Birchwood, New Zealand facts for kids
Birchwood is a small area, or locality, in the Southland region of New Zealand. You can find it on New Zealand's South Island.
Where is Birchwood?
Birchwood is located west of two towns called Ohai and Nightcaps. It is also north of Tuatapere and Orawia. The closest main road, a state highway, is in Ohai.
Birchwood's Railway History
Birchwood used to be an important stop for trains. It was the very end, or terminus, of a special private railway line. This railway line was managed by the Ohai Railway Board. It was an extension of another line called the Wairio Branch.
The Birchwood Railway Line
The railway line from Wairio to Birchwood was about 19 kilometres (12 miles) long. It passed through Ohai before reaching Birchwood. This railway line first opened in 1934.
The part of the line from Ohai to Birchwood was closed down before 1990. In 1990, the section from Wairio to Ohai became part of New Zealand's main national railway network.
