The Ruapehu Viaduct Explorer

This event is now sold out.

Step onboard our lovingly restored heritage coaches, hauled by diesel locomotive DBR1254. Settle into your seats to enjoy this special trip down the Main Trunk Line from National Park to Ohakune and return.

Jump on board with the Glenbrook Vintage Railway for an easy afternoon out by train!
Hauled by heritage diesel locomotive DBR1254 - 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!

The Ruapehu Viaduct Explorer | National Park to Ohakune and Return

Hopping aboard our train at National Park 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. Here you have free time in Ohakune, venture into the local railway museum, enjoy a coffee at the station or take a short walk around Ohakune Junction.

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!

Choose your travel style:

Scenic Carriages

Our Scenic Carriage fare utilises the GVR steel sided fleet, circa 1940s, which feature comfortable fabric seats, carpet and heating and a toilet in each carriage. Perfect for those who prefer the warmer confines of the carriage. One carriage also features wheelchair accessibility (by prior arrangement).

Heritage Carriages

Our Heritage Carriage fare utilises the GVR wooden sided fleet, circa 1910s, which evoke a stunning charm of old-worldly rail travel and feature large opening windows, classic leatherette seats and a toilet in each carriage. These carriages are not heated and it is encouraged you dress in appropriate clothing. You are welcome to bring a blanket and snuggle in for the journey.

National Park to Ohakune!

Here you have free time to go and explore the Ohakune Junction township, grab a bite to eat, or simply chill out by the river.

We recommend a visit to our friends at the Ohakune Railway Museum.

Having spent just on 2 hours in Ohakune, we rejoin our train for our journey north back home.

Fares

Return Ex National Park

Scenic Carriages: General Admission (Ages 2+) $40

Heritage Carriages: General Admission (Ages 2+) $35

Timetable

Outward

National Park	dep.	12.40pm
Ohakune	arr.	1.15pm

Inward

Ohakune	dep.	3.15pm
National Park	arr.	3.50pm

Station Information

National Park Station
Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/vD9URCXoDX6JURvF6

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

Smoking or the consumption of Alcohol (not served by your train crew) is prohibited anywhere onboard our trains, including on any viewing platform, this includes the use or charging of e-cigarettes.
Due to the heritage nature of our carriages there is limited accessibility for people traveling with Wheelchairs. Please contact us in advance to discuss your requirements.
Animals apart from seeing and hearing guide dogs may not travel onboard our trains.
Only the named passengers on your booking will be allocated seats. One child under 2 may sit on each adult's knee. Children under 2 seated in the manner do not require a ticket.
There are toilets onboard our train which can be used throughout the journey.
Cold food or drink may be brought and consumed onboard the train provided that this does not disturb our passengers and that you take all rubbish and food scraps with you.

Refund Information

Refunds of fares paid, net of any payments made by GVR from those fares, requested and received by GVR up to and including fourteen clear days before the commencement of the trip or tour will be made without deduction other than a $30 administration charge per person booked. However no administration charge will apply where refunds arise as a consequence of the trip or tour being fully booked, cancelled prior to commencing, or postponed to a later date and the refund application is received within four days of the original trip or tour date.
No refunds will be given in the event of breakdown en route or unavailability of the advertised means of conveyance.
No refunds will be made if after departure, for whatever reason, passengers do not utilise the included trip or tour arrangements. Travel insurance may provide some degree of relief in limited cases.
No refunds of fares paid or any other form on recompense will be given as a result of any person missing any aircraft, train, bus or ferry in connection with this trip or tour for whatever reason.
No refunds will be given for cancellations unless the request is notified in writing to the GVR at least fourteen clear days before commencement of the trip or tour. Each such cancellation will be subject to the $30 administration charge per person booked.

Book now for The Ruapehu Viaduct Explorer - Saturday 21st September 2024

Your ticket includes return train travel.