Specialties
Imagine sitting in your control of your own rail car travelling along a railway line with nothing ahead but the unobstructed curve of the rail stretching out into the distance, with the countryside drifting by and the clickety clack sound of the rail beneath you.
The RailCruiser was designed to provide people, just like you, the freedom to experience rail travel like never before.
The rail journey of 20km takes approximately 1 1/2 hours return through the beautiful Dansey Native Forest and rolling farmland with views out over Lake Rotorua. Listen to the commentary and discover a unique piece of New Zealand railway and local history.
The RailCruiser has comfortable seats with unobstructed views, is fitted with clear drop down waterproof sides, windscreen wipers, blankets provided and comes with onboard heating.
RailCruising is a special experience to be shared with family and friends. It is popular with clubs and social groups with many combining RailCruising with lunch or dinner at the iconic Mamaku Railway Station.
Based just 20 minutes drive from downtown Rotorua, RailCruising excursions depart daily from Mamaku Railway Station at set times throughout the day.
This is a must do experience.
History
Established in 2012.
A world first, commercial RailCruising started on the Rotorua Railway on 14th November 2011, with daily operations starting on 26th December 2011.
The Rotorua Railway corridor is leased by the RailCruising Company, Rail Riders Ltd from NZ Railways Corporation. Rail Riders Ltd is responsible for all rail movements on the line plus track maintenance and repair.
Rail Riders Ltd, operators of RailCruising on the Rotorua Railway, is a private company owned by Neil and Jane Oppatt. The company has developed the complete RailCruising product including the design of the RailCruisers, the operating and safety systems.
Meet the Business Owner: Neil and Jane Oppatt J.
It all stated with a desire by Neil and Jane Oppatt to be able to experience a railway journey in their own railway vehicle, just the two of them. This evolved into a business that now allows anyone wanting to experience the excitement of driving a rail car with just family or friends along a railway.
