KiwiGlimpseOverview
The Raurimu Spiral is a historic railway engineering feat located in the Manawatū-Whanganui region of New Zealand's North Island. Built in the late 19th century, the spiral is a series of railway tracks that wind up a steep incline to allow trains to climb to a higher elevation. The spiral is an impressive example of Victorian-era engineering and is a popular tourist attraction today.
| Raurimu Spiral Details | |
|---|---|
| Location | Raurimu Spiral |
| Region | Manawatu-Whanganui |
| District Council | Ruapehu District |
| Sub-District | Ruapehu District |
| Postal Code: | - |
| Current Time: | 04:45 AM |
| Date: | Saturday, January 18, 2025(NZST) |
| Time zone: | NZST (UTC+12:00) |
| Elevation / Altitude | 53.46 meters. Above Seal level |
| Latitude | -39.1214 |
| Longitude | 175.4074 |
| DMS Lat | -40° 52' 42.8022'' |
| DMS Long | 175° 24' 26.5561'' |
History
The Raurimu Spiral was built in the late 19th century as part of the North Island Main Trunk railway line. The spiral was designed as a way for trains to climb a steep incline in the landscape, without having to build a more costly and time-consuming straight track. The spiral was built using a unique engineering technique, which allowed trains to climb the incline while staying on a continuous track. Today, the Raurimu Spiral is a testament to the ingenuity of the Victorian-era engineers who designed it.
Geography
The Raurimu Spiral is located in the Manawatū-Whanganui region of New Zealand's North Island, in a mountainous area surrounded by stunning natural beauty. The spiral winds up a steep incline through the landscape, offering passengers on the train stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The area is known for its rugged terrain and outdoor activities, making it a popular destination for tourists.
Raurimu Spiral is located at latitude -39.12144382 and longitude 175.40737670 (decimal degrees), and approximately at latitude -40° 52' 42.8022'' and longitude 175° 24' 26.5561'' (DMS).
Below is map of Raurimu Spiral
Demographics
The Raurimu Spiral is a tourist attraction and engineering feat, rather than a town or community, so demographic information is not applicable.
Climate
The climate around the Raurimu Spiral is typical of the Manawatū-Whanganui region, with mild temperatures throughout the year. Summers are warm and sunny, with average temperatures ranging from 20-25°C. Winters are cool, with temperatures dropping below freezing at night. The area can experience heavy snowfall during the winter months, making it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts.
Raurimu Spiral Live Weather & 5-day Forecast: Stay informed on current and upcoming weather.
Raurimu Spiral Live Weather
Overcast clouds
Humidity: 87%
Wind: 1.62 mt/sec towards E
observed on 17 Jan 2025 18:00
Raurimu Spiral Weather Forecast for Next 5 days
12.22°C to 13.63°C
Overcast clouds
20.34°C to 20.34°C
Light rain
22.66°C to 22.66°C
Overcast clouds
21.39°C to 21.39°C
Overcast clouds
15.91°C to 15.91°C
Moderate rain
18.22°C to 18.22°C
Overcast clouds
Landmarks and Tourist Attractions
The Raurimu Spiral is itself a popular tourist attraction, with visitors from all over the world coming to see the engineering feat in action. The spiral is located near the Tongariro National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular destination for hiking and outdoor activities. The nearby city of Taupo is also a popular tourist destination, known for its scenic beauty, hot springs and outdoor adventures.
Economy
The Raurimu Spiral is a tourist attraction and engineering feat, rather than a driver of the local economy.
Nearby Schools
| Sr. No. | School Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Hospitality Training Company |
| 2 | Kaitieke School |
| 3 | Manunui School |
| 4 | National Park School |
| 5 | Owhango School |