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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250727
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250728
DTSTAMP:20260428T192451
CREATED:20250712T204402Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250712T204402Z
UID:10287-1753574400-1753660799@letsgokids.co.nz
SUMMARY:The Snowball Express July 2025
DESCRIPTION:Step back in time and travel in style aboard the Glenbrook Vintage Railway’s Snowball Express – a special one-day return journey to Mt Ruapehu and Ohakune. Hauled by heritage diesel locomotive DBR1254\, this nostalgic rail trip takes in dramatic landscapes\, iconic viaducts\, and offers the choice of alpine or township adventures. \n  \nDeparting from Waiuku\, Glenbrook\, Pukekohe and Hamilton\, the train winds through the heart of the North Island\, with stops along the Main Trunk Line and sweeping views of the volcanic plateau. Choose your destination – Mt Ruapehu’s Whakapapa Ski Area or the alpine township of Ohakune – and enjoy an unforgettable winter’s day out in Ruapehu. \nTwo incredible day trip options\nOption 1: Mt Ruapehu and the Sky Waka Gondola\nDisembark at National Park Village and board a shuttle to Whakapapa Ski Area. Ride the Sky Waka gondola to 2020 metres above sea level and take in panoramic views of Mt Ruapehu\, Mt Tongariro\, and Mt Ngāuruhoe. At the summit\, relax at the architecturally award-winning Knoll Ridge Chalet – New Zealand’s highest year-round eatery. \nEnjoy lunch (own cost)\, explore the area\, then return by gondola to rejoin the train for your return journey. \nFare from AucklandScenic Carriages: Adult $205 | Child (2–14) $145Heritage Carriages: Adult $195 | Child (2–14) $135 \nFare from HamiltonScenic Carriages: Adult $175 | Child (2–14) $115Heritage Carriages: Adult $165 | Child (2–14) $105 \nTimetable – National Park/Sky Waka OptionOutward \n\n\nWaiuku: 5.30am \n\n\nGlenbrook: 6.00am \n\n\nPukekohe: 6.25am \n\n\nRotokauri: 7.55am \n\n\nFrankton: 8.15am \n\n\nNational Park: 12.40pm \n\n\nSky Waka arrival: 1.20pm \n\n\nReturn \n\n\nSky Waka departure: 3.15pm \n\n\nNational Park: 3.50pm \n\n\nWaiuku arrival: 10.15pm \n\n\n  \n\n  \nOption 2: Explore Ohakune at your leisure\nContinue past National Park to Ohakune\, travelling over some of New Zealand’s most impressive railway engineering features\, including the Makatote and Hapuawhenua viaducts\, and the famous Raurimu Spiral. \nOnce in Ohakune\, enjoy lunch at the Kings Hotel buffet (optional)\, visit the local railway museum\, or take a short walk through the Junction or town centre. A complimentary shuttle between the station and town is available. \nFare from AucklandScenic Carriages: Adult $165 | Child (2–14) $125Heritage Carriages: Adult $155 | Child (2–14) $115 \nFare from HamiltonScenic Carriages: Adult $135 | Child (2–14) $95Heritage Carriages: Adult $125 | Child (2–14) $85 \nTimetable – Ohakune OptionOutward \n\n\nWaiuku: 5.30am \n\n\nGlenbrook: 6.00am \n\n\nPukekohe: 6.25am \n\n\nRotokauri: 7.55am \n\n\nFrankton: 8.15am \n\n\nOhakune: 1.15pm \n\n\nReturn \n\n\n\nOhakune departure: 3.15pm \n\n\nWaiuku arrival: 10.15pm \n\n\n\n\nHighlights of the journey\n\n\nTravel the length of the North Island Main Trunk Line \n\n\nCross iconic viaducts including Waiteti\, Makatote and Hapuawhenua \n\n\nClimb the world-famous Raurimu Spiral \n\n\nEnjoy open-air viewing balconies and onboard refreshments \n\n\nLicensed train with wine\, beer\, and food service \n\n\nExperience the nostalgia of heritage rail travel \n\n\n  \n\n  \n  \nThis is a rare opportunity to experience the magic of rail through the heart of the North Island\, with a chance to explore the snow-covered Central Plateau in comfort and style. Seats are limited – early booking recommended.
URL:https://letsgokids.co.nz/event/the-snowball-express-july-2025/
LOCATION:Ruapehu District\, Manawatū-Whanganui Region\, New Zealand
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://letsgokids.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/SNEX25-27SEP-WebsiteBanner1920x593.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Glenbrook Vintage Railway":MAILTO:office@gvr.org.nz
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