunnels Trail, at the Wingatui end of the Chain Hills tunnel, found some evidence of the workers’ camp at the base of the railway embankment.
Entrepreneurial married couples set up boarding houses, providing a place to sleep and meals for 15 shillings/week or 1 shilling per meal (navvies earned 8 or 9 shillings per day). Each man would use his own blankets, sheet and pillow. Unlicensed liquor seems to have been a feature of the stores and boarding houses. From the court news we know that Michael McCarthy and his wife, and John McClusky and his wife, both ran stores and boarding houses at Chain Hills (now Wingatui).
The ODT’s Country News correspondent commented 5 Nov 1873 that there was a great necessity for the services of a Missionary at the Chain Hills tunnel, where a large working population is located.
On the Dunedin side, the workers’ camp was in the valley at the end of the trail, “perched upon a sheltered nook on the side of one of the hills, amidst flax and bush”. “The men working live in tents in a picturesque wooded gully close to the railway. The store, under Mr Monteith, supplies them with provisions – all the eatables being products of the district, so that many have realised the benefit of the railway works.” Evidently Mr Monteith also ran a boarding house, as he later advertised for a cook.
Since the Dunedin side of the tunnel had good access from Green Island, family men were able to live locally and walk, or hitch a ride on the railway waggons, to get to work, as Thomas Kerr must have done. Men could attend entertainments - Patrick Dempsey, Thomas Wedlake and George Turnidge had all been to a ball at Green Island the evening before the 10 February 1875 rockfall. Or, if they had more time off they could go to Dunedin overnight to go to the Theatre, have a few drinks, and make new friends.
Navvies had a reputation for drunkenness and rowdiness, but only a few incidents of theft, drunkenness and fighting were serious enough to reach the court news.
Chain Hills Tunnel - a timeline from the newspapers
The Dunedin and Clutha railway was one of the first six railways built under Vogel's "Great Public Works Policy". Authorised by the Railways Act 1870 at a cost of £5,000 per mile, these railways were constructed to the new national 3’6” (1,067 mm) gauge. The narrow gauge was chosen to reduce construction costs and speed up building through difficult terrain.
The Dunedin and Clutha railway contract was put out to tender in three sections: Dunedin to Green Island (contractor A J Smyth), Green Island to Milton (contractor Brogden & Sons), Milton to Balcutha (contractor Blair & Watson).
18 March 1871 First sod of Dunedin and Clutha railway turned at Kensington by the Governor Sir George Bowen ODT 20 March 1871 P3
May 1872
Mr James Brogden visiting from Britain – condemned the proposed Chain Hills tunnel route – materials certain to be difficult to contend with – prefers previous route through gully contiguous to Main South Road which would only require a comparatively short tunnel. ODT 15 May 1872 P1 (Supp)
Aug 1872
John Brogden and Sons’ tender accepted for Taieri section and work will commence in two to three weeks - work on the first section between Dunedin and Green Island already close to completion. Mr A J Smyth (who was the contractor for the first section of the railway) was the Otago agent of Brogden & Sons. Otago Witness 10 August 1872 P5
The contract includes:
- Almost 35 miles & 2 miles of sidings.
- Contract cost £143,835.
- Chain Hills tunnel through schist, 484 yards long, to be lined in brick where rock is loose.
- 13 bridges and viaducts.
- Taieri Plains section to be constructed above flood level.
- Completion time for Taieri contract “on or before 1 September 1875”.
