Travelling by rail allows you to discover New Zealand at a relaxed pace, taking in the varied and stunning scenery from the comfort of your seat. No-one has to drive or navigate, you can just sit back and enjoy the ride.
Perfectly placed at the mid-way point on the North Island Main Trunk Line, a stop off in the Ruapehu region is the ideal way to break up the train ride between New Zealand’s largest city and the country’s capital.
Stopping in Ohakune, National Park Village or Taumarunui provides a perfect base to explore the Ruapehu region and take in more of the sights, history and experiences of Tongariro National Park, Whanganui National Park and the Forgotten World.
The North Island Main Trunk Line connects Auckland and Wellington, a 680km journey through the varied landscapes of New Zealand’s North Island, and the country’s longest running rail journey.
The Central North Island section of the route is for many a highlight of the journey, with the volcanic plateau providing stunning views of Mount Ruapehu, Ngāuruhoe and Tongariro.
This section was the last to be constructed, with the landscape providing unique challenges to the construction of the line. Considered a marvel of engineering, the Main Trunk Line overcomes large elevation differences with viaducts, tunnels, and a spiral to allow the line to maintain a grade suitable for steam engines.
The Raurimu Spiral overcomes a 139m height difference and solves the problem of how to cross the steep slopes between the North Island Volcanic Plateau to the east and the valleys and gorges of the Whanganui River to the west. Spanning deep ravines, three giant viaducts, Makatote, Hapuawhenua and Taonui were the final piece of the puzzle, finally joining the north and southern sections of the line for the first passenger train to travel through in 1908.
The Ohakune Old Coach Road was the original route connecting the two ends of the Main Trunk Line between Erua and Ohakune before the railway was completed. Passengers would transfer onto a horse-drawn coach service, following an original bridle track, upgraded to provide an all-weather road surface for heavy horse drawn traffic while the construction of the Hapuawhenua and Taonui viaducts took place.
These viaducts have since been replaced, when the section between Ohakune and Horopito was realigned to handle higher loads and speeds.
Today, these features are among the highlights of the Ohakune Old Coach Road. The 15km trail is popular with both walkers and cyclists, and it forms part of the Mountains to Sea Ngā Ara Tūhono Connected Pathways , one of New Zealand’s Great Rides. Easily accessible from Ohakune, bike hire and shuttle options are available to enjoy this ride back in time.
Based in Taumarunui, Forgotten World Adventures offer a glimpse into the history of rail construction on the decommissioned Stratford-Okahukura railway line.
The line sprang back to life with a flare of kiwi ingenuity when Forgotten World Adventures introduced their rail cart tours, with local guides who will share fantastic landscapes and stories of the region’s pioneering history as you travel through hand-built tunnels, across bridges and see remnants of the original settlements along the line.
Options range from a half day tour to multi-day tours including overnight stays in the unique Republic of Whangamomona.
Taumarunui also provides easy access to Whanganui National Park and the natural wonderland of the Whanganui River, the first river in the world to be granted legal personhood, meaning the river has the same rights and responsibilities as a person.
There are options to explore the river by jet boat, kayak, or canoe, or you can cycle the Mangapurua Track to the iconic Bridge to Nowhere, another area rich in pioneering history and stories of hardy settlers.
National Park Village is a great spot to base yourself to discover the highlights of Tongariro National Park. The Station Café is situated in the restored historic railway station offering fine dining in the evening, and café style food during the day. The village is also the starting point for the Fishers Track and Marton Sash and Door cycle trails.
Bring your hiking boots and tackle the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, the Tongariro Northern Circuit, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, or a variety of shorter walks featuring spectacular waterfalls and epic volcanic landscapes.
If that all sounds like a bit too much hard work, why not treat yourself to a high tea at the iconic Chateau Tongariro Hotel, or discover new heights with a sightseeing trip on the Sky Waka Gondola at Whakapapa?
The Northern Explorer’s scenic rail journey, one of the Great Journeys of New Zealand, runs between Auckland and Wellington, so you can visit the Ruapehu region from either direction. They offer packages with accommodation and activities included, or you can simply hop off the train and plan your own stay before returning the way you came or continuing your onward journey.
The Glenbrook Vintage Railway offer Ruapehu packages from Auckland, and some even provide the rare opportunity to travel behind an original New Zealand Railways Steam Locomotive on this route.