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Ruapehu Rail Tours Taumarunui

Duration: 3 Days

Price: From $699

Departure From: Auckland (Glenbrook) or Hamilton

Departure Date: 13 May, 10 June, 5 August, 23 September, 4 November 2022 & dates into 2023

Tour Type: Independent

Meal Plan: Selected Meals

Physical Grading: 2-3

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Discover Ruapehu with a our Ruapehu Rail Tours Taumarunui, a selection of terrific 3 day packages to the Taumarunui, region. There is something to suit all travellers. Enjoy scenic beauty, discover adventure, or immerse yourself in our shared heritage.

Your Discover Raupehu weekend away starts when our friendly staff welcome you onboard our lovingly restored carriages which have travelled these lines for over 80 years. Your journey will take you over undoubtedly one of New Zealand’s most spectacular railway lines. From towering viaducts like the mighty Makatote, to the world famous Raurimu spiral, your journey takes you over some impressive engineering and through some amazing scenery.

Blue Duck Station Kayaking LOCO Journeys
Enjoy a kayak at Blue Duck Station

Ruapehu Rail Tours Taumarunui. Choose from 3 great tour options.

Taumarunui and the surrounding area has a great deal to offer as these packages attest. The bush-lined Whanganui and Ongarue rivers welcome visitors to the Ruapehu’s largest town, Taumarunui. Adventure on the river, meet some alpacas, or go fishing! Enjoy both adventure and serenity. If you can’t find the package you are seeking, we can customise packages for you.

Taumarunui Light Up The Night
3 days from $699 per person

Take a bush walk, kayak on the Whanganui River, explore glow worm caves, and cuddle baby alpacas.

This package is perfect for the family or couple looking to spend time enjoying the natural beauty to the King Country. Try out some camping, glamping or a good old Kiwi cabin stay at Taumarunui Holiday Park. Here you can enjoy kayaking up the Whanganui river, take a scenic bush walk and visit the local glow worms! Day three you will make a visit to Nevalea Alpaca Farm. This unique farm is the largest Alpaca farm in New Zealand where Neville and Leonie are excited about introducing you to their beloved alpacas (especially cuddles with the baby alpacas!!) and their NZ made alpaca products. Take an alpaca for a walk and perhaps hand feed them before you enjoy your very own picnic lunch.

Accommodation: Your choice of accommodation awaits at the Taumarunui Holiday park, nestled in a lovely wooded area beside the glistening Whanganui river. You can choose multiple options here, from camping, glamping or stay in one of the cabins. All meals are included on this stay, as well as air beds, torches and sleeping bags for the camping and glamping options. After a day of rail adventure, followed by local adventure, this is the perfect location to soak up nature over a cool bevvy or two.

Tour Inclusions: Return train travel from Pukekohe/Hamilton/Te Awamutu/Otorohanga to Taumarunui and return. Two nights accommodation (including bedding and linen for tents, yurt and cabin options) at Taumarunui Holiday Park.Transfers from and to Taumarunui Railway Station.Transfers to activities on Saturday and Sunday.Dinner Friday, breakfast, lunch and dinner Saturday, breakfast and light lunch Sunday. Kayak/canoe hire. Admission to Nevalea Alpaca Farm. Complimentary light refreshments on outbound and homebound rail journeys.

View the detailed itinerary below.

Taumarunui Whanganui River Wilderness Adventure
3 days from $1,790 per person

Take a jetboat ride to Blue Duck Station, visit Posh Pioneers for lunch, take a scenic helicopter flight.

Explore remote wilderness only accessible by river. Journey down river on our jet boat and return by scenic helicopter ride (or vice versa). Choose from two very special destinations: Posh Pioneers is a unique glamping site where you’ll enjoy genuine warm hospitality and gorgeous home-cooked food. Or choose Blue Duck Station, an iconic local farm where you can learn about conservation efforts to save the Whio (blue duck). This is a great winter family getaway or a trip for a group of adventurous friends. Enjoy all the comforts of home in between activities as you warm up in front of the fire and await your transport to dinner at your choice of local restaurant.

Accommodation: Enjoy your very own back packer style cottage on the Whanganui river front. Three bedrooms, shared kitchen and lounge fully furnished with an expansive deck with river views. Shared bathroom, fridge, stove and TV with DVD player.

