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Train travel

TranzAlpine Journey | Christchurch - Greymouth - Christchurch, New Zealand

By Great Journeys of NZ

Tranz Alpine journey, Christchurch - Canterbury

TranzAlpine Cass bank from Long Hill, Christchurch - Canterbury

By KiwiRail

Couple aboard the Coastal Pacific, New Zealand

Get a front row seat for spectacular scenery when you travel by train in New Zealand.

Take a one way train trip or sit back and relax with a return journey. It’s the simplest way to experience New Zealand’s rich diversity and breathtaking beauty.

Rail travel takes you deeper into New Zealand’s landscapes and shows you all sorts of scenic wonders that often aren’t visible from the road.    

There are three main  scenic rail journeys  in New Zealand, traversing the North and South Islands.   

Some rail services also connect the regions, and there are suburban trains within Wellington and Auckland.   

The great train journeys of New Zealand

Popular scenic train trips in new zealand.

The Great Journeys are the three scenic rail trips across New Zealand:  

• The Northern Explorer – a day-long trip between Auckland and Wellington  
• The Coastal Pacific – travels the east coast of the South Island between Picton and Christchurch  
• The TranzAlpine – an internationally-renowned train trip that crosses the Southern Alps on its journey between Christchurch and Greymouth.   

Travel in luxury on all three train journeys with spacious carriages that offer comfortable seating and large panoramic windows for expansive scenic views.   

There is also an Open-Air Viewing Carriage where you can step outside to get closer to nature.   

A Scenic Café car serves meals, drinks and snacks to savour with the scenery.  

Book overnight stops in advance and spend time exploring the towns and settlements along the way.    

Northern Explorer  

The Northern Explorer is a 12-hour train trip between New Zealand’s biggest city, Auckland, and its capital, Wellington, in the North Island.   

The 648km trip takes you through the volcanic heart of the North Island into the dual UNESCO World Heritage site of Tongariro National Park, which is home to three volcanic peaks: Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro. In winter, this area transforms into a snowy wonderland, while in summer months it is a rocky, otherworldly landscape.   

You’ll experience the famous Raurimu Spiral, a single-track railway spiral described as “an engineering masterpiece” and towering viaducts. You’ll see cliffs clad in lush native bush, and travel through rolling rural farmland.  

Coastal Pacific   

This picturesque six-hour journey travels the east coast of the South Island between Picton in the north and Christchurch in the south.   

It offers incredible views of the Kaikōura Ranges on one side and the swells of the Pacific Ocean on the other.   

You’ll travel through New Zealand’s biggest and most famous wine region of Marlborough, pass the salt fields of Lake Grassmere (where the waters turn pink in the summer heat) and on to the coastal settlement of Kaikōura – famous for its seafood and whale watching.   

Look out for the sperm whales that visit Kaikōura year-round, or spot orca over summer and humpback whales in our winter months of June and July. Keep a watch for seals and penguins along the rocky coastline too.   

Your journey also takes you across the patchwork of the Canterbury Plains, criss-crossed by vast braided rivers. In total, the Coastal Pacific carries you through 22 tunnels and across 175 bridges.    

TranzAlpine  

The TranzAlpine is regarded as one of the world’s greatest train trips, as it travels coast to coast across the South Island’s stunning Southern Alps.   

The five-hour journey runs between the city of Christchurch in the east, to the river town of Greymouth on the rugged West Coast.   

Highlights include an ascent into the Southern Alps, travelling through stunning Arthur’s Pass National Park and the Otira tunnel.  

You’ll traverse breath-taking bridges and viaducts, and see snow-capped mountains, lakes, braided rivers, and the diverse forest landscapes and steep gorges of Arthur’s Pass.  

The 223.8-kilometre journey includes 19 tunnels and four viaducts.    

Train travel packages  in New Zealand

See a new side of New Zealand with scenic rail short breaks and packages (opens in new window) . These train trips depart from Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch and range from two to five days.   