120 men at work at Taieri and Chain Hills ODT 31 August 1872 P2
Line being pegged out as quickly as it can be; one foundry and two blacksmithies in the town as hard at work as they can be in turning out railway material ES 22 Aug 1872
November 1872
About 50 men at work along the base of the Chain Hills – their residences are perched upon a sheltered nook on the side of one of the hills, amidst flax and bush – a most superior conglomerated sandstone from Mr Andrew’s property being used to lay foundations for Abbot’s Creek bridge. OW 2 Nov 1872 P10
Approaches to Chain Hills tunnel difficult work ODT 12 Nov 1872 P2
December 1872
Redundant English farm labourers recruited by Brogdens – sailing for Otago on Charlotte Gladstone ODT 27 Dec 1872 P2
February 1873
Brogden navvies arrived on Charlotte Gladstone – single men sent to Chain Hills Bruce Herald 4 Mar 1873 p6
Five Brogden navvies drunk and disorderly – night in lockup - being sent to the Chain Hills this morning. ODT 24 Feb 1873 P2
March 1873
Engineer in Chief Mr Carruthers, accompanied by Messrs Blair and Brunton, District Engineeers, inspected Clutha railway. 360 men employed at present. Chain Hills tunnel section presents many obstacles which it is expected will soon be overcome. OW 8 Mar 1873 p15 .
Labourer John McClusky's wife refused to give him drink on St Patrick's Day - James Lyon prevented McClusky striking his wife with a bottle - McClusky chased James Lyon with an axe and cut his hand – fined 20s. James Lyon had 3 crimean shirts, one flannel singlet, one vest, and one pair blue blankets stolen from his tent at Chain Hills but no case proven against Michael McCartney. ES 21 Mar 1873 P2 ODT 22 Mar 1873 P1S
At approaches to Chain Hills tunnel, works carried on with much vigour – but formidable obstacles – hard rock, slips – expected tunnel will be commenced in nine months ODT 22 Mar 1873 P1 S
April 1873
Line between city and Chain Hills will soon be completed. The men working live in tents in a picturesque wooded gully close to the railway. The store, under Mr Monteith, supplies them with provisions – all the eatables being products of the district, so that many have realised the benefit of the railway works. ODT 29 Apr 1873 P3
July 1873
Extensive slips at approaches to Chain Hills. Rotten bluish schist with an admixture of quartz pebbles and small boulders. On Taieri side a shaft has been sunk at the proposed tunnel opening and the drive is in full operation. ODT 16 July 1973 P6S
September 1873
Considerable progress on tunnel cuttings. Heavy rains last week caused enormous slips at both entrances. Clay and earth slurry needs strong arms to lift a shovelful.
At Dunedin side top lift will be finished in a few weeks, but will be difficult removing the bottom lift as ground very unstable. Experience has proved that the more that is taken out the more comes down.
At Taieri side cutting is up to entrance, but work will be delayed some weeks by slips. Main shaft now down 105 feet, alternating hard and soft blue schist, so conjectured most of tunnel must be built in brick. Great credit due to Mr Duxbury the contractor for arduous undertaking – the most formidable work at present in progress in the colony. ODT 9 Sept 1873 P3
James Bradford, labourer at Chain Hills, was boarding with Michael McCarthy at rate of 15s/week. Owed money so McCarthy detained Bradford's rug, sheet, and pillowcase. (McCarthy and his wife also provided liquor - illegally - at an extra cost). ES 15 Sept 1873 P2 ODT 16 Sept 1873 P5S
The boarding house owner Michael McCarthy was prosecuted for beating his wife and went bankrupt the next month ODT 13 Oct 1873 p3 ODT 17 Oct 1873
Michael McCarthy fined £2 and costs for using obscene and threatening language at Chain Hills, and attempting to strike one of the workers living there with an axe. ODT 23 Dec 1873 P2
October 1873
November 1873
Clutha Railway section from Dunedin to Chain Hills now completed. Navvies working at each end of tunnel and also in three places where shafts have been sunk. Rails are carried from Dunedin by horse teams as far as Mosgiel. ODT 22 Nov 1873 P3
Difficulties with Chain Hill which caused delays now overcome. Nearly all earthwork for line beyond this point is finished. ODT 27 Nov 1873 P4
A great necessity for the services of a Missionary at the Chain Hills tunnel, where a large working population is located. ODT 5 Nov 1873 P5 (Supp)
The engine running between South Dunedin and Chain Hills narrowly escaped running over a woman, who had only crossed the line by a few inches when it passed her. OW 15 Nov 1873 p3
December 1873
John Harriot admitted to hospital, bruised about the body by the buffer of a railway waggon at Chain Hills ODT 1 Dec 1873 P2
Connection of Clutha and Port Chalmers railways OW 13 Dec 1873 P12
Saturday 13 Dec 1873. First trip from Dunedin along Clutha line to terminus near Sampson & Brown coal pits, nearly a mile from tunnel. Official party including Premier Julius Vogel and Mayor. Inspection of Chain Hill tunnel works by Mr Blair (Govt engineer). Expected to be 12 months before completion. Otago Witness 20 Dec 1873 P7
February 1874
Chain Hills tunnelling started.