Tour Inclusions: Return train travel from Pukekohe/Hamilton/Te Awamutu/Otorohanga to Taumarunui and return. Two nights accommodation at River Rock Cottage. Transfers from and to Taumarunui Railway Station. Transfers to activities on Saturday and Sunday. Continental breakfast Saturday and Sunday. Lunch and afternoon tea Saturday. Jet boat/helicopter ride. Transfers to Taumarunui for dinner Friday and Saturday. Admission to Posh Pioneers and Blue Duck Lodge. Complimentary light refreshments on outbound and homebound rail journeys

View the detailed itinerary below.

Taumarunui Fisher’s Delight
3 days from $1,639 per person

The perfect fly fishing and river fishing adventure, guided by fly fisher Peter Scott.

Whether you are an accomplished professional or a complete novice you’ll be catered for with full fly fishing tuition and or guided transport around our secret spots known only to local anglers. We are situated right on the banks of the Whanganui River, host to the World Fly Fishing Championship, and a short drive from other local rivers including the Whakapapa River. On Sunday you have the option of clay bird shooting at Taumarunui Clay Target Club (Est 1912) one of the oldest clubs in New Zealand. Expert tuition available by Tony Brogdan, 3 time Para-Olympic World Champion.
Enjoy all the comforts of home right next to the river as you warm up in front of the fire and await your transport to dinner at your choice of local restaurant.

Accommodation: Enjoy your very own back packer style cottage on the Whanganui river front. Three bedrooms, shared kitchen and lounge fully furnished with an expansive deck with river views. Shared bathroom, fridge, stove and TV with DVD player.

Tour Inclusions: Return train travel from Pukekohe/Hamilton/Te Awamutu/Otorohanga to Taumarunui and return. Two nights accommodation (including bedding and linen) at Blazing Paddles River Rock Cottage. Transfers from and to Taumarunui Railway Station.Transfers to activities on Saturday and Sunday.Experienced fly-fishing host and tuition with Peter Scott.Fishing licenses and fishing gear provided if required. Clay bird shooting tuition. Transfers to Taumarunui for lunch and dinners Friday, Saturday. Continental breakfast Saturday and Sunday. Complimentary light refreshments on outbound and homebound rail journeys.

View the detailed itinerary below.

Ruapehu Rail Tours Taumarunui – Your Train Experience

Discover the natural beauty of the North Island Main Trunk railway line onboard your very own exclusive heritage train. Pass over towering viaducts, follow mighty rivers, pass sites of historical interest, and traverse the famous Raurimu Spiral.

Discover Ruapehu Train Inclusions

  • Travel over the North Island Main Trunk line on an exclusive heritage train
  • Traverse the world famous Raurimu Spiral
  • Cross over the spectacular Waiteti, Makatote and Hapuawhenua Viaducts
  • Track our path along the Ongarue and Whakapapa river valleys
  • Pass through the Porootarao and Raurimu tunnels
  • Stunning Mountain views and spectacular scenery
  • A good variety of hot and cold drinks, as well as snack and hot meals are available for purchase onboard.
  • Toilets are available in each carriage.
  • A viewing balcony is included on these trains.
  • This heritage train is operated by the Glenbrook Vintage Railway and will be hauled by restored deisel locomotive
  • The carriages date from 1939/1940. They retain key features including the iconic flip-over seats, and have been tastefully redecorated for enhanced passenger comfort.
Discover Ruaphu Packages
Your Discover Ruapehu Glenbrook Railway heritage train

For a detailed itinerary, departure details, and booking conditions, please see below. Please note packages offered and prices will vary between departures due to seasonal availability.

For alternative Discover Ruapehau 3 day packages consider these great options:

For Discover Ruapehu 3 Day Rail Tours to National Park click here
  • Plateau Delight
  • Mountain Fun
  • Chilling Out
For Discover Ruapehi 3 Day Rail Tours to Ohakune click here
  • Freedom to Choose
  • Fauna & Flora
  • Alpine & Army
  • Old Coach Road Kings
  • Explore Like Locals
  • Ride and Relax
  • Bike and Hire

Click here for alternate North Island rail tours

Tour Inclusions

  • 2 nights accommodation
  • Meals as indicated within the itinerary
  • Return rail travel on a heritage train operated by the Glenbrook Vintage Railway
  • Open air viewing platform for an uninterrupted view of the countryside
  • Morning tea on the outbound train and afternoon tea on the return train.
  • All sightseeing, activites, rail travel, transfers and entrance fees as specified in the itinerary

