Perhaps the most challenging stretch of railway engineering in New Zealand is between the northern Rangitikei and the wonder that is the Raurimu Spiral. The great Rangitikei and Whanganui Rivers border the mountainous Central Plateau and present some of the most spectacular scenery in the North Island.
We invite you to join us, and our friends at Steam Incorporated, on a most memorable journey. The adventure begins straight away as we travel, by Bay Tours coach, across the ‘Gentle Annie’ road to meet the northbound train at the historic Taihape Railway Station. We’ll board the magnificently restored 1930’s carriages, with their open viewing balcony, being hauled by massive 1950’s American diesel locomotives. These beasts provide the perfect control best suited to the demands of this legendary section of railway. We initially climb up to National Park, the highest point of our journey at 825 metres (over 2700 feet) above sea level before our descent of the famous Raurimu Spiral. Solving the problem of a 200 metre drop with an impossible straight-line gradient of 1 in 24, the magic of the spiral’s design is how it uses the natural contours of the land without the need for a single viaduct. After a short stop at Raurimu Station to re-position the loco’s, we begin to climb back up the Spiral and roar south across the plateau with magnificent views of the three great Central mountains. Our journey continues as we gradually descend towards the Rangitikei River, crossing numerous viaducts through Mangaweka, Hunterville and Marton before we reach the Manawatu Plains and a straight run into our final destination at Palmerston North. After such a breathtaking day we’ll overnight here. The following morning there’ll be time to either catch up with friends and shop in central Palmerston North, or wander the beautiful gardens and riverside walks of Victoria Esplanade before we begin our journey home with a lunch stop at Caroline’s Garden & Café at Aokautere.
This picturesque rail excursion reminds us of a time when these great iron horses were common features of our landscape. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see this remote part of the North Island like never before.