Harbour reclaimation: Clutha engine is daily employed conveying earth from the Chain Hills for reclaiming a portion of the bay, to a width of seven or eight chains. ODT 5 Feb 1874 P2
Brogdens have taken back control of the Chain Hills section from the subcontractor. Tunnel started on south side. Men coming forward more plentifully; we are informed that the wages given are good. Work is to be carried on in shifts. Large brick kilns established on each side of the tunnel. Earthworks on remaining portion of contract is completed. It is certain that Clutha line will be opened long within the contract time. ES 10 Feb 1874 P2 ODT 10 Feb 1874 P2
Considerable distance in at Taieri end of tunnel. Soft rock, will be necessary to line with brick, but harder rock expected further in. A large landslip at Dunedin end is not a hindrance and the gang at that end will soon commence driving. ODT 21 Feb 1874 P2
March 1874
Favourable progress on tunnel – fewer slips than formerly, and more men are employed ODT 18 Mar 1874 P4
April 1874
Auriferous quartz reef reported met with at tunnel ODT 2 Apr 1874 P2
Serious accident at railway cutting in Chain Hills. Block came down on labourer Charles Whithorn. Material speedily removed – blood oozing from mouth, and such was pressure on the body that the boot-laces gave way. Mouth and jawbone severely injured but no bones broken. ODT 13 Apr 1874 P4
More than one pheasant has been shot in the vicinity of the Chain Hills tunnel. Any information on the perpetrators of this dastadly act should communicate with Police. ODT 16 Apr 1874 P2
May 1874
Abbotsford bridge fast approaching completion. Chain Hills tunnel now in some distance on north side – heavy material – requires timbering. South end is in more than five chains and brickwork being completed. It may be necessary to brick the tunnel throughout. Labour plentiful. Wages: Navvies, 8s to 9s per day; platelayers, 8s to 10s per day; miners, 10s perday; bricklayers, 16s per day. ODT 19 May 1874 P2
June 1874
Rapid progress. 8 chains (of 22) completed and bricked. Unstable ground, roof has to be supported with strong timber. Calculated will be finished in 8 months. ODT 15 June 1874 P2
Every exertion made to push on work at Chain Hills tunnel. At south end have cut through hard band of rock, and have come on heavy black clay and soft schist. Great care has to be taken in timbering and the bricklayers are working up close to the excavators. ODT 23 Jun 1874 P2
