LUMSDEN There was a time in a railway era when Lumsden was busy junction and stay over rail junction. Today, as is the situation with a number of small towns where the economic drivers rendered the rail model an outmoded means of transport. Travelers will pass through Lumsden when either going to or leaving the Alpine regions of the Queenstown and beyond. Originally the district in general was known as The Elbow. At some point during the rail era the Railways Department who, in the absence of any other suggestion, chose the name Lumsden for the town. Lumsden also used to be a major railway junction with lines departing to all four points of the compass. And the railways over time reduced capacity, but sixteen kilometres from Lumsden to Balfour remained open until 1978. In 1979, the line north to Kingston was closed after repairs to flood damage would not have been economic, and both the Mossburn Branch and the connection south to Invercargill closed in December 1982. The railway station is now preserved as a tourist information centre, but otherwise, little remains of the town's former prominent status of that era. What is still apparent today is the pride in the town and community. The ‘millennium’ time capsule and the influence of the church leaders is on display for all to observe, The War Memorial has a good profile and the Hotel to this day has a majestic prominence that accords history. The cafes and shops are working for your custom.