Belmont railway station, Wellington Region facts for kids

Belmont railway station was a train station in New Zealand. It was part of the Hutt Valley Line, which was a section of the main Wairarapa Line. This station operated for many years before it closed on 28 February 1954.

Belmont Railway Station

What Was It?

Belmont railway station was a stop for trains travelling through the Hutt Valley. It was located on the western side of the valley, near the area now known as Belmont. Even though Belmont is a suburb today, back when the station was open, it was more of a rural, countryside area.

History of the Station

Opening and Early Days

The Belmont railway station first opened its doors on 15 December 1875. Another station, Haywards railway station (which is now called Manor Park Railway Station), opened on the same day.

Belmont station was about 10.22 miles (around 16.45 kilometres) away from Wellington. It was also about 54 feet (around 16.5 metres) above sea level. When it first opened, the station was set up to handle goods and packages (called freight). However, after only a few months, they stopped carrying most freight. After that, the only goods they would take were small items that could fit into the special luggage areas of passenger trains, known as "brake vans."

Why Did It Close?

Belmont railway station closed because the train line was changed. On 28 February 1954, the part of the line that ran between Melling and Belmont on the western side of the Hutt Valley was shut down. The main train route that went all the way to Upper Hutt and the Wairarapa region was moved. It was rerouted to go through the middle of the valley instead. This new route meant that Belmont station was no longer needed, leading to its closure.