Pricing Notes

  • Advertised price based on per person, twin share
  • Pricing is based on Off Peak travel and should be used as a guide only
  • Packages are subject to availability
  • A non-refundable deposit will be required at the time of booking, the value changes per itinerary and will be advised at the time of enquiry
  • Full payment terms will be advised at the time of booking
  • Proof of full COVID-19 vaccination is required
  • In the event that the NZ government imposes COVID-19 restrictions preventing the tour from operating, a refund of monies paid may be given, net of any outgoings or payments already made by the operator in conjunction with the operation and organisation of these tours on written application within 7 days of the scheduled date of travel.
  • Price is subject to change unless paid in full

 

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Tour Itinerary

Light Up The Night - Day 1 (D)
A rail adventure begins. Our friendly train-mad staff are ready to greet you onboard at your choice of boarding location. The journey south from Pukekohe takes you through the outer fringes of Auckland and into the Waikato. Our journey to Hamilton will be a mixture of rural farmland and their community centres like Te Kauwhata and Huntly. Be sure to check out the Whangamarino wetlands, the Waikato river and Huntly power station before curving our way through the Taupiri gorge. After our departure from Hamilton, we make quick stops for passengers at Te Awamutu and Otorohanga. Te Kuiti marks the gateway to the real Main Trunk Line. Our train will start to climb the steep grades, passing over the 132 year old Waiteti viaduct and cruising through lush farmlands and skirting pine forests. We climb for nearly 40 minutes before reaching the summit of the hill at Porootarao, this is marked by passing through the 1272 metre Porootarao tunnel. Blasting out the other side of the tunnel, it is here that you will catch your first glimpse of Mt Ruapehu, if the weather is behaving! As we descend down the grade, we pass through the small settlement of Waimiha then glide through some pretty impressive rock cuttings and finally we meet the Ongarue river which guides us all the way to Taumarunui. Mini buses will be awaiting at Taumarunui to transfer you to the Taumarunui Holiday Park for your stay. Get set up in your tent, yurt or cabin then relax, enjoy your dinner and settle in for a good night's sleep.
Wake up refreshed and get stuck into some breakfast. When you are ready, you can embark on a peaceful bush walk through the Ohinetonga reserve then enjoy some lunch (and perhaps a little siesta!) Take out one of the kayaks for a gentle paddle up or down the Whanganui river before returning for a bit of afternoon relax time then dinner. After dinner, you will be taken to the quant little village of Kakahi where you can explore for glow worms whilst the Whakapapa river flows peacefully in the background, then finally returning to base camp for a rest.
Take a visit to the Nevalea Alpaca Farm New Zealand's largest alpaca farm. Travel on the adventure highway to this unique farm on the outskirts of Taumarunui. Here you can get up and personal with the alpacas, take one for a walk, have a go at feeding one and who can resist the opportunity to cuddle a baby alpaca! Sit down to a picnic lunch as the alpacas watch on before returning to the Taumarunui Railway station to board your train. Once again, our friendly staff will be happy to see you again, and to assist you to settle in for the journey home. Take this time to have a little rest or share your stories with other guests onboard.
A rail adventure begins. Our friendly train-mad staff are ready to greet you onboard at your choice of boarding location. The journey south from Pukekohe takes you through the outer fringes of Auckland and into the Waikato. Our journey to Hamilton will be a mixture of rural farmland and their community centres like Te Kauwhata and Huntly. Be sure to check out the Whangamarino wetlands, the Waikato river and Huntly power station before curving our way through the Taupiri gorge. After our departure from Hamilton, we make quick stops for passengers at Te Awamutu and Otorohanga. Te Kuiti marks the gateway to the real Main Trunk Line. Our train will start to climb the steep grades, passing over the 132 year old Waiteti viaduct and cruising through lush farmlands and skirting pine forests. We climb for nearly 40 minutes before reaching the summit of the hill at Porootarao, this is marked by passing through the 1272 metre Porootarao tunnel. Blasting out the other side of the tunnel, it is here that you will catch your first glimpse of Mt Ruapehu, if the weather is behaving! As we descend down the grade, we pass through the small settlement of Waimiha then glide through some pretty impressive rock cuttings and finally we meet the Ongarue river which guides us all the way to Taumarunui. Transfers will be awaiting you and your group at Taumarunui to take you to the River Rock Cottage for your stay. Pick a bedroom, unpack and unwind on the deck for a bit, watching the Whanganui river pass you by. Your hosts will take you into town for you to sample of Taumarunui's eateries for dinner then return to settle in for a good night's sleep
