[1] The first sod was turned on 19 November 1878[2] in Rakaia, and as the railway did not have to pass through any difficult terrain, it was built swiftly and the full 35.6 kilometre line was opened on 26 February 1880.

As of 13 December 1880, the government operated the Methven Branch, but the company provided the motive power and rolling stock.

AB class steam locomotives were the typical form of motive power for many years on the line until it was dieselised in September 1967.

Despite trains being cut to run only thrice weekly in 1969, Methven still retained a small diesel shunting locomotive in 1972.

At the south end of the yard, where the branch left the main line, some rails remained in place.