The Snowball Express | Waiuku/Glenbrook/Pukekohe & Hamilton to Mt. Ruapehu or Ohakune and Return

Relax aboard The Snowball Express as we travel from Waiuku, Glenbrook, Pukekohe, Hamilton to Ohakune and back, showcasing spectacular scenery and historic engineering marvels. Enjoy complimentary refreshments as we pass through the South Waikato farmlands, with further stops at Te Awamutu, Otorohanga, and Te Kuiti. Cross the Waiteti Viaduct and navigate steep grades and rugged terrain to the Poro-O-Tarao Tunnel.

Glimpse Mt Ruapehu as we descend into the Ongarue River valley, continuing through Ongarue, Okahukura, and Tangarakau then into Taumarunui. Departing Taumarunui, we soon begin our climb to National Park and the Central Plateau, not before  climbing the famous Raurimu Spiral—a unique and world renowned civil engineering feat with stunning views.

For those that want a mountain adventure, hop off our train at National Park where a shuttle bus awaits to take you on a journey up to the Whakapapa Ski Area. At the foot of the ski fields, take a ride on the Sky Waka gondola to the stunning Knoll Ridge Chalet. Take in the stunning views and perhaps try something for lunch from the cafe. 

For those continuing to Ohakune, the next part of our journey will see us cross the mighty Makatote Viaduct then 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 will either take a short walk across the road to the Kings Hotel for a buffet lunch, or for those preferring 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, sip on a drink, and savour the open-air views as you relax on your way home.

A great train trip through the countryside and up to the central plateau - suitable for the whole family!
 

Option 1  | Mt Ruapehu and Sky Waka Gondola!

After alighting the train at National Park, you will be transferred by bus to Whakapapa Ski Area, passing the historic (but sadly now closed) Chateau Tongariro. 

Arriving at Whakapapa you take a journey 1.8km up Mt Ruapehu on the Sky Waka gondola. Located on the northern (Whakapapa) side of the maunga, the Sky Waka takes you to 2020m above sea level.
You'll be treated to panoramic views of Mount Ngāuruhoe, Mount Tongariro, and Mount Ruapehu, with a chance of catching sight of Mount Taranaki on the distant west coast.

Arrive at the top to the architecturally award winning Knoll Ridge Chalet, the highest year-round eatery in New Zealand. Knoll Ride Chalet is home to an exciting range of food and beverages.

Free time is given to you to either grab a bite to eat (own cost) or take in the views. 

After your relaxing time on the mountain - you will once again ride down the gondola before being transferred back to National Park to meet the train for the journey home.

Take in the changing landscapes as the sun begins to set on this scenic wonderland. Enjoy a wine or beer of your choice and share in the convivial company of friends. Be sure to make use of our open air balconies to take in the mountain air and spectacular views. 

Food and refreshments are available, and our train is licensed. Our friendly onboard staff will travel through the train with refreshments trolleys throughout the journey.

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Timetable

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Option 2  | Free Time in Ohakune!

Take the full adventure to Ohakune, travelling over the magnificent Makatote and the grand Hapuawhenua viaducts. 

After ascending the Raurimu Spiral to National Park, we glide across the North Island Central Volcanic Plateau. Catch views Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and the glorious Mt Ruapehu as we traverse this mountainous section of track. Soon after National Park, we will cross the Makatote viaduct, spanning 262m long at a towering 79m high. This viaduct boasts spectacular views on a fine day, stretching as far as Mt Taranaki on one side, and the imposing Mt Ruapehu on the other. Not far along we pass the site of the "Last Spike", the location where both rail heads met for the connection of the line between Auckland and Wellington in the year 1908. Then just south of Pokaka, we reach the highest point on the entire New Zealand rail network at 812m above sea level. Crossing rivers and passing by the famed Smash Palace at Horopito, we begin our final descent towards Ohakune, crossing the curved Hapuawhenua viaduct at 414m long and 51m high.

Once at Ohakune, you have ample time to stretch your legs and grab some lunch. Perhaps visit the local railway museum just a short 2 minute walk from the station. This museum features some great local artifacts, including a section on the 1953 Tangiwai Disaster - New Zealand's worst railway disaster. Another great option is to enjoy a short walk around Ohakune before returning to the station and enjoying a well deserved coffee!

An included shuttle bus service will optionally transfer you between the Ohakune Railway Station area (known as "The Junction") to the town itself.

We depart Ohakune at 3.15pm for the leisurely journey home. Take in the changing landscapes as the sun begins to set on this scenic wonderland. Enjoy a wine or beer of your choice and share in the convivial company of friends. Be sure to make use of our open air balconies to take in the mountain air and spectacular views. 

Food and refreshments are available, and our train is licensed. Our friendly onboard staff will travel through the train with refreshments trolleys throughout the journey.

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Timetable

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