Make a brew, down a continental breakfast and brace for adventure! Your guide will pick you up from the motel and down to the river where you trade in the wheels for the jet boat! Jetting down the river, take in the hidden beauty of the King Country until you arrive at the Posh Pioneers at Maharanui. This is a special place, a once in a lifetime experience where the hosts of Posh Pioneers have set out to respect and preserve the Wairua (spirit) of this remote location. Nestled off grid, with no road access, tour this pioneer preserve and admire the sustainable lifestyle of living off the land. Enjoy a grazing table lunch before saying goodbye to this piece of paradise then head back onto the jetboat where we head further downstream to the Blue Duck Lodge on the banks of the Whanganui river, surrounded by the Whanganui National Park in all its wilderness. Here we enjoy a coffee and a chat with local host about the core values of the Blue Duck Lodge, conserving endangered wildlife, increase health of native bush and rivers and preserve the history of the area by educating its visitors. From here, an exhilarating helicopter ride home is waiting for you. Take in the breath-taking wilderness, hills, native forests, the river and spectacular scenery that cannot be missed! Out again for your choice of dinner tonight in Taumarunui to share stories of you highlights from the day.
Soak up one last opportunity to enjoy breakfast and some banter by the awa then load up you bags and your hosts will transfer you to Taumarunui where you can leave your bags in the i-SITE then take a wander down the main street and browse the local shops or have some lunch at one of Taumarunui's eateries. After lunch, head back to the i-SITE to pick up your bags awaiting the arrival of your train home. Once again, our friendly staff will be happy to see you again, and to assist you to settle in for the journey home. Take this time to have a little rest or share your stories with other guests onboard.
A rail adventure begins. Our friendly train-mad staff are ready to greet you onboard at your choice of boarding location. The journey south from Pukekohe takes you through the outer fringes of Auckland and into the Waikato. Our journey to Hamilton will be a mixture of rural farmland and their community centres like Te Kauwhata and Huntly. Be sure to check out the Whangamarino wetlands, the Waikato river and Huntly power station before curving our way through the Taupiri gorge. After our departure from Hamilton, we make quick stops for passengers at Te Awamutu and Otorohanga. Te Kuiti marks the gateway to the real Main Trunk Line. Our train will start to climb the steep grades, passing over the 132 year old Waiteti viaduct and cruising through lush farmlands and skirting pine forests. We climb for nearly 40 minutes before reaching the summit of the hill at Porootarao, this is marked by passing through the 1272 metre Porootarao tunnel. Blasting out the other side of the tunnel, it is here that you will catch your first glimpse of Mt Ruapehu, if the weather is behaving! As we descend down the grade, we pass through the small settlement of Waimiha then glide through some pretty impressive rock cuttings and finally we meet the Ongarue river which guides us all the way to Taumarunui. Transfers will be awaiting you and your group at Taumarunui to take you to the River Rock Cottage for your stay. Pick a bedroom, unpack and unwind on the deck for a bit, watching the Whanganui river pass you by. Your hosts will take you into town for you to sample of Taumarunui's eateries for dinner then return to settle in for a good night's sleep.
Wake up to a coffee and the sound of the river flowing as you partake of a continental breakfast then suit up, for some fly fishing with your very own local fly fishing expert. Peter Scott has been fishing these rivers for a long time and will be there with you to provide tuition and guidance ÔÇô perfect for the first time fly fisher! Spend the day wading through and fishing the gentle running river waters, hopefully catch the big one to cook up for dinner tonight! After your fishing adventures (and if you didnÔÇÖt catch your dinner), your hosts at Blazing Paddles will transfer you to Taumarunui for a stroll around and dinner at your expense. Then back to the cottage to share some tails of the one that got away.
Down your brekkie, then have a go at some clay bird shooting at one of New Zealand's oldest shooting clubs (Est 1912). Available to you here is the expert tuition of Tony Brogdan, three-time Para-Olympic world champion - what a way to finish your weekend away with us!   Time to head back into town now to await your train home, your hosts will transfer you to the Taumarunui railway station where you can leave your bags in the i-SITE and wander down the main street for some lunch at one of Taumarunui's eateries. After lunch, head back to the i-SITE to pick up your bags awaiting the arrival of your train home. Once again, our friendly staff will be happy to greet you again, and to assist you to settle in for the journey home. Take this time to have a little rest or share your stories with other guests onboard.

For more information about this tour, price queries and updates on specials, please Enquire Now.