Springfield: Railway History and Jet Boats

Springfield is the westernmost settlement on the Central Canterbury Plains. The railway and the development of the jet boat in New Zealand are among the stories that have shaped the town. There is also an unusual doughnut and the memory of Rewi Alley. If you’re considering holiday accommodation in Springfield, these very different themes can help you decide whether the town suits your travel interests.

Springfield and the railway

Springfield is an important stop on the TranzAlpine train journey across the Southern Alps on the Midland Line. The railway is not just part of a journey through the Southern Alps: the station’s history is also part of the town’s character. Its refreshment rooms were popular when trains became a common means of transport between Canterbury and the West Coast. The station’s tearooms were later converted into an information, arts and crafts, and memorabilia centre. This brings several chapters of railway history together in one place—from the former everyday life of train travel to Springfield’s present-day role as a stop on a well-known train journey.

Another connection to the railway is the Midland Rail Heritage Trust. It is based in a former NZR locomotive depot opposite the station. The building’s former purpose and its location opposite the station make its connection to railway history especially tangible. For travellers interested in trains, railway technology or the development of transport, Springfield offers more than a name on the TranzAlpine route: the town links the train journey with memories of former uses of the station and a former locomotive depot.

Places of remembrance and a striking doughnut

A roadside reserve commemorates the fact that Springfield was Rewi Alley’s birthplace. This adds a personal connection to the town’s railway history. The Springfield Doughnut is also a distinctive, easily recognisable feature: it is a giant replica of the iconic Simpsons doughnut. After earlier versions were destroyed, they were replaced with a giant concrete version, which still stands today. The doughnut is therefore not just another part of a railway exhibition, but a very different part of Springfield’s story—a striking replica with a history of its own in the town.

Jet boat history and an AirBoat experience

Jet Boat World showcases early jet boats, water-jet propulsion and stories from the pioneering days of jet boating. The offering includes an informative walk-through of this history. Jet Boat World was established to preserve and promote the cultural significance of New Zealand’s role in introducing the jet boat to the world. Those interested in technology will find a different perspective here than in the railway history: the focus is on early boats, their propulsion systems and the pioneering story of the jet boat.

Alpine Jet Thrills is a separate offering that operates in both Christchurch and Springfield. In Springfield, the company offers New Zealand’s only AirBoat experience. Together with Jet Boat World, it provides a varied connection to watercraft: on the one hand, there is the history and its technological beginnings; on the other, the specifically named AirBoat experience. The two offerings have different focuses and should not be confused when planning your trip.

What role do you want Springfield to play in your trip?

Many skiers pass through Springfield on their way to the ski fields in the nearby mountains. That is one part of the town’s role on winter travel routes; at the same time, Springfield’s distinctive themes extend beyond winter sports. Railway history, Rewi Alley’s birthplace, the doughnut and jet boat history offer other interests to help guide your choice. When looking for holiday accommodation, you can therefore start by asking whether Springfield itself, with its stories and experiences, should be a focus of your trip, or whether the town interests you mainly as part of a onward journey.

For more ideas of places to visit, you can also explore Burnham, West Melton, Hororata, Loburn, Little River, Arthur's Pass, Pleasant Point and Lake Pearson.

For the broader travel overview: Canterbury.