4 July 1874 First passenger trains running Dunedin to Green Island.
Chain Hills Tunnel expected to be completed in 9 months or a little more, and then line wil be opened clear to Clutha. OW 4 July 1874 P15
Bruce Herald reports that ODT misinformed. A very recent inspection shows at north end only three chains excavated, not yet bricked. At south end four chains and two yards has been bricked, and work progresses slowly owing to scarcity of bricks. Shifty ground either end - seems to be imminent landslips. Bruce Herald 10 July 1874 P4
Railway viaduct over Abbotsford Creek now shows signs of failing. Mortar used had excess of sand. Must be rebuilt before engine can go to mouth of Chain Hills tunnel. ODT 21 July 1874 P2
A family left the Immigration Barracks (opened 1873) https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/ODT18730708.2.34 https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/32385/immigration-barracks-dunedin , the father having obtained employment at the Chain Hills as platelayer at 8s per day. ODT 29 July 1874 P2
August 1874
A lad employed at Chain Hills, Frederick McNab, in hospital –fell while driving one of the tip-drays and wheel went over his legs – picked up insensible – only bruised ES 5 Aug 1874 P2 ODT 5 Aug 1874 P2
Now 27 miles of rail laid. Expected that by November 1874 the only uncompleted sections in the Dunedin to Balclutha line will be the Taieri and Waihola bridges and the Chain Hills tunnel. ODT 25 Aug 1874 P2
Two years have elapsed since Chain Hills Tunnel commenced, but such have been the unforeseen dificulties that comparatively little progress made. Landslips blocking entrance on Dunedin side. Better progress on Taieri side, tunnel bricked as far as has been excavated. Dilapidated stone bridge over Abbots Creek temporarily propped up for conveyance of a million bricks, manufactured on ground close to station. ODT 26 Aug 1874 P2
Six Germans had been working at Chain Hills – moved to Otokia - family burnt, wife died, when tent caught fire. ES 27 Aug 1874 P3 ODT 29 Aug 1874 P2
September 1874
Tunnel material black clay and schist - needs heavy timbering and brickwork must be carried out close to excavation – it may almost be said that as soon as the men take away a shovelful of earth, they have to put in a brick. ODT 8 Sep 1874 P2
More slips at Dunedin end of tunnel, which have retarded progress considerably Bruce Herald 22 Sep 1874 P5
5 ½ chains bricked Taieri side. Ground continues to be heavy. 6 chains dug Dunedin side, not yet bricked. Bruce Herald 29 Sep 1874 P5
Green Island Brickworks were one of the suppliers for the tunnel - and more miners needed ES 17 Oct 1874 P3
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October 1874
Recent wet weather prejudicial to Chain Hills tunnel approaches – large cracks and loosening ground on Dunedin side – 20,000 yards of shifting ground need to be removed before the entrance can be reached – nevertheless every prospect tunnel will be completed for trains in 18 months. Taieri side progress highly satisfactory. ODT 3 Oct 1874 P2
Bruce Herald says the Chain Hills tunnel, despite continual reports about its progress, is apparently likely to be opened about the millennium. ES 13 Oct 1874 P2
November 1874
Dunedin Naturalists’ Field Club visit tunnel. The rock is very treacherous, and requires careful watching, as large masses sometimes come down without giving warning. ODT 2 Nov 1874 P2
Miner William Condon severely injured being struck by a waggon while working inside the tunnel. Removed to hospital by the last train from Green Island. ES 3 Nov 1874 P2
Court case against Brogdens for rail laying contract ODT 3 Nov 1874 P3 ODT 4 Nov 1874 P3
Reported that miners at Chain Hills tunnel have struck for an advance of wages Bruce Herald 6 Nov 1874 P5
December 1874
Special reporter: Tour of Chain Hills tunnel with engineeer Mr S V Kemp. Loose ground and slips continuing on Dunedin side – 18 or 20 men currently clearing a slip in cutting - this caused tunnel to be commenced before planned entrance point. Ventilating shaft four or five chains from tunnel mouth. Drive is lower heading, closely timbered. A short section of completely bricked tunnel, 15’ high, 12’ across, brickwork 14 “ thick, best quality hard-burned kiln bricks, Portland cement mortar. From here the upper heading is being driven backwards towards the mouth of the tunnel, lining with brick at same time. Lower heading 7 chains in on Dunedin side. Extremely hard rock, blunts tools, but crumbles after exposure to air.
At Mosgiel side, shifty rock, hard schist full of faults filled with clay, blocks often shifting without warning. Has been driven and bricked for 6 chains. Method is a top heading drive, then removing bottom drive, being bricked in from mouth inwards.
