Step onboard our lovingly restored heritage coaches, hauled by Steam Incorporated's Steam Locomotve Ab 608 - Passchedaele! Settle into your seats listent ot he beat of the locomotive and enjoy this special trip down the Main Trunk Line to Waimarino (National Park) and return.
Jump on board with the Glenbrook Vintage Railway and experience rail travel as it used to be, behind a steam locomtive! We're bringing steam back to the trunk this November. Join our train will make its way down through the heartland of the North Island along the Main Trunk Line.
By popular demand, we are once again offering this trip departing from Hamilton and stations south, to National Park and return!
So hop on board as we step back in time – to how travel used to be – and experience the romance of traveling by rail!
The Spiral Steam Special | Hamilton to Waimarino/National Park and Return.
Relax aboard The Spiral Steam Special as we travel from Hamilton to Waimarino (National Park) and back. Steam Locomotive Ab 608 takes control. As the sound of the whistle pierces the morning air we begin our run south.
The journey south showcases spectacular scenery and historic engineering marvels. As we pass through the South Waikato farmlands, with further stops at Te Awamutu, Otorohanga, and Te Kuiti, our team will come through with complimentary refreshments. South of Te Kuiti we 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 Waimiha, Ongarue and Okahukura then into Taumarunui. Departing Taumarunui, we soon begin our climb to Waimarino/National Park and the Central Plateau, climbing the famous Raurimu Spiral, a unique and world renowned civil engineering feat with stunning views. Our engine will be working hard from here to "The Park" it's all up hill!
At National Park Railway Station we have a short stop to stretch the legs while our locomotive "runs-around" the train and takes on water for the return journey. The whistle and a hiss of steam signals our departure as we head to Taumaruni (on the main trunk line) for a longer stop. At Taumarunui you will have about an hour to disembark, walk across to the main street and get a coffee or a bite to eat while the steam engine is fuelled, watered, serviced and turned for the return journey.
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!
Our heritage carriages are generally arranged with two seats on each side of the aisle, so bookings of an even number of passengers are best suited to the seating layout.
Due to the popularity of our steam-hauled trips, single travellers will be seated with other passengers. We cannot guarantee a window seat or an unoccupied neighbouring seat for single-seat bookings.
Travelling on your own but want a guaranteed window seat with the seat beside you vacant? Simply book two seats.
Return Ex Waikato (Frankton, Te Awamutu, Otorohanga, Te Kuiti)
Adult $189 | Child (2-14) $149
Pre-order a tasty lunch pack with a selection of sweet and savoury items, including a drink.
$35 per pack - order with your booking
Steam locototive Ab 608 will be waiting at the platform for the run south. Departing from Hamilton's Frankton Station we roll through the early morning Waikato countryside, our steam locomotive Ab 608 "Passchendaele" makes short work of the run south.
We stop for more passengers at Te Awamutu, Otorohanga and Te Kuiti before we make the run into the heart of the King Country and the Central Plateau. A brief stop in Taumarunui, brings back images of the limited expresses of old before the locomotive digs in for the big climb to the Top of the Spiral!
Arriving at Waimarino (National Park Railway Station) we have a short stop while our locomotive changes ends and takes on water before taking us back down the Spiral and back to Taumarunui.
At Taumarunui, famous for its 10-minute railway refreshment room stops, you have about an hour to re-live the days of the Refreshment Stop in a slightly less hurried manner. Walk across the street to the shops and cafes while Ab 608 is serviced and turned for our return to Hamilton.
Once back on board the train food and refreshments are available, and our train is licensed. Our friendly onboard staff will travel through the train with refreshment trolleys throughout the journey.
| Hamilton (Frankton) | dep. | 7.40am |
| Te Awamutu | dep. | 8.05am |
| Otorohanga | dep. | 8.25am |
| Te Kuiti | dep. | 8.55am |
| Taumarunui | dep. | 10.35pm |
| National Park | arr. | 11.55pm |
| National Park | dep. | 12.15pm |
| Taumarunui | arr. | 1.55pm |
| Taumarunui | dep. | 3.05pm |
| Te Kuiti | arr. | 4.30pm |
| Otorohanga | arr. | 5.00pm |
| Te Awamutu | arr. | 5.25pm |
| Hamilton (Frankton) | arr. | 5.50pm |
Hamilton (Frankton) Station
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Boarding from Platform 2 (east side of station).
Access is signposted and is via Fraser Street, off Queens Ave in Frankton.
Ample free parking is available at the station and in neighbouring streets.
Te Awamutu Station
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Access is off Station Road.
Free parking is available at the station.
Otorohanga Station
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Access is off Wahanui Crescent (off Maniapoto St).
Free parking is available at the station and in surrounding streets.
Te Kuiti Station
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Access is off Rora Street.
Free parking is available in surrounding streets.
Taumarunui Station
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Access is off Hakiaha Street.
Free parking is available in surrounding streets.
Check out full Terms and Conditions.
Tickets include train travel from Hamilton to Waimarino/National Park and return. Optional lunch packs are available to add to your booking.
