Taumarunui on the Main Trunk Line 2025
| Date: | 23/11/25 |
| Time: | 8:30 am - 6:15 pm |
| Location: | Palmerston North Railway Station |
Travel over seven viaducts, see the Rangitikei cliffs, the central volcanic plateau, National Park and the Raurimu Spiral ‒ all while travelling on the new Capital Connection carriages to “Taumarunui on the Main Trunk Line” (and back).
Our route begins at Palmerston North and will take us over the Mangaweka viaducts, among the tallest in the North Island, with views seldom matched in New Zealand. You can view the picturesque Rangitikei River below as it flows past the high sandstone cliffs
There are two options once you get to Taumarunui, a bus tour to Omaka Lodge or the Taumarunui Rail Action Centre.
The bus departs the Taumarunui railway station at 12.30 for Omaka Gardens and will be back at the station by 2.30pm. A pop-up café will be available for you to enjoy lunch while out at Omaka and you will have 3 acres of country excellence to explore at your leisure.
Roses will be in bloom and the rhododendrons in flower. There is even a garden for your wedding hour. There are fantastic views and vistas over the forgotten world.
https://www.omakalodge.nz/ https://gardenstovisit.co.nz/private-gardens/omaka-lodge/
Included are transfers and entrance to the garden for your self-guided tour. Additional guided tours cost an additional $5.00 ‒ please pay to the hosts.
When you buy your train ticket you can choose a shuttle bus that will take you Taumarunui Rail Action Centre where you can view their model railway, trucks, jiggers, tractors and carriages. A hidden little gem, operated by the Taumarunui Rail Action Centre.
If you do not want to take a bus you may wish to visit the railway museum (on the platform) where you can wander down memory lane, or visit the town shops just across the road from the station.
At 2.45 pm it’s “All aboard” for our return journey to friendly Palmerston North!
This train will be hauled by a KiwiRail diesel locomotive.
| When | Sunday 23rd November 2025 |
| Depart Palmerston North | 8.30 am |
| Depart Marton | 9.10 am |
| Arrive Taumarunui | 12.10 pm |
| Depart Taumarunui | 2.45 pm |
| Arrive Marton | 5.55 pm |
| Arrive Palmerston North | 6.30 pm |
The Marton railway station is at the end of Station Road East which comes off Wellington Street, Marton’s main road. This link might help find the Marton Railway Station.
There is no security at either station, so please secure your car and hide items of value.
For additional information phone 06 323 5444
You must read and understand the terms and conditions. Click here to view the terms and conditions.
Once you book you will receive an automatic reply. If you do not receive a reply within an hour, check your SPAM folder and then rebook.
Ensure you enter your email address correctly to receive tickets which will be emailed the Friday before the trip.
For additional information phone 06 323 5444.
Once you book you will receive an automatic reply. If you do not receive a reply within an hour, check your SPAM folder and then rebook.
Ensure you enter your email address correctly to receive tickets which will be emailed the Friday before the trip.
Alternatives to online bookings are at i-sites at Woodville, Masterton, Whanganui, Hawera and Stratford, the Feilding info centres, or the bus centre at 19 Ariki Street, New Plymouth (9.30 am to 3.30 pm Mon-Fri). An additional booking fee applies.
If this trip does not work for you, then join our friends email list. Please add your email to our list, by clicking here. We will send you an email each time a new trip is ready to be booked.
