The Ruapehu Viaduct Explorer September 2025

Step onboard our lovingly restored heritage coaches, hauled by our diesel locomotives DBR1254 and DC4818. Settle into your seats to enjoy this special trip down the Main Trunk Line from National Park (Waimarino) to Ohakune and return.

Jump on board with the Glenbrook Vintage Railway for an easy afternoon out by train!
Hauled by our heritage diesel locomotive DC 4818 - our train will make its way across the central plateau, down the Main Trunk Line to Ohakune, passing through some breathtaking scenery and across the impressive viaducts.
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 Ruapehu Viaduct Explorer | National Park to Ohakune and Return

Hopping aboard our train at National Park Station and relaxing into your seats, the journey will see us cross the mighty Makatote Viaduct then pass 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 have 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, and savour the open-air views as you relax on your way home.

A great train trip through the central plateau - suitable for the whole family!

National Park to Ohakune!

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.

Having spent just on 2 hours in Ohakune, we rejoin our train for our journey north back home.

Fares

Return Ex National Park

Seat (Ages 2+) $35

Timetable

Outward

National Park	dep.	12.40pm
Ohakune	arr.	1.15pm

Inward

Ohakune	dep.	3.10pm
National Park	arr.	3.50pm

Station Information

National Park Station
Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/vD9URCXoDX6JURvF6

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 traveling 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 traveling 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.

Refund Information

Refunds of fares paid, net of any payments made by GVR from those fares, requested and received by GVR up to and including fourteen clear days before the commencement of the trip or tour will be made without deduction other than a $30 administration charge per person booked. However no administration charge will apply where refunds arise as a consequence of the trip or tour being fully booked, cancelled prior to commencing, or postponed to a later date and the refund application is received within four days of the original trip or tour date.
No refunds will be given in the event of breakdown en route or unavailability of the advertised means of conveyance.
No refunds will be made if after departure, for whatever reason, passengers do not utilise the included trip or tour arrangements. Travel insurance may provide some degree of relief in limited cases.
No refunds of fares paid or any other form on recompense will be given as a result of any person missing any aircraft, train, bus or ferry in connection with this trip or tour for whatever reason.
No refunds will be given for cancellations unless the request is notified in writing to the GVR at least fourteen clear days before commencement of the trip or tour. Each such cancellation will be subject to the $30 administration charge per person booked.

Book now for The Ruapehu Viaduct Explorer - Saturday 27th September 2025

Your ticket includes return train travel.