The Raurimu Spiral Explorer

Step onboard our lovingly restored heritage coaches, hauled by diesel locomotive DBR1254 and DC4818. Settle into your seats to enjoy this special trip up the Main Trunk Line from Ohakune to Raurimu and return.

Jump on board with the Glenbrook Vintage Railway for an easy afternoon out by train!
Hauled by heritage diesel locomotives DBR1254 and DC4818 - our train will make its way across the central plateau, up the Main Trunk Line to Raurimu, 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 Raurimu Spiral Explorer | Ohakune to Raurimu and Return

Hopping aboard our train at Ohakune and relaxing into your seats, the journey will see us climb out of Ohakune and cross the curved Hapuawhenua Viaduct, 414m long and 51m high, and continuing to climb up to 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 cross the mighty 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. As we pass through National Park, you can catch views of Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and the glorious Mt Ruapehu.

From National Park, we descend down onto the engineering masterpiece that is the Raurimu Spiral, arriving into the small township of Raurimu.

Here the train engines will run around the train and couple to the other end of the train for the main event... the ascent of the Raurimu Spiral!

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 (between Raurimu and National Park) 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!

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

Ohakune to Raurimu and Return!

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 our yellow train arrives, they will roar off on a trip up the grade out of Ohakune, and after picking you up from Ohakune we will be hot on their heels for a trip 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 after another epic railway adventure with the Glenbrook Vintage Railway.

Fares

Return Ex Ohakune

Seat (Ages 2+) $35

Timetable

Outward

Ohakune	dep.	1.35pm
Raurimu	arr.	2.30pm

Inward

Raurimu	dep.	2.50pm
Ohakune	arr.	3.35pm

Station Information

Ohakune Station
Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/NbtsaJ42xKMkevk4A

Access is via Thames Street.
Parking is available in surrounding streets - please follow signs/road markings and do not block driveways.

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 Raurimu Spiral Explorer - Sunday 27th April 2025

Your ticket includes return train travel.