13 chains now driven, out of 23 chains total length. Possible could be finished in 6 or 7 months.
Men working around the clock, 54 employed but 50 more needed. Difficult to get skilled labour – most workers have learnt in the tunnel. Outside hands 8s per day; inside, 9s and 10 s; foremen £4 per week; carpenters 12s per day; bricklayers 16s per day; labourers 8s 6d; blacksmiths 12s; strikers 9s; horsedrivers 8s.
Non-completion of tunnel at an early date has occasioned great loss to contractors. Owing to the delay completing the tunnel, instead of carrying material by rail, the contractors have been obliged to cart all the material for the line on the Taieri side along the road across Saddle Hill. ODT 8 Dec 1874 P3 ODT 9 Dec 1874 P5S
Suggestion that Dunedin and Clutha line opening might be delayed until Chain Hill tunnel completed or else Green Island line be extended over hill to connect with Taieri line. ODT 6 Jan 1875 P6S
Bruce Herald inspected Taieri end of Chain Hills tunnel. Only about two chains of progress since last visit six months ago – seven chains in all have been completed. The workmen are at present on very hard stone, and a great deal of water flows in upon them whils at work by night and by day, during three shifts of eight hours each. At present rate of progress may take two years to complete. Bruce Herald 19 Jan 1875 p5
Mr Monteith ran a store (and presumably a boarding house) at the workers' camp at the Dunedin end of the Chain Hills Tunnel ES 22 Jan 1875 P3
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The Chain Hills tunnel is now the only barrier to a through journey to the Clutha – three shifts in the twenty-four hours by as many labourers as can be accommodated is lessening the distance to the final perforation. ODT 25 Jan 1875 p3
ODT is requested to contradict a statement to the effect that only seven chains of the Chain Hills tunnel has been completed. On careful enquiry, we find that nine chains and about thirty-seven feet of the tunnel are finished. The miners have encountered pretty hard rock, but the progress made is satisfactory, while no water to an extent to interfere with the works has been met with. From progress at present the tunnel will be completed considerably within a year. ODT 27 Jan 1875 P2
Bruce Herald stands by report – we wrote from observations and would be pleased to have tunnel completed quickly, but ODT has been saying for the last year or two that the tunnel will be completed within a year. Bruce Herald 2 Feb 1875 P5
Dunstan Times visited the Chain Hills tunnel a few months ago – shocked to see such a mess being made of a really simple job. Dunstan Times 5 Feb 1875 P2
10 Feb 1875 Death of Thomas Kerr and Patrick Dempsey
Instant death of two men. North end of tunnel. About 7 o’clock this morning shift started under foreman Kerr. Working about 7 chains from mouth of tunnel, timbered within 5 feet, bricked to within 20 feet. After about an hour 8.05 am some seven or eight feet of bluestone fell from roof, without warning, covering Thomas Kerr (foreman), Patrick Dempsey, George (ODT "Frederick") Turnidge and Thomas Wedlake.
Kerr and Dempsey killed instantly. Kerr was about 40, living at Fairfield, wife and 7 children, greatly respected. His eldest daughter was working within a very short distance of the accident. Dempsey about 39; had been in hospital recently. Inquest tomorrow.
