🌿 Journey Through the ‘Closed’ Gorge: Exclusive Manawatū Gorge Shuttles!

Looking for a short, spectacular weekend adventure? On Saturday, 9 May 2026, the Pahiatua Railcar Society is running five exclusive return shuttles through the spectacular Manawatū Gorge aboard Standard Railcar RM31 ‘Tokomaru’!

This is a rare opportunity to travel through a dramatic natural corridor that has been largely hidden from public view since the permanent closure of the State Highway 3 gorge road in 2017.

✨ Shuttle Highlights

• The Exclusive Gorge View: With the old road closed to traffic, the railway is now the only way to sit back and experience the rugged beauty, steep cliffs, and rushing waters of the Manawatū River from inside the gorge.
• Old Meets New: As you emerge towards Ashhurst, get a unique, water-level perspective of the recently opened Te Ahu a Turanga: Manawatū Tararua Highway, passing right beneath the impressive new Parahaki Bridge.
• Vintage Charm: Sit back, listen to the classic hum of the diesel engines, and take in the fantastic view of the native bush and the river below.
• Perfect for the Whole Family: These short, bite-sized return trips are the perfect way to experience heritage rail travel and local history without committing to a full-day excursion.

All Aboard the RM31 ‘Tokomaru’: A Vintage Journey to the Central Plateau!

Step back in time and experience the golden age of New Zealand rail travel! On Sunday, 10 May 2026, the Pahiatua Railcar Society invites you to join a spectacular return day trip from Pahiatua to the alpine town of Ohakune aboard the beautifully preserved vintage Standard Railcar, RM31 ‘Tokomaru’.

Whether you are a railway enthusiast, a lover of New Zealand history, or simply looking for a unique and memorable day out with family and friends, this journey offers a front-row seat to the stunning landscapes of the North Island.

🚂 The Magic of Railcar Travel

Travelling in a vintage Standard Railcar is a completely different experience from a modern train ride. Here is what makes the RM31 so special:

• The Nostalgic Soundtrack: Feel the rhythmic clatter of the tracks and listen to the distinctive hum of the twin diesel engines—a sound that defined provincial travel in mid-20th century New Zealand.
• Intimate Charm: With limited seating, the RM31 offers a cozy, community atmosphere. It’s a fantastic way to mingle with fellow passengers and the passionate volunteers who keep this incredible machine running.

🗺️ The Route

Departing from the Wairarapa line, our journey will make its way through the Manawatū Gorge before joining the iconic North Island Main Trunk line. You’ll climb steadily into the rugged high country of the Central Plateau, crossing spectacular, dizzying viaducts over the Rangitīkei River before arriving at the foot of Mount Ruapehu in Ohakune.

Arriving at Ohakune you can visit one of the local restaurants for a leisurely lunch or grab a coffee from Opus Fresh based in the station (all at your own cost) or you can also book on our Raurimu Rambler trip (shown below) for an extended railcar experience.

You can also visit the Ohakune Railway Museum and immerse yourself in local railway history.

🌀 Experience an Engineering Marvel: The Raurimu Spiral Excursion!

Looking for a shorter, unforgettable heritage rail experience?

While RM31 ‘Tokomaru’ visits the Central Plateau on Sunday, 10 May 2026, the Pahiatua Railcar Society is thrilled to offer a special return excursion from Ohakune to Raurimu!

This exclusive short trip takes you across one of the most famous stretches of railway in the world: the legendary Raurimu Spiral.

✨ Trip Highlights

• The Raurimu Spiral: Experience this world-renowned engineering masterpiece first-hand. To overcome the steep 200-metre climb up to the volcanic plateau, the track famously loops back on itself, spiralling through two tunnels and three tight horseshoe curves.
• The Ultimate Vantage Point: There is no better way to experience the Spiral than in a vintage Standard Railcar. You can watch the track twist and turn right in front of you—and even look down to see the very tracks you just travelled on!
• Bite-Sized Heritage: Perfect for locals, families, or anyone wanting a thrilling taste of vintage rail travel without committing to a full-day journey. Sit back, listen to the classic hum of the diesel engines, and take in the rugged landscapes of Tongariro National Park.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to ride an iconic Kiwi railcar over New Zealand’s most famous railway marvel. Tickets for this special add-on excursion are strictly limited!

Hop aboard the ‘Deco Railcar Express’ for an unforgettable journey to the heart of Art Deco!

Settle back in our vintage railcar and watch the stunning landscape glide by as we make our way to Napier, the Art Deco Capital of the World. You’ll arrive in style, ready to step back in time and immerse yourself in the glamour of Napier’s Art Deco Festival.

Enjoy approximately four fabulous hours exploring the festival atmosphere—stroll the palm-lined streets, admire the beautifully preserved architecture, take in the vintage cars, and soak up the unique, glamorous vibe.

Book your ticket now for a stylish, stress-free, and scenic journey to the most elegant event on the calendar! All aboard for Art Deco!

Tickets available ex- Pahiatua, Woodville and Dannevirke.

Travel on New Zealand’s only Mainline Heritage Railcar!

Hop aboard the ‘Vintage Railcar Ride’ for an unforgettable journey!

Settle back in our vintage railcar and experience the nostalgia of vintage railcar travel while taking in the expansive views over Hawke’s Bay as you travel to Hastings aboard the ‘Vintage Railcar Ride’.

Arriving at Hastings we make a brief stop for the driver to ‘change ends’ ready for the return journey to Napier.

Tickets available ex-Napier.

Fancy a long weekend away in the beautiful Taranaki region? Why not travel onboard our Art Deco-era Standard Railcar RM31 and experience the nostalgia of rail travel from a bygone age.

Departing Friday 24th October 2025, you can join us onboard at Pahiatua, Woodville or Palmerston North where your heritage railcar journey begins.

From Pahiatua and Woodville we travel through the spectacular Manawatu Gorge, at Palmerston North we change direction ready for our trip up the Main Trunk Line to Marton, here we switch tracks onto the Marton – New Plymouth Line and head for Whanganui then on to New Plymouth.

Join us again on Monday 27th October 2025 for the return journey home.

There will be a short lunch stop on both the outbound and inbound journeys, we recommend brining a packed lunch.

Travel on New Zealand’s only Mainline Heritage Railcar!

Experience rail travel from a bygone age and join us on board our Standard Railcar RM31 “Tokomaru” for a return journey from New Plymouth to Inglewood.

Departing The Wind Wand, we travel through Lepperton Junction and on to Inglewood.

Arriving at Inglewood we stop briefly for the driver to change ends, we will also turn the seats for the return journey.

Travel onboard our Art Deco-era standard railcar RM31, as we traverse the Manawatū Gorge, taking in the sights of the rarely seen river, now inaccessible by road. ‘The Gorge’ is an interesting geographical location, linking the Manawatū and Hawkes Bay regions, and dividing the Ruahine and Tararua Ranges.

Choose to jump on at Pahiatua or Woodville and travel to Palmerston North for the FRONZ50 Grand Cavalcade, which the railcar is set to take part in, as well as other activities.

If you travelled from Pahiatua in the morning, jump back on the railcar later in the afternoon and head back through the Gorge, and onwards home.

Travel onboard our Art Deco-era standard railcar RM31, as we head North on the “Main Trunk Line’ to Feilding.

At Feilding you have the opportunity to take a look around Feilding Steam Rail’s depot before heading back to Palmerston North.