Step onboard our lovingly restored heritage coaches, hauled by steam locomotive Ja1271. Settle into your seats to enjoy this special trip through the mountains and down the famous Raurimu Spiral to Taumarunui and return - behind steam!
Jump on board with the Glenbrook Vintage Railway and Steam Incorporated as we join forces and celebrate 100 years of the Waiuku Branch Line – where the GVR is based – and Steam Inc celebrates its 50th anniversary!
Glenbrook Vintage Railway have teamed up with our friends at Steam Inc to bring to Glenbrook their resplendent Ja1271, for a number of joint trips in Auckland & the Waikato.
So hop on board as we step back in time – to how rail travel used to be – and experience steam on the main line.
Mighty viaducts, tunnels, rivers and the famed Raurimu Spiral await you on this exclusive steam hauled heritage train, day trip opportunity. Pack the kids lunches and bring your cameras 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 the delighful sounds of our steam engine descend the Raurimu Spiral. We Descend over 130 metres, in 7 kilometres, 2 tunnels and lots of curves, into the township 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 Taumarunui, take a leisurely stroll through the main street, enjoy a coffee and lunch or shop local in any of the local stores. If you are really keen, you might catch a glimpse of our locomotive turning on the turntable.
At 1.00pm, we depart depart Taumarunui and re-trace our steps south and take in the sights and views that you may have missed on the trip north - this time you will really hear our steam engine come to life as it climbs the steep grades up to Raurimu. At Raurimu we stop for a freight train crossing - and prepare for our ascent of the mighty spiral! No small feat for our steam engine which will be working hard!
Photostop | Along our journey up the Spiral we will allow passengers to disembark for a photo run-by. This is a totally unique experience and not to be missed. Our train will storm past us working hard up the steep spiral gradients - making for a perfect photo opportunity!
Arriving into National Park at 2.45pm and Ohakune at 3.30pm, you will be just in time to get the kids home for dinner, with plenty of time to go over your exciting day with us.
Ohakune/National Park to Taumarumui
Adult $79 | Child (2-14) $49
| Ohakune |
dep. | 9.40am |
| National Park |
dep. | 10.20am |
| Taumarunui |
arr. | 11.30am |
| Taumarunui |
dep. | 12.55pm |
| National Park |
arr. | 2.45pm |
| Ohakune |
arr. | 3.30pm |
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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.