Explore cities or discover the beautiful scenery and natural wonders of the regions. The packages include t rain travel, accommodation, meals and selected local tours and attractions.   

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Great Journeys NZ

Our scenic train journeys have been named among the top train experiences in the world.

Through the connected rail network of Great Journeys New Zealand , passengers are able to travel from Auckland in the North through to Greymouth on the West Coast of the South Island, experiencing New Zealand’s famous coastlines and mountains along the way.

KiwiRail’s tourism services help drive New Zealand’s regional growth, bringing thousands of tourists each year to cities such as Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, and to regions including Waikato, Ruapehu, Manawatu, Marlborough, Kaikōura and the West Coast.

A sustainable option

Not only are our journeys spectacular, they are a sustainable option for experiencing the beauty of Aotearoa with fewer carbon emissions than road travel, enhancing the safety and beauty of the country. We are proud to have signed up to the New Zealand Tourism Sustainability Commitment. Learn more about KiwiRail’s sustainability goals .

To book tickets, visit Great Journeys New Zealand . 

Great Journeys New Zealand include:

Northern explorer.

New Zealand's longest running passenger service, Northern Explorer travels between Auckland and Wellington, stopping at Palmerston North, Ohakune, National Park and Hamilton. Highlights include the journey through the Tongariro National Park, with its three spectacular volcanic mountains, and the famous Raurimu Spiral.

Coastal Pacific

Our Coastal Pacific train operates seven days a week over summer, until 5 May 2024 from Christchurch to Picton and returns to a four day schedule in September 2024 during summer. With the sea stretching to the horizon in the east and the Kaikōura mountains stretching to the sky in the west, Coastal Pacific is one of the most beautiful journeys in New Zealand.

TranzAlpine

TranzAlpine runs return services 7 days a week between Christchurch and Greymouth during summer and operates 4 days a week over the winter period. It has been named among the world’s top train journeys and covers 223km (139 miles) one-way, taking just under five hours. Passengers experience the majestic Canterbury Plains and mighty Southern Alps on their journey to the beautiful West Coast.

KiwiRail is one of New Zealand’s largest employers with proud KiwiRail staff operating in more than 50 towns and cities across the country.

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• Bus and Train Travel

These New Train Tours Might Be the Most Stunning Way to See New Zealand

Expect panoramic views of lush forests, sparkling coastlines, rolling hills, small towns, and big cities.

Laura Beausire is a Colorado-based writer with three decades of experience covering travel, art, design, and outdoor adventure. She has a master’s degree in art history and a background working in galleries and teaching design history. When she’s not on a hiking trail, Laura contributes to Wine Enthusiast, Food & Wine, Condé Nast Traveler, Shondaland, Hemispheres, Fodor’s, Mountain Living, and many other publications.

Picasa/Courtesy of Great Journeys New Zealand

The wonders of New Zealand require a visitor’s full attention, so why not give your eyes a treat and roll through the country on a scenic train ride ? Great Journeys New Zealand offers a brand-new collection of multiday, guided rail tours that sweep across spectacular landscapes on both North and South islands .

The just-launched rail adventures take three existing train lines and mix them with a fresh crop of guided tour itineraries — ranging from six to 17 days — leading guests on a variety of off-rail excursions in search of Kiwi experiences. The Northern Explorer train starts in Auckland and runs just over 400 miles south to New Zealand’s capital city of Wellington. Along the way, tours bring guests to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves and into Tongariro National Park, where they’ll see towering Mount Ruapehu. After crossing the 58-mile Cook Strait aboard the Interislander ferry, travelers can transfer to the Coastal Pacific train at Picton. The route passes through Blenheim’s vineyards and hugs Kaikōura's coast (renowned for whale sightings) on the way to Christchurch. Finally, the TranzAlpine train traverses the Canterbury Plains and the Southern Alps between Christchurch and Greymouth. Private coach or shuttle tours can whisk passengers to nearby destinations, including Queenstown and Milford Sound.

