The Raurimu Spiral. North Is. New Zealand. - 3D Map Models of Our World and Beyond on Waymarking.com

The model is layed out in a corner of the i-Site (information centre) situated within the Taumarunui Railway Station building on Hakiaha Street in Taumarunui. The display shows the Spiral formation and tunnels that wind through the hill country to raise the tracks from Raurimu up to National Park. This engineering feature elevates the line 213 metres over a distance of 11kms in a series of curves, two tunnels and a full 360 degree spiral. The actual Spiral was constructed from 1905 to 1907 and has remained unchanged since then, incapable of improvement by today's engineers.

As the actual Spiral formation cannot be clearly viewed in reality, although there is a lookout platform at the small village of Raurimu which looks across at the hills where the Spiral exisis, this 3D model shows how the Spiral is formed and is of great interest and well worth a visit. Many people take the special train trip section from Taumarunui up to National Park just to say they have been up the Spiral.

The Taumarunui Visitor Centre is open 9am until 5pm daily except Xmas Day. They have all information brochures and maps and provide a great service for travelers. It is Free to enter.

The actual Raurimu Spiral is situated at: S 39°07.234 E 175°24.144
on the main trunk Railway Line between Raurimu and National Park.

Address and Hours Available to the Public: 9am until 5pm every day (except Xmas Day) Admission Fee (if any): no Interactive Features: no Website for more information: [Web Link]

Recent Visits/Logs:

Date Logged Log   01/15/2014 Punga and Paua visited it