Wedlake had left leg broken below knee. Turnidge seriously injured, both legs broken in two places and head injuries. Both taken to hospital. Workmen knocked off work immediately. ES 10 Feb 1875 P2 ODT 11 Feb 1875 P3
Inquest found deaths of Thomas Kerr and Patrick Dempsey were accidental. Kerr was 36 and a miner of twenty years experience. Dempsey was 26 years old, single, a native of Galway, Ireland. About a week ago the miners were discussing the advisability of adopting top-heading, which would be safer, instead of the bottom-heading. Coroner suggested following these suggestions and carrying on work in a safer manner. ES 12 Feb 1875 P2 ODT 12 Feb 1875 P2
Condition of two men injured at Chain Hills tunnel on Wednesday was not much changed up to last evening. ODT 12 Feb 1875 P2
Turnidge and Wedlock doing remarkably well. Turnidge not entirely out of danger. ES 13 Feb 1875 P2
Survivors are doing well ODT 24 Feb 1875 P2
Thomas Kerr buried at Green Island Cemetery – funeral attended by nearly all men employed about the tunnel. ODT 13 Feb 1875 P2 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/ODT18750213.2.7
Thomas Kerr's grave, Green Island cemetery
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Patrick Dempsey was buried in a pauper’s grave in the Southern Cemetery. Others were buried in the same plot, so the heasdstone is not for Patrick.
Thomas Wedlake, whose left leg was broken below the knee, recovered in hospital. He later went goldmining with his brother Frederick at Blue Spur and died in 1899 aged 41. Frederick and Thomas Wedlake, Blue Spur, Tuapeka Times 31 Jul 1878 P3 Tuapeka Times 1 Jan 1879 P3
George Turnidge had head injuries and both legs broken in two places. He was permanently crippled. Benefit concerts were held for him in July. I’ve been unable to find any further record of him in NZ; possibly his death went unrecorded.
Editorials on work safety ODT 18 Feb 1875 P2 OW 20 Feb 1875 P13
Bruce Herald suggests a loop line from Walton Park to Mosgiel to bypass the Chain Hills tunnel. New Dunedin Railway station opened. Bruce Herald 12 Feb 1875 p5
Operations being carried on vigorously. Drive at northern (Dunedin) end is now in 7 ½ chains, being bricked in from entrance. Contractors have imported a patent Burleigh drill and are about to use it for boring in the tunnel. The drill is worked by pneumatic pressure, which wll also keep the tunnel free from smoke, and provide ample ventilation. ODT 26 Feb 1875 P2
March 1875
Hon Mr Richardson, Minister for Public Works, and District Engineer Mr Blair inspected Chain Hills tunnel works. Especailly satisfied with progress made. ODT 9 April 1875 P2
April 1875
Another painful accident happened at the south end of the Chain Hills tunnel about 11 o’clock on Friday night last. A shot had been prepared and the fuse lighted, but it being longer than was expected, a labourer named John Murray went to remove it, when it exploded. Murray, who was just about to be relieved, received a scalp wound, some abrasions on the chest, had his left knee cut, and the big toe broken. The injuries sustained necessitated his removal to the hospital, where he is progressing tolerably well. ODT 5 April 1875 P2
Nearly four chains completed in last 3 months, 300 feet to go, will be through in about 8 weeks ES 16 April 1875 P3
Three Austrian Navvies (Italian-speaking) employed at the tunnel, drunk and creating a most disgraceful affray at John McClusky’s Chain Hills store. 40 persons assembled, none of whom interfered in the fight. ODT 21 April 1875 P3
Line almost finished to Balclutha. Wailhola bridge and Chain Hills tunnel only gaps. Chain Hills tunnel proceeding very favourably the past month. Less than 300 feet to cut through, and brick lining is brought up close. Expected cut through before 1 August Otago Witness 24 April 1875 P4
May 1875
Only 198 feet to cut through. Material is more favourable for working. Bruce Herald 7 May 1875 P5
5 or 6 weeks to go Otago Daily Times 10 May 1875 P2
Under 100 feet to cut through. Shots can be heard between headings. Will be through in about 4 weeks. ODT 26 May 1875 P2
June 1875