Heyworth R&F/Courtesy of Great Journeys New Zealand

“Great Journeys New Zealand takes travelers through some of the country's most stunning and diverse landscapes, from rolling hills and lush forests to rugged coastlines and sparkling oceans,” says Mark Hockley, senior tour manager and partnership specialist at Great Journeys New Zealand. “The scenic routes provide panoramic views that can't be found by road, and the relaxed and comfortable train ride allows travelers to sit back, relax, and fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of New Zealand .”

Tour guides provide local insights and personal introductions. “There’s a story at every stop, from tales about Kiwiana culture to facts about New Zealand's curious birds, the history of Māori culture, geology in volcanic regions, rock formations, orientation of cities and locations in New Zealand, and so much more,” Hockley says. An audio commentary system, triggered by GPS, offers additional facts and historical background as the train chugs along. “The views really are breathtaking — from the volcanic peaks of Middle Earth in Ruapehu to sighting the mystical Blue Lake in the northern reaches of New Zealand's Southern Alps — but we also visit local stores and meet sheep farmers and winemakers, and hear their stories along the way,” he says.

“Māori storytelling and legends are woven into every guide's narrative throughout all trips — it's an important part of the New Zealand experience,” says Hockley. “We offer unique cultural experiences on many of our tours, ranging from visiting a Māori village to tasting Māori food, learning about Māori arts and crafts, and more.”

Courtesy of Great Journeys New Zealand

Scenic Class carriages are open and airy, thanks to panoramic windows and skylights, with spacious seating and airbag suspension for a comfy ride. Open carriages are also available — perfect for fresh-air viewing and photography. When you’re hungry, the onboard Scenic Cafe offers New Zealand wine and beer selections, along with dishes showcasing local ingredients, from roasted free-range chicken with Manuka honey to High Country lamb to South Island hot-smoked salmon salad. Starting April 14, Great Journeys will add Scenic Plus service , with a new, custom-built carriage plus a dedicated chef.

Tours are offered on specific dates from January through early May, and travelers can choose between Classic (six to 15 days, with a maximum group size of 35) or Signature (six to 17 days, with a maximum group size of 20). 

Rail Holiday Specialists

Explore tours, experience nz or australia by rail, rail adventures, welcome to loco journeys.

Now that you have found us, we’ll let you in on our secret; there is simply no better way to see the world, than to travel by train.

From the fabled TranzAlpine, The Ghan or the expeditious Indian Pacific, LOCO can build you an amazing rail touring experience based on great rail journeys across New Zealand and Australia.  LOCO Journeys offers a full travel service from rail trip reservations to curating multi-day itineraries including flights, accommodation, car-hire and activities. Experience our adventurous journeys by rail. #liveloco

Get your FREE New Zealand Rail Holiday Guide

Do you want to experience New Zealand rail tours in the best possible way? Sign-up for LOCO Journeys New Zealand rail brochure here and find out how.

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our favourite NEw ZEALAND RAIL Journey

Travel the south island on the unique sir edmund hillary explorer tour, new zealand’s best rail tour seats selling fast….

Departing:  Dec 2024 & Jan-April 2025 13 Days   | NZ$7,995 per person

Inspired by one of the greatest and most iconic adventurers of our time, the Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer invites you on an epic journey by rail and luxury coach through the majestic South Island of New Zealand.

Exclusive: Book your tour through LOCO Journeys and receive a FREE historic Wellington Cable Car journey.

Featured Tours

3 great journeys by loco journeys.

If your ambition is to travel on each of NZ’s scenic trains, our Three Great Journeys will achieve your dream. A fully flexible independent tour, it will match your time, budget and expectations.

NZ Rail Adventure

Enjoy a taste of each of New Zealand’s scenic rail experiences on this NZ rail adventure, including a distinctive ride on the Glenbrook Vintage Steam Railway.

Southern Alps in Winter Glory

Traversing the Alps bedecked in its winter cloak delivers a very special magic. This trip offers the opportunity to experience it two-fold, once by road and again by TranzAlpine train.

