Ohakune township began as a small settlement alongside the through road from Raetihi to Taumarunui at the junction of the Mangawhero and Mangateitei streams (top photo).
On an 1892 map of the town, there was a blacksmith shop, Public Works Department whare, convent house, Engineer's residence, PWD cottage, PWD store, an office, PWD hospital, a stable, a whare by the Mangateitei Stream, and a school, ten buildings in all.
When the railway came, the railway lines and station were at what is now known as the Ohakune Junction, about one and a half miles away from the town along the Ohakune Coach Road, now Old Station road. With all the railway action at the Junction, the town was developing as two separate centres of activity.
Railway passengers staying overnight in Ohakune had to get from the station to the town, for there was no accommodation at the Junction.
In winter the road was very muddy, not too bad for those in coaches, but most uncomfortable for those walking.
Ohakune Original Site - Destroyed by fire in 1917
Ohakune Railway Station
