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 from Hamilton, Te Awamutu, Otorohanga or Te Kuiti to 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.
We last offered this sell-out day trip from Hamilton in 2024!
So hop on board as we step back in time – to how rail travel used to be – and experience traveling down the Main Trunk Line.
Mighty viaducts, tunnels, rivers and the famed Raurimu Spiral await you on this exclusive heritage train journey.
Sit back and relax as we host you on board The Spiral Express. 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.
Departing Hamilton, settle into your seat while we serve you a complimentary tea/coffee/water/juice and a light snack. Journeying through the fertile farmlands of South Waikato, we will be making stops at Te Awamutu, Otorohanga and Te Kuiti for passengers. 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. 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 two exciting adventures:
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 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.
Return Ex Hamilton (Frankton) or Te Awamutu
Adult $159 | Child (2-14) $119
Return Ex Otorohanga or Te Kuiti
Adult $139 | Child (2-14) $99
| Hamilton (Frankton) | dep. | 8.00am |
| Te Awamutu | dep. | 8.30am |
| Otorohanga | dep. | 9.00am |
| Te Kuiti | dep. | 9.30am |
| National Park |
arr. | 12.05pm |
| Sky Waka |
arr. | 12.45pm |
| Sky Waka |
dep. | 3.20pm |
| National Park |
dep. | 3.55pm |
| Te Kuiti | arr. | 6.20pm |
| Otorohanga | arr. | 6.45pm |
| Te Awamutu | arr. | 7.10pm |
| Hamilton (Frankton) | arr. | 7.35pm |
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 is serviced and the locomotive turned for the return journey. 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!
We depart Ohakune at 3.15pm 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.
Return Ex Hamilton (Frankton) or Te Awamutu
Adult $119 | Child (2-14) $89
Return Ex Otorohanga or Te Kuiti
Adult $99 | Child (2-14) $69
| Hamilton (Frankton) | dep. | 8.00am |
| Te Awamutu | dep. | 8.30am |
| Otorohanga | dep. | 9.00am |
| Te Kuiti | dep. | 9.30am |
| Ohakune | arr. | 1.00pm |
| Ohakune | dep. | 3.15pm |
| Te Kuiti | arr. | 6.20pm |
| Otorohanga | arr. | 6.45pm |
| Te Awamutu | arr. | 7.10pm |
| Hamilton (Frankton) | arr. | 7.35pm |
Hamilton (Frankton) Station
Google Maps Link: https://goo.gl/maps/xfhqKMjU2mRJ88zQA
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.
Te Awamutu Station
Google Maps Link: https://goo.gl/maps/vnJwkfaWFSrDBd72A
Access is off Station Road. Free parking is available at the station.
Otorohanga Station
Google Maps Link: https://goo.gl/maps/iJC6y35xy6fNUwre9
Access is off Wahanui Crescent (off Maniapoto St). Free parking is available at the station and in surrounding streets.
Te Kuiti Station
Google Maps Link: https://goo.gl/maps/JPvc5edNge81SEf47
Access is off Rora Street. Free parking is available in surrounding streets.
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Seating Information
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
Refund Information
Check out Full Terms and Conditions.
Your ticket includes return train travel to National Park, bus transfers and Sky Waka Gondola Ride (Option 1) or return travel to Ohakune (Option 2). Both options include light refreshments served on the train.
Pre-order a tasty lunch pack with a selection of sweet and savoury items, including a drink.
$30 per pack - order with your booking
