Matiere: Railway Heritage and Local History

Matiere as a destination for railway and local history

Guided rail journeys showcase the area’s railway heritage; memorial history and a historic Māori route add to the picture of the town.

Guided journeys on the heritage railway

The guided Ultimate railcar journey runs along the entire 142-kilometre heritage railway line, passing through all 24 tunnels and over more than 90 bridges. It also includes a guided stop in Matiere. As route details may change between seasons, check the current itinerary before planning.

The full-day guided rail journey The Republic follows an 82-kilometre route through 20 hand-built tunnels and the former settlements of Matiere, Ohura, Tokirima, Haeo and Tangarakau, before reaching Whangamōmona. Food and drinks at the rail stop and transfers are included. Compared with the Ultimate journey, The Republic is 60 kilometres shorter. The tunnel details also differ: The Republic passes through 20 hand-built tunnels, while the Ultimate passes through all 24 tunnels. This lets you compare the route lengths and the components specified for each tour. Allow a full day for this journey.

Memorial history and historic routes

Matiere’s First World War roll of honour records 66 men who served; nine of them were killed. Four rolls of honour are displayed in the remote Matiere Hall. Another historic connection to the town is a Māori walking track that ran between Mōkau on the west coast and inland Taumarunui, passing through what is now Mātīere. These two subjects turn the spotlight on different aspects of local history: remembrance and a historic route between the coast and the inland.

The Ruapehu District as a regional setting

The Ruapehu District includes the western half of Tongariro National Park, a dual World Heritage site, as well as part of Whanganui National Park. Most of Mount Ruapehu lies within the Ruapehu District. Mount Ruapehu is an active volcano; its remarkable alpine terrain is crowned by a crater lake at the summit.

Railway and industrial history are also part of the Ruapehu District. The historic Raurimu Spiral lies there, on the North Island Main Trunk Railway Line. The Timber Trail follows the historic Ongarue timber tramway. Among its large suspension bridges is the longest, which is 141 metres long and 55 metres high. The National Army Museum is also located in Waiouru, in the Ruapehu District.

Taumarunui is in the Ruapehu District and provides access to Tongariro National Park, Whanganui National Park and the Pureora Timber Trail. Two i-SITE visitor information centres are located in Taumarunui and Ohakune; they offer expert local knowledge and free, impartial travel advice.

Discover more destinations: Kakahi, Raetihi, Retaruke, Tongariro National Park, Erua, Whakapapa Village, Taumarunui, Owhango.

For the broader travel overview: Ruapehu District.