The Spiral Express - Glenbrook Vintage Railway

The Spiral Express 22

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Mighty viaducts, tunnels, rivers and the famed Raurimu Spiral await you on this exclusive heritage train journey. Pack some snacks and relax as we travel from Ohakune to Taumarunui and return. Departing from Ohakune we climb north over the Hapuawhenua viaduct, to the highest elevation on the New Zealand rail network, before crossing the 79 metre high Makatote viaduct. Catch a glimpse of Mt Ruapehu as we skirt our way around this beautiful maunga before arriving at National Park for passengers. From National Park, we descend down onto the engineering masterpiece that is the Raurimu Spiral, whilst you enjoy your complimentary light refreshments served by one of our friendly onboard staff. Descend over 130 metres, in 7 kilometres, 2 tunnels and lots of curves, into the town ship of Raurimu. From here we continue our descent towards the Whakapapa river and from Kakahi, the Whanganui river will guide us all the way to Taumarunui.

At 7.15pm, we depart Taumarunui and re-trace our steps south. Our licensed drinks and snack trolley service will be operating.

We will arrive back into National Park at 8.15pm and Ohakune at 9.15pm.

Option 1 - Evening Rail Cruise and Three Course Dinner

Join us as we travel to Taumarunui and enjoy an optional three-course dinner onboard the train. If you choose the optional onboard dinner, your welcome drink, entree and mains will be served at your seat on the journey north and your dessert will be served on the return journey.

This option includes complimentary light refreshments on the outbound journey. At-seat purchase of non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages will also be available.

At Taumarunui the locomotive will be detached from the train and turned on the turntable. There is time to stretch your legs here before the train departs for the journey back south.

This option is only available departing from Ohakune Station

Return Train Travel and Onboard Three Course Dinner
Adult $115 - Child (2-14) $85

DINNER MENU - ADULT
Entree
Cheese Board - A Selection of New Zealand Cheese
w/ Seasonal Fruit and Housemade Chutney

Mains/Sides
Roasted NZ Pork, with apple sauce and gravy (GF)
or
Roasted free range chicken with mushroom jus (GF)
or
Penne Arrabiata - Pomodoro sauce, olives, spinach, chilli (Vegan)

Sides
Potato Mash, Pan fried green beans, Ohakune sprouts & broccoli with garlic

Dessert
Double Chocolate Brownie w/ Berry Coulis + Cream (GF, Vegan available)

DINNER MENU - CHILD
Entree
Fruit Selection

Main
Spaghetti Bolognese

Dessert
Double Chocolate Brownie

Dietary substitutions are available on request

Timetable (Train Ohakune to Taumarunui and Return)

Northbound
Ohakune	dep.	4.30pm
Taumarunui	arr.	6.05pm

Southbound
Taumarunui	dep.	7.15pm
Ohakune	arr.	9.15pm

Option 2 - Evening Rail Cruise ONLY

Enjoy the simple pleasure of rail travel with our train-only option. This option gives you a return journey from Ohakune/National Park to Taumarunui via the Raurimu Spiral.

At Taumarunui the locomotive will be detached from the train and turned on the turntable. There is time to stretch your legs here before the train departs for the journey back south.

Return Train Travel ONLY
Adult $59 - Child (2-14) $39

Timetable (Train Ohakune/National Park to Taumarunui and Return)

Northbound
Ohakune	dep.	4.30pm
National Park	dep.	5.00pm
Taumarunui	arr.	6.05pm

Southbound
Taumarunui	dep.	7.15pm
National Park	arr.	8.15pm
Ohakune	arr.	9.15pm

This relaxed evening train trip is a great treat or thank you for the special people in your life!

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.

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 travelling 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.

Book now for the Spiral Express - Friday 8th July 2022

Your ticket includes return train travel. Tickets for Option 1 - includes return train travel and onboard Three Course Dinner.