Ruapehu Rails 2

Featuring trackside rail action along the North Island Main Trunk from Mataroato Raurimu.

Thundering through the heart of the Ruapehu District, New Zealand’s KiwiRail is tasked with the challenge of moving people and freight, north and south, 24 hours a day in all weather extremes.

This production catches a small glimpse of that rail action on the North Island Main Trunk, with the action kicking off at the small settlement of Mataroa. Tucked in a valley away from the main roads, Mataroa is blessed with calm weather and diverse scenery, making it a favourite for railfans.

From Mataroa we then head north to the Turangarere horse shoe curve, the Hihitahi passing loop, then on towards the desert town of Waiouruwhere we’re treated to a few snow scenes. We’re also treated to the pulp train being double banked – where the Karioi and Tangiwai portions are taken to Waiouruand assembled into the one train.

We then continue our journey via Karioi, Ohakune, Horopito and National Park, capping it off with a rail train at Raurimu.

Run-by shots of full length trains are included. No narration - the trains do all the talking.