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 finally onto Taihape.
At Taihape, take a leisurely stroll through the main street, enjoy a coffee and lunch or shop local in any of the local stores. Perhaps bring a spare gumboot and have a go at gumboot throwing in the gumboot throwing lane near the station.
At 1.30pm, we depart depart Taihape and re-trace our steps south and take in the sights and views that you may have missed on the trip north.
Arriving into Feilding at 3.25pm and Palmerston North at 3.50pm, you will be able to enjoy the rest of your afternoon, reminiscing your favourite parts of your exciting day with us.
Timetable
| Outward | ||
|---|---|---|
| Palmerston North |
dep. | 9.00am |
| Feilding |
dep. | 9.20am |
| Taihape | arr. | 11.40am |
| Inward | ||
|---|---|---|
| Taihape | dep. | 1.30pm |
| Feilding | arr. | 3.25pm |
| Palmerston North | arr. | 3.50pm |
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COVID-19 Information
As this is a pre-booked
allocated-seating tour, face coverings are not compulsory but are
strongly encouraged. For more info see the official NZ Government
COVID-19 website.
In
the event that the NZ Government or its agencies prevent the operation
of this tour taking place due to COVID-19, refunds of fares paid (net of
outgoings made from those fares) may be made by GVR upon written
application being received from booked passengers.
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 travelling 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.
Your ticket entitles you to return train travel on GVR's heritage train including complimentary light refreshments.
