It is double tracked with an island platform, and is 13.75 kilometres (8.54 mi) from Wellington railway station, the southern terminus of the NIMT.

[5][6] The original line through Tawa was built by the Wellington and Manawatu Railway Company (WMR) and the station opened on 24 September 1885.

At this time, the railway followed a circuitous route via Johnsonville to reach Wellington and Tawa was 16.48 km from the terminus.

The north-bound train was designated B and the following shunts were required:[9] The WMR was purchased and incorporated into the network of the New Zealand Railways Department in December 1908.

On the latter date, the connection between Tawa and Johnsonville was severed and the double track deviation and the new station entered service allowing shorter journey times and a more intensive timetable.

[12] In 2012, the station building was found to have a 10 cm lean and to be in poor condition due to major water leaks in the roof affecting the structure.

[13][14] The Greater Wellington Regional Council decided to replace the station building in June 2012; at an estimated cost for an erecting a new shelter in three months of about $600,000.

The existing building would require earthquake strengthening and replacement of 80% of the structure, costing possibly $2 million and taking 18 months.