A glimpse into the legacy and future of Hillside Railway
30 Jul 2025
Dunedin South Probus Club had a pleasant morning recently when they gathered at KiwiRail’s newly established premises on Hillside Road.
Welcomed into a conference room, their visit kicked off with a health and safety briefing from Mike, their guide for the day. Fluorescent vests, safety caps, and orange visibility gear were distributed, marking the beginning of an insightful journey through a site rich in history and industry.
The group learnt that Hillside has been an integral part of New Zealand’s railway heritage since the 1870s, originally thriving as a heavy industry hub.
The redevelopment of Hillside includes extensive landscaping, artificial grass installations, and designated recreational spaces to enhance workplace well-being.
The Club thoroughly enjoyed the tour as they saw first-hand how there is a thriving future for rail transportation in New Zealand.