Thanks to smart engineering, these journeys allow you to traverse snowy alpine passes, remote national parks, volcanic fields and windswept coastlines. It's all about the comfort of a reclining seat and wide views through panoramic windows!
Maximise the scenery you’ll see with one of these rail travel experiences.
Travelling through the heart of the country, The Northern Explorer travels between Wellington and Auckland. Heading north you'll traverse the rugged Kapiti Coast cross the plains of the Manawatu and wind through the tightly packed hills of the Rangitikei where you'll pass over many spectacular viaducts. Then it's across The Volcanic Plateau before you traverse the lush farmland of the Waikato and on to Auckland.
The route across the Volcanic Plateau offers great views of Tongariro National Park, home to Mordor from the Lord of the Rings trilogies. Ancient lava flows, native beech forest and deep river gorges can be spotted along with the park’s three active volcanoes (Mount Ruapehu, Mount Tongariro, and Mount Ngauruhoe). You’ll also go through the astounding engineering feat that is the Raurimu Spiral.
Passengers can choose to sit around tables, or in recliners that can be rotated to face whichever direction the train is travelling. The carriage windows are non-tinted, non-reflective glass — optimal for taking pictures as you travel. Overhead HD screens keep track of your journey while an automated commentary is available via headphones at your seat.
We recommend: Travelling in a southbound direction, starting in Auckland.
Located in the Coromandel, this railway trip traverses a narrow gorge and provides a thrilling insight into the history of the area. Originally, the railway was developed by an acclaimed potter, Barry Brickell as a means of transporting clay to his kiln.
The carriages journey through regenerating kauri forest and native bush ending with soaring views of the Hauraki Gulf and surrounding islands. You’ll also see interesting pottery sculptures and outdoor art lining the tracks as you go.
We recommend: Taking the time to see the Driving Creek Wildlife Sanctuary on any tour that includes The Coromandel Peninsula.
Travelling in specially adapted golf carts along decommissioned railway lines, you'll cross bridges and pass through tunnels to faded ghost towns. Visit the Whangamomona, a thriving pre-war town that declared itself an Independent Republic in the late 1980’s. The population is only 40 people but the Republic is a must-see destination / experience.
As you travel, you’ll learn about the pioneers who built this line, allowing for jobs such as coal mining and farming, only viable due to the railway. You’ll go through abandoned train stations, decaying with age all of which add to the eerie ‘apocalypse now’ experience. Choose between one and four-day tours.
We recommend: Spending at least two days to get the most out of this experience.
From Christchurch to Greymouth (or vice versa) the TranzAlpine is considered one of the world's greatest scenic railway journeys. Cross the Canterbury Plains, travelling through the river valleys and gorges of the Waimakariri. Then ascend the Southern Alps and take in the sheer grandeur of these dramatic snow covered peaks. The track then descends through native beech rainforest, before you arrive on the coast in the town of Greymouth.
Huge panoramic windows and an open-air viewing car enable better photography and passengers can choose to sit one way or around a table. As with the Northern Explorer, HD screens track the journey while at-seat audio commentary is available throughout.
We recommend: Taking your time and choosing to stay overnight along the way.