Ohakune’s early railway heritage started in 1905 as the headquarters for the construction of the section of the Main Trunk Line through the Central Volcanic Plateau. The Ohakune Junction Railway Station was built then as the “south rail head”. While the line was being built rail passengers would stay the night in Ohakune and were carried to the northern rail head at Raurimu by stage coach.

The construction involved building the huge Hapuawhenua Viaduct, which carries a world engineering heritage listing, the Taonui Viaduct, the Makatote Viaduct and the Raurimu Spiral, which was a striking engineering feat of its day, that allows the track to climb up to the Plateau.

In November 1908 the North Island Main Trunk Line was completed and the ceremonial driving of the ‘Last Spike’ was performed by the Prime Minister Sir Joseph Ward near the Manganui a Te Ao River.

Ohakune Railway Station then became a large centre for timber distribution.

A branch line to Raetihi was taken out in 1969 but much of the line formations can still be seen, including the old wooden truss bridge opposite the Big Carrot.

A group of local rail enthusiasts – Main Trunk Rail Ohakune Incorporated – have restored the railway station and brought in and restored a 21 metre (70ft) turntable, and the old Paekakariki signal box. The turntable is now used to turn steam locomotives, which regularly make excursions to the area. The group has also acquired the old Rangataua Trust Store, to be used as a railway museum, alongside the old Foreman of Works Office.

Another important piece of local railway history is the memorial site of the 1953 Tangiwai Disaster, where 151 people died when a lahar (volcanic mudflow) swept the railway bridge away and the Christmas Eve Wellington to Auckland Express plunged into the Whangaehu River.