The Snowball Express

Step onboard our lovingly restored heritage coaches, hauled by diesel locomotive DBR1254. Settle into your seats to enjoy this special trip down the Main Trunk Line to Hamilton, then continue to National Park & Ohakune and return.
 

Jump on board with the Glenbrook Vintage Railway for another easy day out by train! 
Hauled by heritage diesel locomotive DBR1254 - our train will make its way down through the heartland of the North Island along the Main Trunk Line. 
This is the first time we have offered this trip from Waiuku and Glenbrook to Ohakune in a day! While it is a long day, we think it is one not to be missed. The same trip departing from Hamilton sells out very quickly!
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 Snowball Express | Waiuku/Glenbrook & Hamilton to Mt. Ruapehu or Ohakune and Return

Relax aboard The Snowball Express as we travel from Waiuku, Glenbrook, Hamilton to Ohakune and back, showcasing spectacular scenery and historic engineering marvels. 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.

Glimpse Mt Ruapehu as we descend into the Ongarue River valley, continuing through Ongarue, Okahukura, and Tangarakau then into Taumarunui. Departing Taumarunui, we soon begin our climb to National Park and the Central Plateau, not before  climbing the famous Raurimu Spiral—a unique and world renowned civil engineering feat with stunning views.

For those that want a mountain adventure, hop off our train at National Park where a shuttle bus awaits to take you on a journey up to the Whakapapa Ski Area. At the foot of the ski fields, take a ride on the Sky Waka gondola to the stunning Knoll Ridge Chalet. Take in the stunning views and perhaps try something for lunch from the cafe. 

For those continuing to Ohakune, the next part of our journey will see us cross the mighty Makatote Viaduct then 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 will either take a short walk across the road to the Kings Hotel for a buffet lunch, or for those preferring 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, 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!
 

Choose your travel style:

Scenic Carriages

Our Scenic Carriage fare utilises the GVR steel sided fleet, circa 1940s, which feature comfortable fabric seats, carpet and heating and a toilet in each carriage. Perfect for those who prefer the warmer confines of the carriage. One carriage also features wheelchair accessibility (by prior arrangement). 

Heritage Carriages

Our Heritage Carriage fare utilises the GVR wooden sided fleet, circa 1910s, which evoke a stunning charm of old-worldly rail travel and feature large opening windows, classic leatherette seats and a toilet in each carriage. These carriages are not heated and it is encouraged you dress in appropriate clothing. You are welcome to bring a blanket and snuggle in for the journey. 

Station Information

Waiuku (Victoria Ave) Station
Google Maps Link: https://goo.gl/maps/Sh1MFtQDmrET45w89

Access is off Victoria Ave or Kitchener Road (old New World).
Street parking is available along Victoria Avenue. Please do not park in the Waiuku Cosmopolitan Club on Victoria Ave.

Glenbrook Station
Google Maps Link: https://goo.gl/maps/PoopdP7Y9mPnCG6H9

Departing from the Short Loading Platform.
Access is via Glenbrook Station Road.
Free parking is available in the main carpark.

Rotokauri (The Base) Station
Google Maps Link: https://goo.gl/maps/U7TUoQ4JVXrQ3PMT6

Access by road is off Kiriwai Kaui Drive - accessible from Tasman Road, Arthur Porter Drive or Clem Newby/Winders Road.
Ample free parking is available at the Station off Kiriwai Kaui Drive (west side of station) or on street.

Hamilton (Frankton) Station
Google Maps Link: https://goo.gl/maps/xfhqKMjU2mRJ88zQA

Boarding from Platform 1 (west side of station next to the lawn)
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.

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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 Snowball Express - Saturday 21st September 2024

Your ticket includes return train travel. Tickets for Option 1 - Auckland/Hamilton to Sky Waka also includes bus transfers & gondola ride. Tickets for Option 2 - Auckland/Hamilton to Ohakune also includes buffet lunch at Kings Ohakune.