Mountain Thunder

Featuring, Da1410, Da1431, DC4818 and DBR1254!

​After the success of the 2022 excursion under the same name, we’re back, and we've got extra horsepower and we're going further! Join the team on this special day travelling the King Country towards Taumarunui, behind a quartet of heritage diesel locomotives.​

It’s never a walk in the park – it’s Mountain Thunder!

​​After the success of the 2022 excursion under the same name, we’re back, and we've got extra horsepower and we're going further! Join the team on this special day travelling the King Country towards Taumarunui, behind a quartet of heritage diesel locomotives.

What to expect:
The train originates from Paekakariki, picking up at Paraparaumu, Waikanae, Otaki and Levin. Stopping at Palmerston North to combine with GVR's train, we head north with further passenger stops at Feilding and Marton. As the huge train snakes its way up and through the steep grades and winding curves of the Rangitikei region, make sure to make note as we cross the Rangitikei River multiple times. We cross a series of notable viaducts, the South Rangitikei, Kawhatau, and North Rangitikei. The train drifts into New Zealand’s “Gumboot Capital” of Taihape – a once flourishing railway town.

As the train departs, the noisy quartet of motive power on the front wind up as they make work of the grades through Mataroa up to Waiouru, a relentless climb and one that our leading Da locomotives were designed for. With Mt Ruapehu at our fingertips, and well within sight, we head on a relatively straight run through to Ohakune, before climbing up to National Park.

Should you choose, alight the train at National Park, and be transferred by bus to Whakapapa Ski Area for your adventure on the Sky Waka - more details below. From the peak at National Park, 806.8m above sea level, we descend to the base of the Raurimu Spiral, we take in the magnitude of the drop in elevation – a huge feat of engineering of its time when completed in 1908. From here, it’s a gradual drop in elevation down towards Taumarunui, following the Whakapapa & Whanganui Rivers for much of our journey.

At Taumarunui, alight the train and grab a bite to eat or stop for a coffee, whilst the train is prepared for our return journey. As we settle in for the afternoon’s journey back south, it’s a great chance to step out onto the open viewing enabled carriages to take in the mountain air!

As we make our way south, take a moment to look out the window to see the long train make its way round all the NIMT’s curves, or indulge in an optional evening meal from the Station Hotel at Hunterville on our way home.

Visit Mt Ruapehu & the Sky Waka Gondola
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​After alighting the train at National Park, should you choose, you can be transferred by bus to Whakapapa Ski Area, passing the historic (but sadly now closed) Chateau Tongariro for your adventure on the Sky Waka.

Arriving at Whakapapa you may choose, to 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. Additional fares apply for those travelling on the Sky Waka.

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.

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.