The Ruapehu Scenic Daylight | Waiuku/Glenbrook/Pukekohe & Hamilton to Mt. Ruapehu or Ohakune and Return

Sit back and relax as we host you on board The Ruapehu Scenic Daylight as we travel from Waiuku, Glenbrook, Hamilton to Ohakune and back, showcasing spectacular scenery and historic engineering marvels.

Your journey to National Park or Ohakune and return today will encompass some of the most spectacular scenery as well as experiencing incredible engineering feats from the turn of the last century. We go from city sights into and through the King Country, then venture deep into the Central Plateau before our leisurely journey home. 

Enjoy complimentary refreshments as we pass through the South Waikato farmlands, with further stops at Te Awamutu, Otorohanga, and Te Kuiti. Cross the Waiteti Viaduct and navigate steep grades and rugged terrain to the Poro-O-Tarao Tunnel. Beyond Te Kuiti, we continue our journey through the King Country. First, we cross over the Waiteti viaduct, built in 1889 and measuring 127m long and 36m high - the very first of many viaducts on the "Main Trunk Line" to be opened. We continue to climb steep grades through rugged farm lands and forests whilst weaving our way around rock faces until we reach the Poro-O-Tarao tunnel, the longest tunnel we travel through today at over 1.2km long. 

Descending out of the Poro-O-Tarao tunnel, you might catch a first glimpse of Mt Ruapehu as we descend through to Waimiha and shortly after, the Ongarue River valley. The Ongarue river will guide us through the settlements of Ongarue, Okahukura and Tangarakau and into Taumarunui to pick up the last of the passengers joining us today. Passing through Taumarunui marks the start of our long climb to National Park, the entrance to the Central Plateau. Following the Whanganui and Whakapapa rivers, eventually we mark the final part of our ascent when we arrive at Raurimu. 

The Raurimu Spiral is a notable feat of civil engineering, masterly using the natural land contours so that no viaducts are needed, and only two short tunnels to overcome a climb of over 200 metres at a manageable 1 in 50ft grade (climb 1ft for every 50ft traveled). Looking out your windows, you should catch glimpses of Raurimu three times as we climb the spiral. Check out the tunnels, embankments, cuttings and tight curves! This engineering masterpiece is unique to New Zealand and is certainly an experience not to miss!

From here, you can embark on one of three exciting adventures:

Option 1  | Mt Ruapehu and Sky Waka Gondola!

After alighting the train at National Park, you will be transferred by bus to Whakapapa Ski Area, passing the historic (but sadly now closed) Chateau Tongariro. 

Arriving at Whakapapa you take a journey 1.8km up Mt Ruapehu on the Sky Waka gondola. Located on the northern (Whakapapa) side of the maunga, the Sky Waka takes you to 2020m above sea level.
You'll be treated to panoramic views of Mount Ngāuruhoe, Mount Tongariro, and Mount Ruapehu, with a chance of catching sight of Mount Taranaki on the distant west coast.

Arrive at the top to the architecturally award winning Knoll Ridge Chalet, the highest year-round eatery in New Zealand. Knoll Ride Chalet is home to an exciting range of burgers, salads, and crispy fried chicken!

Free time is given to you to either grab a bite to eat (own cost - or see $15 Burger and Bevvy combo) or take in the views. 

After your relaxing time on the mountain - you will once again ride down the gondola before being transferred back to National Park to meet the train for the journey home.

Take in the changing landscapes as the sun begins to set on this scenic wonderland. Enjoy a wine or beer of your choice and share in the convivial company of friends. Be sure to make use of our open air balconies to take in the mountain air and spectacular views. 

Food and refreshments are available, and our train is licensed. Our friendly onboard staff will travel through the train with refreshments trolleys throughout the journey.

Burger and Bevvy Combo

Pre-order a tasty burger and cold beverage (beer, wine, soft drink, juice) from Knoll Ridge Chalet. Other food and beverages additional. Must be pre-booked.
SPECIAL OFFER $15 each
Order with your booking

Timetable

Option 2  | Free Time in Ohakune!

Take the full adventure to Ohakune, travelling over the magnificent Makatote and the grand Hapuawhenua viaducts. 

From National Park, we glide across the North Island Central Volcanic Plateau. Catch views Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and the glorious Mt Ruapehu as we traverse this mountainous section of track. Soon after National Park, we will cross the Makatote viaduct, spanning 262m long at a towering 79m high. This viaduct boats spectacular views on a fine day, stretching as far as Mt Taranaki on one side, and the imposing Mt Ruapehu on the other. Not far along we pass the site of the "Last Spike", the location where both rail heads met for the connection of the line between Auckland and Wellington in the year 1908. Then just south of Pokaka, we reach the highest point on the entire New Zealand rail network at 812m above sea level. Crossing rivers and passing by the famed Smash Palace at Horopito, we begin our final descent towards Ohakune, not before crossing the curved Hapuawhenua viaduct at 414m long and 51m high.

Once at Ohakune, you have ample time to stretch your legs and grab some lunch as our train runs a special trip to Raurimu and back for the locals. 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.

We depart Ohakune at 3.50pm for the leisurely journey home. Take in the changing landscapes as the sun begins to set on this scenic wonderland. Enjoy a wine or beer of your choice and share in the convivial company of friends. Be sure to make use of our open air balconies to take in the mountain air and spectacular views. 

Food and refreshments are available, and our train is licensed. Our friendly onboard staff will travel through the train with refreshments trolleys throughout the journey.

Timetable

Option 3  | The Raurimu Spiral Explorer!

For the real railway enthusiasts - we have a great treat! Read on below!

From National Park, we glide across the North Island Central Volcanic Plateau. Catch views Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and the glorious Mt Ruapehu as we traverse this mountainous section of track. Soon after National Park, we will cross the Makatote viaduct, spanning 262m long at a towering 79m high. This viaduct boats spectacular views on a fine day, stretching as far as Mt Taranaki on one side, and the imposing Mt Ruapehu on the other. Not far along we pass the site of the "Last Spike", the location where both rail heads met for the connection of the line between Auckland and Wellington in the year 1908. Then just south of Pokaka, we reach the highest point on the entire New Zealand rail network at 812m above sea level. Crossing rivers and passing by the famed Smash Palace at Horopito, we begin our final descent towards Ohakune, not before crossing the curved Hapuawhenua viaduct at 414m long and 51m high.

Once at Ohakune, you will notice another special train is in town! Our friends at Steam Incorporated are also running a special excursion from Wellington and Manawatu today!

Very shortly after we arrive, they will roar off on a trip up the grade out of Ohakune, and after picking up some locals we will be hot on their heels for a trip back up the trunk to Raurimu!

As we descend The Spiral you will be able to glimpse Steam Incorporated's restored Diesel Locomotives and red train waiting in the loop. One we arrive, there will be a chance to hop off the train and stretch your legs as the sound of Diesel Locomotives working hard echoes around the hills.

Watch the red train attack the famous Raurimu Spiral and wave to the happy passengers, all before re-boarding your yellow train to climb The Spiral again yourself!

All too soon we will be back in Ohakune again, where after farewelling the locals we will embark on the leisurely journey home. Take in the changing landscapes as the sun begins to set on this scenic wonderland. Enjoy a wine or beer of your choice and share in the convivial company of friends. Be sure to make use of our open air balconies to take in the mountain air and spectacular views. 

Food and refreshments are available, and our train is licensed. Our friendly onboard staff will travel through the train with refreshments trolleys throughout the journey.

Timetable