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
Onboard Experience:
Relax in comfort in our restored carriages, featuring:
• Café carriage
• Open viewing platform
• Large windows
• Air‑conditioning
Spectacular views on the way to the top
A shuttle bus will collect you from the station and take you to Whakapapa and the Sky Waka gondola area
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
Levin 7.00am Fielding 7.00pm
Palmerston North 8.00am Palmerston North 7.30pm
Fielding 8.40am Levin 8.10pm
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.
