Step onboard our lovingly restored heritage coaches, hauled by our diesel locomotives DBR1254 and DC4818. Settle into your seats to enjoy this special trip down the Main Trunk Line from National Park (Waimarino) and Ohakune to Ohakune or Waiouru and return.
Jump on board with the Glenbrook Vintage Railway for an easy afternoon out by train!
Hauled by our heritage diesel locomotives DBR1254 and DC 4818 - our train will make its way across the central plateau, down the Main Trunk Line to Ohakune, passing through some breathtaking scenery and across the impressive viaducts.
So hop on board as we step back in time – to how travel used to be – and experience the romance of traveling by rail!
Hopping aboard our train at National Park Station and relaxing into your seats, the journey will see us cross the mighty Makatote Viaduct then pass the site of the "Last Spike", the location where both rail heads met in 1908, then up to the highest point on New Zealand's rail network. We then descend towards Ohakune, crossing the curved Hapuawhenua Viaduct before arriving at Ohakune. For Ohakune locals, you can join us here for trip through Rangataua, Karioi and Tangiwai to Waiouru and return.
Enjoy the changing landscapes, and savour the open-air views as you relax on your way home.
A great train trip through the central plateau - suitable for the whole family!
Departing Waimarino/National Park, settle into your seat as the train climbs onto the heart of the North Island Central Plateau. This journey showcases vast volcanic landscapes, historic railway milestones, and some of the most remote scenery on the North Island Main Trunk Line.
Soon after departure we pass the site of the historic “Last Spike”, where the Auckland and Wellington rail heads met in 1908, before reaching the highest point on New Zealand’s rail network at 812 metres above sea level. The line then continues south through open tussock country with sweeping views to Mt Ruapehu.
Departing Ohakune, the train climbs into the high country, crossing rivers and open tussock landscapes as expansive views toward Mt Ruapehu and the surrounding ranges unfold. The scenery gradually opens into vast military training lands, emphasising the remoteness and stark beauty of this region. A defining moment of the journey is passing the Tangiwai site, a place of profound national significance and remembrance. It was here in 1953 that New Zealand’s worst railway disaster occurred, and travelling through this landscape by rail provides a poignant connection to an important chapter in our railway history.
At Waiouru, enjoy free time to explore and visit the renowned National Army Museum, located a short walk from the station. Admission to the museum is included with your train tickets. This world-class museum offers powerful exhibitions covering New Zealand’s military history, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Central Plateau.
We later depart Waiouru for the leisurely journey home. Sit back and enjoy the changing light over this stark and beautiful landscape as the afternoon draws on.
Return ex Waimarino/National Park Railway Station
General Admission (Ages 2+) $65
Ticket includes NZ Army Museum Admission!
| National Park | dep. | 12.10pm |
| Waiouru | arr. | 1.45pm |
| Waiouru | dep. | 3.40pm |
| National Park | arr. | 4.40pm |
This shorter but deeply evocative section of the Ruapehu Explorer journeys south from Ohakune to Waiouru and return, travelling through wide open alpine plains and historic railway country. It is a seldom-travelled stretch of line that offers a powerful sense of scale, isolation, and reflection across the Central Plateau.
Departing Ohakune, the train climbs into the high country, crossing rivers and open tussock landscapes as expansive views toward Mt Ruapehu and the surrounding ranges unfold. The scenery gradually opens into vast military training lands, emphasising the remoteness and stark beauty of this region.
A defining moment of the journey is passing the Tangiwai site, a place of profound national significance and remembrance. It was here in 1953 that New Zealand’s worst railway disaster occurred, and travelling through this landscape by rail provides a poignant connection to an important chapter in our railway history.
At Waiouru, enjoy free time to explore and visit the renowned National Army Museum, located a short walk from the station. Admission to the museum is included with your train tickets. This world-class museum offers powerful exhibitions covering New Zealand’s military history, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Central Plateau.
We later depart Waiouru for the leisurely journey home. Sit back and enjoy the changing light over this stark and beautiful landscape as the afternoon draws on.
Return ex Ohakune
General Admission (Ages 2+) $45
Ticket includes NZ Army Museum Admission!
| Ohakune | dep. | 1.15pm |
| Waiouru | arr. | 3.45pm |
| Waiouru | dep. | 3.40pm |
| Ohakune | arr. | 4.40pm |
National Park Station
Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/vD9URCXoDX6JURvF6
Ohakune Station
Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/1CC5Tq45ZByfs9w38
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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
Your ticket includes return train travel and admission to the NZ Army Museum.