Tunnel pierced through yesterday morning 31 May, causing no little excitement in town. District Engineer Mr W N Blair and other notables visited by special train. Health of Mr Blair drunk with “Roederer’s excellent No 2” and “James Henessy’s special remedy for foul air in tunnels” Champagne and cognac. Mr Blair’s Assistant Engineer George Cook had been in charge and gave first handshake through opening. Outline of project (NB “571 yards” is typo – tunnel length 23½ chains = 517 yds) including surveying method. 517 yards. Rises from Dunedin end on gradient of 1 in 66 to near centre, while Taieri end gradient is only 1 in 364. Summit 173 feet asl. Lined with 14 inch brick (3 layers) with 18 inches in soft ground. Tunnel levels and line met within 1 to 2 inches. ODT 1 June 1875 P3
Archibald Booth, a miner working at the Chain Hills tunnel, was throttled by Italian Antonio Maggi who was attempting to commit an unnatural offence. ODT 23 June 1875 P3
Maggi Antonio found guilty of assult – 12 months imprisonment Evening Star 6 July 1875 P2
George Turnidge was crippled for life – benefit concert Evening Star 30 June 1875 P3
July 1875
Chain Hills tunnel will be completed in six weeks. Nothing to hinder line being opened on 1 September. ODT 5 July 1875 P2
Concert in aid of Mr Turnidge well attended – excellent programme – one of the most successful ever given in Dunedin. ES 9 July 1875 P2
District Engineer Mr Blair and about 20 gentlemen took railway to Clutha and back, walking through Chain Hills tunnel. ODT 28 July 1875 P3
Last brick laid at four o’clock this morning. Rails will be laid in about ten days Evening Star 31 July 1875 P2
Tunnel finished most successfully. Ground being levelled inside and drains made. It will be one of the safest structures of the kind in the Colony. Men will always be at hand watching cuttings to see that no slips obstruct passing trains. ODT 17 August 1875 P3
September 1875
Opening of Dunedin and Clutha Railway 1 Sept 1875 Official celebrations and first passenger train to Balclutha. The train entered the Chain Hills tunnel at 20 minutes to 11 o’clock, and was only 90 seconds in darkness. ODT 2 September 1875 P3
The 1875 railway station was sited slightly south of the Central Otago Railway junction, about halfway between today's Henderson St and Magnolia Lane, over the road from influential early settler William Stevenson's property "Wingatui". It was initially named the Chain Hills station but at Stevenson's suggestion the name was changed to Wingatui station. Consequently the Chain Hills settlement became known as Wingatui.
The tunnel cuttings continued to slip after rain, but were cleared rapidly: ODT 24 June 1876 P3 , ES 7 February 1877 P3 , ODT 30 June 1879 P2 , ES 31 July 1882 P3 , ODT 11 August 1888 P2
Notice the thick layer of soot on the tunnel walls? That's inescapable with steam trains, but may be worse inside the Chain Hills tunnnel because of the long hill from Abbotts Creek up to the tunnel. "Smothered" complained that passengers were half-choked by the time overloaded cars dragged through the tunnel. ODT 21 March 1883 P4
Dr Fitchett, trying to prevent the Walton Park coal being used on the railways, asked whether the Government was aware that, when Walton Park coal was used before, the engine-drivers, in running through the Chain Hills tunnel, have been rendered absolutely insensible through sulphurous and other fumes given off. Dr Fitchett tells me that he has absolute proof that when passenger trains have passed through the Chain Hills tunnel the enginedrivers have been found lying completely prostrate on the floor of their engine from the fumes of the Walton Park coal. ES 6 December 1887 P2
26 August 1895 - One other death in tunnel - Irishman George Thompson, a 43 yr old Irish labourer from Abbotsford. He had taken the 6pm train to see a nephew in Wingatui, and left intending to catch the 10.30 pm train from Mosgiel. Accustomed to take shortcut through tunnel. There was not sufficient room between the sides of the tunnel and the carriages to allow a man to escape by standing close to the wall. He left a widow and 12 children/stepchildren. Evening Star 27 August 1895 P2
Inquest: Evening Star 28 August 1895 P2 Otago Daily Times 29 August 1895 P8 Evening Star 4 September 1895 P2
Funeral notice: Otago Daily Times 29 August 1895 P4
George Thompson is buried at East Taieri with his first wife Mary. His widow Annie was left to raise George’s children by his first marriage, her own children by her first marriage, and their five-year old boy from her marriage with George.
