The Viaduct Spectacular

Plimmerton to Taihape and return

Saturday 24 January 2026

Join us for a great day out as we travel from Plimmerton to Taihape on board our premium heritage train. Settle into our modern, air-conditioned carriages with big windows that make the most of the stunning Main Trunk scenery.
Our journey takes us through some of New Zealand’s most impressive railway country, including the famous Mangaweka Viaducts and the dramatic hill country of the central North Island.
Leading the train will be DJ 1229, one of the classic DJ-class locomotives built in Japan by Mitsubishi in the late 1960s. Once a familiar sight in the South Island, DJ 1229 now makes history with its first mainline run up the North Island Main Trunk.

Along the way you can enjoy:
- Spectacular Main Trunk scenery
- Crossings over the magnificent Mangaweka Viaducts
- Comfortable, air-conditioned carriages with large panoramic windows
- A café carriage serving drinks and snacks throughout the trip
- An outdoor viewing platform for fresh air and photography
- Possible photo stop opportunities, depending on time
- Around two hours free time in Taihape — perfect for lunch, exploring, or just relaxing
It’s an ideal day out for families, rail fans, and anyone who enjoys a scenic trip with a touch of nostalgia.
Departure: Plimmerton
Stops: Paraparaumu, Ōtaki, Levin, Palmerston North, Fielding & Marton
Destination: Taihape (approx. 2 hours free time before the return journey)

Tickets Prices
From Plimmerton or Paraparaumu: Adult $165.  Child (under 16) $95
From Otaki or Levin: Adult $145. Child $80
From Palmerston North, Fielding, Marton: Adult $125.  Child $70

Timetable:
Depart Plimmerton 07:45am Return 07:45pm
Depart Paraparaumu 08:25am Return 07:10pm
Depart Otaki 09:10am Return 06:35pm
Depart Levin 09:50am Return 06:15pm
Depart Palmerston North 11:25am Return 05:25pm
Depart Feilding 11:45am Return 05:05pm
Depart Marton 12:13pm Return 04:45pm
Arrive Taihape 01:15pm Depart 03:10pm

Limited Mobility Disclaimer
Our carriages may not be suitable for passengers with limited mobility. If you have any concerns, please contact us at:  info@mainlinesteam.co.nz  or 04 233 8131.

Please note if booking online a small percentage is added to the ticket price by the booking system. 

Ruapehu Explorer – Premium Steam to the Central Plateau.

14 February 2026

Step aboard our premium heritage train, hauled by Jb1236, for a full‑day steam adventure to the Central Plateau. The Ruapehu Explorer travels through some of the North Island’s most iconic scenery: the Kāpiti Coast, Horowhenua countryside, Mangaweka Viaducts, and the climb toward the volcanic plateau and Mt Ruapehu.
Departures:
Your journey begins at Plimmerton, with pickups at:
• Paraparaumu • Ōtaki • Levin • Palmerston North • Feilding • Marton

Onboard Experience:
Relax in comfort in our restored carriages, featuring:
• Café carriage
• Open viewing platform
• Large windows
• Air‑conditioning

At National Park Station
A shuttle bus will collect you from the station and take you to Whakapapa and the Sky Waka gondola area. Here, you can choose from two add‑on options:

Add‑On Options
1. Gondola + Lunch Combo — $79 per person
Includes a return gondola ride and a two‑course lunch at Knoll Ridge Chalet.
Choose one Main Course + one Dessert.

Main Course
• The Mountain Bowl (VG, DF, GF) — Poke bowl with Cauliflower rice, edamame, carrot, cabbage, cucumber, radish, avocado, coriander lime dressing and lemon kawakawa mayo.
• Market Fish & Chips (DF) — Beer-battered fresh fish with golden agria fries, house slaw, zesty tartare sauce and fresh lemon.
• Mediterranean Chicken Salad — Lemon-marinated chicken with greens, cucumber, tomato, red onion, olives, feta and herb dressing.
• The Pinnacles Pie — Slow-braised beef cheek and jalapeños with aged cheddar in flaky pastry, served with agria mash and house slaw.

Desserts:
• Chocolate Lava Cake — Warm chocolate cake with a molten centre and vanilla bean ice cream. 
• Tiramisu — Espresso-soaked sponge, mascarpone cream and cocoa dust.
• Black Doris Plum Cheesecake — New York-style cheesecake topped with black cherry and pear compote.

After Lunch
A shuttle bus will take you from Whakapapa to Ohakune, where you’ll rejoin the train for the return journey home. Sit back and enjoy the spectacular Central Plateau scenery as Jb1236 hauls you back along the Main Trunk.

2. Gondola Only — $28 per person
Includes a return gondola ride to Knoll Ridge.
Food and drinks can be purchased at Knoll Ridge Chalet.
A shuttle bus will take you from National Park to Whakapapa Village, Sky Waka Gondola and pick you up upon your return and transfer you to Ohakune to rejoin the train for the trip home.

Important Information
• All meals for the Gondola Lunch Combo must be pre‑ordered at the time of booking.
• Menu items may change without notice.
• Alpine conditions can change quickly — warm clothing is recommended.
• Shuttle bus transfers are provided for Gondola passengers only.

Train‑Only Option — Included with your fare
Stay onboard the train at National Park and continue the journey back to Ohakune.
You’ll have time to stretch your legs around the Railway Station or visit the Kings Hotel or you can order a Taxi to take you into the township. Plenty of time to relax before the return southbound journey.

Fares
Plimmerton / Paraparaumu / Ōtaki
• Adult $215
• Child $150

Levin / Palmerston North / Feilding
• Adult $180
• Child $120
✨ Experience the perfect combination of heritage rail, breathtaking scenery, and unforgettable steam travel on the Ruapehu Explorer.

Timetable for the day
Outbound departure times    Return departure times
Plimmerton    5.25am    Ohakune    3.45pm
Paraparaumu    5.55am    Taihape    5.15pm
Otaki    6.30am    Marton    6.30pm
Levin    7.00am    Fielding    7.00pm
Palmerston North    8.00am    Palmerston North    7.30pm
Fielding    8.40am    Levin    8.10pm
Marton    9.20am    Otaki    8.45pm
Taihape    10.40am    Paraparaumu    9.15pm
National Park    12.50pm    Plimmerton    9.50pm
Ohakune    2.15pm     

Please be at your boarding station 10 minutes prior to departure with your tickets ready.
Please note if booking online a small percentage is added to the ticket price by the booking system. 

Limited Mobility Disclaimer
Our carriages may not be suitable for passengers with limited mobility. If you have any concerns, please contact us at:  info@mainlinesteam.co.nz  or 04 233 8131.