The Spiral Express | Hamilton, Te Awamutu and Otorohanga to Ohakune and Return

Mighty viaducts, tunnels, rivers and the famed Raurimu Spiral await you on this exclusive heritage train journey.

Sit back and relax as we host you on board The Spiral Express. Your journey to National Park or Ohakune and return today will encompass some of the most spectacular scenery as well as experiencing incredible engineering feats from the turn of the last century. We go from city sights into and through the King Country, then venture deep into the Central Plateau before our leisurely journey home. 

Departing Hamilton, settle into your seat while we serve you a complimentary tea/coffee/water/juice and a light snack. Journeying through the fertile farmlands of South Waikato, we will be making stops at Te Awamutu and Otorohanga for passengers. Beyond Te Kuiti, we continue our journey through the King Country. First, we cross over the Waiteti viaduct, built in 1889 and measuring 127m long and 36m high - the very first of many viaducts on the "Main Trunk Line" to be opened. We continue to climb steep grades through rugged farm lands and forests whilst weaving our way around rock faces until we reach the Poro-O-Tarao tunnel, the longest tunnel we travel through today at over 1.2km long. 

Descending out of the Poro-O-Tarao tunnel, you might catch a first glimpse of Mt Ruapehu as we descend through to Waimiha and shortly after, the Ongarue River valley. The Ongarue river will guide us through the settlements of Ongarue, Okahukura and Tangarakau and into Taumarunui. Passing through Taumarunui marks the start of our long climb to National Park, the entrance to the Central Plateau. Following the Whanganui and Whakapapa rivers, eventually we mark the final part of our ascent when we arrive at Raurimu. 

The Raurimu Spiral is a notable feat of civil engineering, masterly using the natural land contours so that no viaducts are needed, and only two short tunnels to overcome a climb of over 200 metres at a manageable 1 in 50ft grade (climb 1ft for every 50ft traveled). Looking out your windows, you should catch glimpses of Raurimu three times as we climb the spiral. Check out the tunnels, embankments, cuttings and tight curves! This engineering masterpiece is unique to New Zealand and is certainly an experience not to miss!

From 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 boats 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, not before crossing the curved Hapuawhenua viaduct at 414m long and 51m high.

(Note: the platform track at Te Kuiti is currently closed by KiwiRail and we are unable to access the platform. Therefore we cannot pick up or set down passengers at Te Kuiti.)

Option 1 | Travel to Ohakune!

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

Once at Ohakune, you have ample time to stretch your legs and grab some lunch as our train is serviced and the locomotive turned for the return journey. 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 Ohakune township 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.

Timetable

Option 2  | Hamilton to Ohakune with Buffet Lunch at Kings Ohakune!

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

Arriving in the alpine town of Ohakune, you take the short walk to Kings Hotel (4 mins), indulge in a buffet lunch (included) and relax with a drink (own cost) in the restaurant. Kings Court Hotel was opened in October 1913 and is now the oldest operating hotel in the region. On a clear day, this stunning heritage venue offers some of the most spectacular views of Mt Ruapehu in Ohakune Junction. 

After time for lunch, we recommend allowing time to visit our friends at the Ohakune Railway Museum which is just up the path from Kings, or grab a quick coffee at the station before the journey home. 
  

Timetable

Option 3  | Hamilton to Ohakune with $30 credit at Osteriea Ohakune!

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

Arriving in the alpine town of Ohakune, jump on the free shuttle bus into town and partake of lunch at the delightful Osteria restaurant. With $30 credit per person to spend how you like indulge in some of the best Italian inspired cusine in the Central North Island. 

After lunch, feel free to explore some of the town or catch be bus back to the station where we recommend allowing time to visit our friends at the Ohakune Railway Museum (near the station), or grab a quick coffee at the station before the journey home.  

Check out their menu here! Osteria Menu

Timetable