Discover stunning scenery only accessible by rail.
Explore the best of the North Island's scenic beauty - often overlooked.
Learn about the story of New Zealand's rail history, past and present.
Join the Glenbrook Vintage Railway as we experience some of the best of the North Island's scenic railways under Steam Power!
Embark on an extraordinary adventure aboard Glenbrook Vintage Railway's private heritage train, travelling through the North Island's less travelled railway routes, where breathtaking scenery meets the golden age of rail. This is a journey to be appreciated at leisure; our steam locomotive maintains a gentle pace, allowing ample time to absorb the ever-changing landscapes as we make our way south.
Experience legendary feats of engineering like the Raurimu Spiral and enjoy the rare opportunity of steam-hauled travel between Te Kuiti and Ohakune. Each day covers a comfortable distance of railway, with plenty of time to appreciate the beauty of the journey and capture stunning memories in remote locations only accessible by rail.
With overnight stays in captivating locations such as Rotorua, Taumarunui and Ohakune. Exclusive experiences includingthe Rotorua Skyline Gondola and Stratosfare Buffet and the unique Horiptio Motors.
Our June 2025 tour is fully escorted, ensuring an unforgettable experience filled with history, nature, and nostalgia. Travel by steam and heritage diesel and experience the romance of rail travel at a relaxed and unhurried pace.
WW 644 was built at Hillside Workshops in Dunedin and entered service in 1915 in the South Island for the NZGR (New Zealand Government Railways). After withdrawal in 1969 she journeyed under her own steam from Greymouth to Auckland in 1970, finding a new home at the Glenbrook Vintage Railway (GVR).
After years in storage, a restoration began in 2002, returning to service in 2007. In 2018, Ww 644 underwent an extensive overhaul, including the fitting of a new modern boiler, culminating in certification for mainline operation in July 2022. This restoration not only preserved a piece of New Zealand's rail heritage but also reinstated Ww 644's presence on the modern rail network. The locomotive's inaugural passenger journey on the national rail network in over five decades occurred in March 2023.
Stratosfare Restaurant and Bar offers one of the best buffets in New Zealand with incredible views overlooking Lake Rotorua and the city. Enjoy a delicious lunch featuring a stunning array of freshly prepared dishes highlighting locally sourced seafood, meat and produce. The contemporary ambience features luxurious Italian marble, granite, schist, timber and David Trubridge lights, while the panoramic view of Lake Rotorua offering a sight to behold.
Horopito Motors, affectionately known as "Smash Palace," is a renowned vintage car dismantling yard, established in the 1940s by Bill Cole, it has grown into the largest vintage car dismantler in Australasia, boasting a vast collection of vehicles ranging from the 1920s to the 1970s
Today our Glenbrook Vintage Railway charter train hauled by Heritage Diesel Locomotive DBR 1254 takes us on the historic Waiuku Branch Line, before turning right at Paerata where we join the North Island Main Trunk Line to Pukekohe for passenger pickups with connecting AT Metro Services. We then continue to head south through the lush farmlands surrounding Franklin and the Bombay Hills. We descend down to Pokeno and Mercer, where we join the mighty Waikato River - passing through significant swamplands and through rolling countryside. Arriving in Hamilton we stop here to pick up those joining us from Rotokauri or Frankton Stations before we head East on the busy - freight only - East Coast Main Trunk Line.
Departing Hamilton (Frankton) we journey under the centre of Hamilton, through the old underground station, and across the Claudelands bridge over the Waikato River. We then travel east in a straight line through the Ruakura Innovation Park and out towards Morrinsville. At Morrinsville we turn right, passing over the Piako River, and follow gentle curves through to the junction at Waharoa. Here we proceed straight ahead to continue down the Kinleith Line (the route of the old Rotorua line), to our destination of Tokoroa.
At Tokoroa we transfer to our coach which transports us to Rotorua and our nights accommodation. After our arrival into Rotorua, and with time for dinner we head to the famous Skyline Rotorua. High above Rotorua we indulge at the Stratosfare Restaurant Buffett Dinner with the panoramic views of Rotorua, the Lake and Mokoia Island our backdrop for the evening
Today, we bid farewell to Rotorua and journey by coach to Te Kuiti, where Ww 644 and our GVR Tour Train await. Stepping back aboard, we prepare for a spectacular day of steam travel through the heart of the North Island.
As we depart Te Kuiti, we leave behind the mighty Waikato and venture into the rugged beauty of the King Country. Soon, we cross the historic Waiteti Viaduct, the oldest on the North Island Main Trunk. Feel the rhythm of the locomotive as it works steadily, its beat echoing through the hills. The train begins its climb toward the Porootarao Saddle, a challenging section of track that has tested steam engines for generations.
With a rush of steam, we plunge into the darkness of the 1.5-kilometre-long Porootarao Tunnel, a gateway between the watersheds of the Waikato and Whanganui rivers. Emerging on the other side, the landscape opens up, revealing the meandering Ongarue River Valley below. As we continue, the landscape shifts, revealing rolling farmland, dense native bush, and remnants of old railway settlements. The train gently winds its way toward Taumarunui, a town that came to life with the arrival of the Main Trunk Line. Once a vital junction where passengers transferred between river steamers and trains, Taumarunui remains an iconic railway town, its history etched into the tracks beneath us.
