The railway was constructed at its present location in 1985/86 and opened to the public in July 1986, after the closure in 1985 of its predecessor at Tucktonia in nearby Christchurch,[1] which had run since 1979.

The MVR holds a number of special events throughout the year, showcasing their own, and visiting locomotives.

In 2018 Tinkerbell was 50 years old, and the event was held in place of the Autumn gala, in late September to celebrate the engine's anniversary.

The gala also sees the usage of a number of heritage coaches from the Tucktonia railway, albeit not on passenger duties.

Other features of the gala include parades of full-size and miniature steam traction engines, a display of classic cars and a model railway exhibition in our carriage sheds.