The highest viaduct in New Zealand is the 97 m high Mohaka viaduct spanning the Mohaka River about half way between Napier and Wairoa. This bridge is of steel girder construction, is 270 m long and was opened in 1937. Excursionists will be disappointed that high windbreaks on both sides spoil the view for passengers.

The 2nd highest viaduct in New Zealand is the 81 m high North Rangitikei viaduct spanning the Rangitikei River. It is the northern-most of the 3 large viaducts on the Mangaweka Deviation, opened in 1981, between Mangaweka and Taihape on the North Island Main Trunk Line. It is of concrete construction built by the cantilever technique from both ends. The central span is a clear 110 m long, the longest equal span of any railway bridge in New Zealand. Together with the approach spans on both sides, the bridge is 160 m long. Being of concrete construction, relatively short and often crossed at high speed, it is easily missed by travellers.

The 3rd highest viaduct in New Zealand is the 78.6 m high Makatote viaduct about 10 km south of National Park on the North Island Main Trunk Line. This viaduct is of steel girder construction, is 262 m long and was opened in 1908.

The 4th highest viaduct in New Zealand (also the 2nd longest viaduct in New Zealand) is the 78 m high, 315 m long, South Rangitikei viaduct spanning the Rangitikei River. It is the southermost of the 3 large viaducts on the Mangaweka Deviation, opened in 1981, between Mangaweka and Taihape on the North Island Main Trunk Line. It is an impressive all-concrete structure with twin-shafted vertical piers carrying a continuous prestressed hollow box superstructure of six spans. It incorporates an earthquake resistant feature that is unique in New Zealand and rare in the world. In an earthquake the pier bases could lift up to 13 cm to allow energy and pressure to shift from one pier leg to the other. The rocking action is controlled by large "energy dissipaters" installed in the pier bases.

The 6th highest viaduct in New Zealand is the 73 m high, 160 m long Kawhatau viaduct spanning the Kawhatau River. It is the middle viaduct on the Mangaweka Deviation opened in 1981, and is of almost identical construction and dimensions as the North Rangitikei Viaduct described above. The central span is a clear 110 m long, the longest equal span of any railway bridge in New Zealand.