With steam curling into the afternoon sky, we ease into the station, where Taumarunuiâs rail heritage greets us at every turn. This is a place where time slows, and the spirit of the Main Trunk lives on.
As we depart Taumarunui, the rhythmic beat of Ww 644 echoes through the valley, signalling the start of an unforgettable climb into the volcanic heart of the North Island. Today, the locomotive will be working hardâitâs all uphill from here.
Our journey begins alongside the Whanganui River, a waterway steeped in MÄori legend. The river served as a natural highway for generations, connecting settlements deep in the King Country to the coast. As we skirt the settlement of Piriaka, the land begins to rise, and Ww 644 digs in for the climb up the Kakahi Bank, now following the Whakapapa River, which flows from the snowfields of Tongariro National Park.
The small settlement of Owhango soon appears, its history tied to the timber industry. A century ago, sawmills here processed vast amounts of native timber, with workers relying on the railway to transport goods through this rugged land. We then pass Oio, a quiet remnant of the once-bustling milling town that supported railway workers and bushmen.
Then, we reach one of the most famous feats of New Zealand railway engineeringâthe Raurimu Spiral. This world-renowned section of track was the solution to an immense problem: how to gain 132 meters in altitude in just a few short kilometres without steep gradients that would defeat the locomotives of the time. Feel the power of the locomotive as we tackle the Spiral, a moment that has thrilled rail travellers for over a century.
At the summit, we emerge onto the Central Plateau, where the landscape shifts dramatically. The dense forests give way to open tussock lands, and the towering peaks of Tongariro, Ngauruhoe, and Ruapehu dominate the eastern horizon. These volcanic giants are part of the UNESCO-listed Tongariro National Park, a place of immense cultural and geological significance. For centuries, MÄori have revered these mountains, and today, they stand as both sacred landmarks and a breathtaking backdrop to our journey.
Beyond the alpine village of National Park, we continue across the Waimarino Plateau. Here, we traverse some of the most spectacular viaducts on the Main Trunk Line. The Makatote Viaduct, soaring 79 meters above the river below, is a stunning feat of early 20th-century engineering. Soon after, we approach the Hapuawhenua Viaductsâboth old and new. The original 1908 Hapuawhenua Viaduct, remains standing as a testament to the railwayâs history, now repurposed as a walking and cycling bridge. Meanwhile, we cross the modern Hapuawhenua Viaduct, built in 1987, a sleek replacement that allows trains to glide high above the forested valley below.
As the afternoon itâs long light across the plateau, our train rolls into Ohakune. Once a bustling railway town, Ohakuneâs history is deeply entwined with both rail and agriculture. Here, we pause for two nights, with time to breathe in the crisp mountain air, reflect on the journey so far, and prepare for the adventures ahead.
Today we have a leisurely pace, starting with a visit to the world-famous Horopito Motors, a family run business and the largest vintage automotive dismantler in Australasia. A visit here is sure to intrigue and bring back fond memories of days gone-by.
We retrace yesterday's steps and watch our Steam Engine cross the mighty Makatote Viaduct and 'chase' it back to Ohakune. Again we 'chase' it to Tangiwai where there is time to reflect on NZ's worst rail disaster before again catching our train cross the Whangaehu River and returning to Ohakune.
This afternoon we have a visit to the wonderful Ohakune Rail Museum where you can learn more about the Tangiwai disaster from the educated team of volunteers and locals. The remainder of the day is provided free at your leisure to explore the many short walks and township of Ohakune.
After breakfast we will arrange transport to meet the Northern Explorer for a return journey back up the North Island Main Trunk to Hamilton or Auckland to conclude your tour.
Novotel Rotorua Lakeside or similar
1 Night
Situated on the picturesque shores of Lake Rotorua, this hotel offers tranquil surroundings with sensational views of the stunning natural scenery and geothermal wonders. With a central location that provides easy access to cafés, restaurants, there's plenty to enjoy at the Novotel Rotorua Hotel. Idyllic nature and geothermal pools makes this the ultimate destination.
Forgotten World Motel/Alexander Motel/Twin Rivers Motel or similar
1 Night
Located just a 5-minute walk from Taumarunui's town centre, Forgotten World Motel offers accommodation with free WiFi. All accommodation includes cable TV. Each room and apartment includes electric blankets, a toaster, and tea/coffee making facilities. Your private bathroom offers a toilet and shower. Ironing facilities are available upon request.
Ruapehu Mountain Motel - or similar
2 Nights
Nestled in the picturesque township of Ohakune at the base of the majestic Mount Ruapehu, we would love to share with you our regions spirit of pure outdoor freshness. From the snow covered peaks to the lush native bush and the bubbling mountain streams Ohakune links you to all that is good in life.
Please note: Accommodation may change or be different to that which was advertised. You will be accommodated in an equivalent or better accommodation should the advertised option not be available or not able to accommodate our group in one place.
Ask us about options for Pre/Post Tour accommodation and activities!
A full brochure and pricing are available on request.
To Book:
Fill in the Online Booking Request (Click Here).
Email: [email protected]
Phone 020 GVR Book | 020 487 2665
