Raurimu: Railway Spiral and High Ropes Course

Raurimu can be understood through two distinct themes: the Raurimu Spiral as a railway engineering structure and the high ropes course at Blue Mountain Adventure Centre. Each raises different questions when planning a trip: are you most interested in a technical railway line or an outdoor activity in town?

The engineering achievement of the Raurimu Spiral

The Raurimu Spiral is considered an engineering masterpiece. It was designed to overcome a substantial drop in elevation with a manageable gradient of 1 in 50, or two percent. The route includes two tunnels, measuring 385 and 96 metres in length. Its course forms an overlap and loop, then continues south of Raurimu railway station via two quarter-circles and a horseshoe curve. The details about the gradient and route go together: the difference in elevation is overcome by means of the loop and curves while keeping the gradient limited. The 1:50 ratio is equivalent to two percent and illustrates the engineering challenge of the design.

View from the lookout

As a historic site, the Raurimu Spiral is listed as a Category 1 site; access to it is private and not open to the public. It can be viewed from the lookout in Raurimu Spiral Scenic Reserve on SH4. When planning a visit, therefore, distinguish between the private site and the lookout. An information board was installed at the lookout in 1986.

The Spiral as part of a train journey

A 681-kilometre train journey between Auckland and Wellington passes over the Raurimu Spiral; panoramic views can be enjoyed from an open carriage. This is different from visiting the lookout: on the train journey, the Spiral is part of the connection between the two cities, while in Raurimu Spiral Scenic Reserve it can be viewed from outside. Details of specific train services may change; check current service information before planning such a trip.

High ropes course and roadside stop

Blue Mountain Adventure Centre (BMAC), a Salvation Army outdoor adventure centre in Raurimu, has a high ropes course. This adds a distinct outdoor focus alongside the railway history. The Raurimu Driftwood Dinosaur is also recommended as a roadside stop. The town thus offers a choice of different interests, from the engineering achievement of the railway line to outdoor attractions.

Regional context: Ruapehu District

Ruapehu District includes the western half of Tongariro National Park, which is a dual World Heritage site, as well as part of Whanganui National Park. Most of Mount Ruapehu is also in the district. Mount Ruapehu is an active volcano with remarkable alpine terrain and a crater lake at its summit. For regional information, Ruapehu District has two isite visitor information centres, in Taumarunui and Ohakune. They offer expert local knowledge and free, impartial travel advice.

Discover more destinations: Retaruke, Erua, Raetihi, Owhango, Kakahi, Taumarunui, Ohakune, Tongariro National Park

For the broader travel overview: Ruapehu District.