Step onboard our lovingly restored heritage coaches, hauled by diesel locomotive DBR1254. Settle into your seats to enjoy this special trip up the Main Trunk Line to historic Ohakune via the Great Rangitikei Viaducts.
Jump on board with the Glenbrook Vintage Railway for another easy day out by train!
Hauled by heritage diesel locomotive DBR1254 - this train will consist of our vintage wood and steel paneled carriages with open air end platforms.
So hop on board as we step back in time – to how rail travel used to be – and experience traveling on the Main Trunk Line.
Don't miss your chance to ride on your very own exclusive heritage charter train deep into the heart of the Rangitikei where you will cross over some of New Zealand's highest and most spectacular viaducts along the way as we cling onto the side of the Rangitikei river cliff tops, pass through a tunnel and take in the breathtaking views of the Rangitikei.
Our friendly staff will be waiting to board you at Palmerston North or Feilding station where once you are seated, our train will begin its journey north through the gentle foothills of Halcombe and Kakariki then onto Marton where we truly begin our journey up the 'old trunk line'. Sit back and enjoy the complimentary tea and coffee service as we follow State Highway One towards Hunterville. A little further up and we are soon to cross the first of our famous viaducts today, towering 73 metres high over the Makohine stream, this 229 metre long viaduct was completed in 1902. Next up, we burst through the Mangaweka tunnel, being greeted by the township of the same name along the way. The railway line here was diverted during 1980s, which saw the construction of three large viaducts over the Rangitikei and Kawhatau rivers. Marvel at the beauty of the Rangitikei river and its sheer vertical paapa cliffs (unique to this part of New Zealand), as we cross over the Rangitikei south viaduct (78 metres high, 315 metres long). Then onto the 73 metre high, 160 metre long Kawhatau viaduct where you can catch a glimpse of the joining of the Kawhatau and Rangitikei rivers. Finally crossing the third of the big three viaducts, the Rangitikei north viaduct at 81 metres high and 160 metres long. Not far from our destination now, we cross over the Toi Toi viaduct whilst clinging to the cliffs edge of the Rangitikei river as it guides us north through Utiku and into Taihape for a quick passenger stop.
As we depart Taihape, we enter the penultimate of our climb towards the mountains. Weaving our way around tight curves, through tunnels and farming settlements, listen to the roar of the diesel locomotive as it grinds its way north towards Waiouru. Guided by the Hautapu River, be sure to count the many times we cross over this quant and picturesque river. Check out the Turangarere Horse Shoe Curve, so named as it is in the shape of a horse shoe. Through Hihitahi and into Waiouru shortly after to drop off our Army Museum passengers off. Down the Waiouru bank and across the Tangiwai plain. Of course, Tangiwai is the location of the 1953 Tangiwai rail disaster - New Zealand's worst rail disaster claiming 151 lives. On from Tangiwai, we pass through the settlements of Karioi and Rangitaua before descending into the alpine village of Ohakune.
At Ohakune, take a leisurely stroll around Ohakune junction, enjoy a coffee at the station, a bite to eat at a nearby eatery and catch a glimpse of our locomotive being turned on the turntable. Be sure to check out the fantastic railway museum near the end of the platform.
At 12.40pm, we depart Ohakune, Waiouru at 1.20pm and re-trace our steps south and take in the sights and views that you may have missed on the trip north.
Arriving into Taihape at 2.15pm, Marton at 3.30pm, Feilding at 4.20pm and Palmerston North at 4.40pm, you will be able to enjoy the rest of your afternoon, reminiscing your favourite parts of your exciting day with us.
Return Ex Palmerston North, Feilding and Marton
Adult $89 | Child (2-14) $59
Return Ex Taihape
Adult $69 | Child (2-14) $39
| Palmerston North | dep. | 8.05am |
| Feilding | dep. | 8.20am |
| Marton | dep. | 8.50am |
| Taihape | dep. | 10.00am |
| Waiouru | arr. | 10.55am |
| Ohakune | arr. | 11.30am |
| Ohakune | dep. | 12.40pm |
| Waiouru | dep. | 1.20pm |
| Taihape | arr. | 2.15pm |
| Marton | arr. | 3.30pm |
| Feilding | arr. | 4.20pm |
| Palmerston North | arr. | 4.40pm |
Palmerston North Station
Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/HuAY4Wgc6xobXXKRA
Access is off Tremaine Ave.
Parking is available at the station.
Feilding Station
Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/wx82cwCRRJZsPqjx9
Access is off Aorangi Street.
Street parking is available in the surrounding area.
Marton Station
Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/mausk8Ld9mQcvh9h7
Access is off Station Road.
Parking is available at the station.
Taihape Station
Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/c7QCxATMiieVZAnGA
Access is off Robin Street.
Parking is available at the station.
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Seating Information
We aim to seat passengers from the same booking together. You will be allocated at least one window seat for bookings of 2 or more (subject to availability). Where possible, seats will be turned to face the direction of travel (pairs and singles) or to face each other (groups). If you are traveling with people on a different booking or have another specific request then please email us as soon as possible at [email protected] and we will try and accommodate your request the best we can. Your allocated seat and carriage details will be on your boarding pass which will be emailed to you at least 2-3 days before your departure date.
Onboard Information
Refund Information
Check out Full Terms and Conditions.
Your ticket includes return train travel to Ohakune and light refreshments served on the train.
