The village of Raurimu is named after the world famous railway spiral, an engineering masterpiece that made access up the steep inclines of the volcanic plateau possible and can be found 50kms South of Taumarunui.

Completed in 1908, the spiral enabled the Main Trunk Railway to be completed thereby opening up the central north island to valuable trading and employment opportunities.

The dense native forest and steep climb up to the volcanic plateau presented major challenges that were overcome with the ingenuous construction of the spiral consisting of a complete circle, three horseshoe curves and two short tunnels.

Short trips through the spiral can be arranged between Taumarunui and National Park Village. You can ride the Raurimu Spiral either on scheduled services or on regular vintage steam train excursions or see the three levels of the Raurimu Spiral from the viewing platform on State Highway 4.