Double-tracking
The introduction of a 6.55am workers’ train in 1900 made it possible to commute from Mosgiel to Dunedin. Increasing freight and passenger business led to a decision in 1906 to realign and double-track the railway line between Dunedin and Mosgiel. NZ Rail Maps: Dunedin-Mosgiel improvements 1907-1914
The doubletracked new Caversham tunnel was opened in 1910 but it took 120 men three years to construct the new Wingatui tunnel. The new tunnel was 44 chains long, with concrete walls and a brick roof. The 2 ¼ million bricks came from the Gore Brothers’ kilns at Wingatui. The workers faced the same challenges with hard and treacherous mica schist and excessive water that had been encountered during the building of the Chain Hills tunnel.
Sadly, a man died during the Wingatui tunnel work. Harry Smith was accidentally killed by an explosion in the tunnel on 9 May 1913. Evening Star 10 May 1913 P6
The new line, straighter and with better gradient, opened through the new Wingatui tunnel on Otago Anniversary Day 1914, making the 1875 Chain Hills tunnel obsolete. Evening Star 23 March 1914 P9 The 1875 Chain Hills tunnel was closed.
Explosives Magazine
From WW1 through to WW2, the Ministry of Works took sections on both sides of the tunnel on the Wingatui side under the Public Works Act as an explosive magazine site, with the tunnel used for temporary storage
Land taken for a magazine site (sections between the Wingatui tunnel and the Chain Hill tunnel): ODT 22 July 1914 P9
Application for use of old Chain Hills Tunnel near Wingatui for explosive magazine
Temporary site for an explosives magazine at the Wingatui end of the old tunnel which runs through the Chain Hills: OW 23 Aug 1916 P3
Erection of explosives magazine and magazine keeper’s residence: ODT 15 Dec 1916 P4
Cost of erection of Wingatui magazine and additional land £2000: ODT 24 Aug 1923 P4
Danger of conveying explosives from Port Chalmers to powder magazine at Wingatui: ODT 1 Nov 1935 P4
Taking additional land for Wingatui magazine (blocks on the NE side of the tunnel): ODT 19 Feb 1936 P9
Tenders for erection of brick and concrete explosives magazine, Wingatui: ODT 23 May 1936 P17
This 1936 magazine building now converted to a house: 328 Gladstone Rd "Magazine House"
The Wingatui Powder Magazine was a prohibited place under WW2 military regulations
Repairs and construction at magazines incl Wingatui: Govt expenditure 1951
This government explosives magazine site was used during WW1 and WW2 through to the early 1970s (the 1936 magazine building is marked on the 1979 topo map). The access to the magazine along the former railway alignment was later named Magazine Road.
The last 50 years
After the magazine was closed down, the Chain Hills tunnel was owned by the landowners on each side. However landowners allowed informal access through the tunnel, and it was a popular walkway and horseriding route between Wingatui and Fairfield for locals. ODT 29 May 2010
In the 1980s the sewer line from Fortex meat processing works was laid through the tunnel. This sewer became unused once Fortex went bankrupt in 1994. The Daywalk family was taken through through the tunnel in the late 1990s as part of a Kiwi Conservation Club group outing.
Around 1998 the DCC gated the Chain Hills tunnel shut – without consulting the landowners.
Present day
The Dunedin side of Chain Hills tunnel and old rail line is owned by farmer Clare Noakes, who has granted a public access easement (for $10!). The Wingatui side of the tunnel, 324 Gladstone Rd, was bought by DCC via DTTT in 2017, thanks to individual donations, Dunedin Amenities Society, Rotary, and Lions. The easement for this section of the shared cycle/walking trail was funded by Herenga-a-nuku Walking Access NZ, and the trail was constructed by Fulton Hogan with DCC ratepayer funding.