Destinations

NEW ZEALAND

There are relatively few journeys available but wow, they deliver some truly spectacular travel experiences, taking you to the destinations you want to see with some stunning vistas along the way.

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NORTH ISLAND, NZ

Explore the North Island’s beautiful vistas. Find popular train services such as the Northern Explorer or visit some of the most popular vineyards around Wellington with our Martinborough Getaway by Train...

SOUTH ISLAND, NZ

Discover the South Island of New Zealand through LOCO’s selection of enticing rail tours and packages. Choose from the famous Tranzalpine, the Coastal Pacific or other great rail tours to meet your specific needs...

Stretching from coast to coast, you can criss-cross overland through the vast interior on some of the most epic rail journeys on offer, reaching all of Australia's iconic destinations.

NZ Rail and Cruise Discovery

Join us on this comprehensive 19 day land, New Zealand rail and cruise journey from Christchurch to Wellington. Discover New Zealand on this wonderful tour.

Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer

Inspired by one of the most iconic adventurers of our time, this is an epic journey by heritage steam train and luxury coach. FREE Wellington Cable Car trip when you book with LOCO Journeys.

View all Specials >

About Loco Journeys

Loco Journeys is proud to present an unrivalled collection of first-rate rail holidays to global destinations, featuring outstanding and world-famous train journeys. Loco guarantees you unforgettable travel experiences and memories that will last a lifetime.

More about us FAQ

From our guests

“we are back from our amazing holiday. everything worked like clockwork, no complaints about anything. we loved the ghan, everything about it was amazing... thank you so much for all your planning and organisation, it all worked like a charm.”.

Margaret Read

“I just wanted to say my partner and had a great time away on our trip. I posted some photos on social media and my friends want to do the same trip!”

Michelle Kerley

“Thank you so much. Your help has been amazing Kylie. Very much appreciated.”

Melissa Fraser

“Thank you so much for this and your work. I have recommended you to a few people... You were wonderful and helped to make our trip so easy when not on a tour as such.”

Marion Robinson

Train travel in New Zealand is a scenic experience

Each of the three scenic passenger rail journeys in New Zealand are unique, with views from the Northern Explorer train showing you the diverse countryside of the North Island - towering viaducts, spectacular gorges, hidden valleys, to the rugged coastline of the South Island, seen from the Coastal Pacific train to the mountain alpine scenery from the TranzAlpine train. 

Travel in air-conditioned, centrally heated, carpeted carriages that have an advanced air bag suspension system for quieter and smoother travel, un-tinted, non-reflective, panoramic side and roof windows to capture the dramatic coastal and mountain views, GPS triggered journey commentary in two languages (English and Mandarin) at your seat via headphones, plus information displays, overhead HD video and onboard washroom facilities.

Enjoy the Scenic Class experience onboard all services with a range of fresh food and beverages available from the café car. Seating is comfortable '2 Seat-Aisle-2 Seat' reclining seats with head rests or 'Table Group' (4 people around a table) seating - great for families, small groups or meeting new friends.

Scenic Plus class is now available on the TranzAlpine train and will return to the Coastal Pacific train from 14 December 2023 and the Northern Explorer train from 15 May 2024. Take your seat in the exclusive carriage and enjoy an enhanced dining experience where both hot and cold dishes are freshly made in the kitchen carriage. The locally inspired, seasonal dishes are served at your seat while you sit back and enjoy the spectacular scenery, The complimentary drinks menu including world famous New Zealand wines are carefully selected to match the sumptuous lunch and afternoon tea. Dedicated hosts are on hand to answer questions, add local knowledge and to ensure the best journey possible.

For mobility-impaired passengers, there are spaces for wheel chairs and a disabled public toilet. Wheelchair hoists provide access to the cafe carriage from track level. For hearing-impaired passengers - a hearing loop covers all of the cafe carriage saloon and serving area. 

All long distance passenger trains have a cafe carriage serving a range of snacks, light meals and non-alcoholic/alcoholic drinks and open air viewing carriage.

Your friendly onboard train crew are there to provide assistance to make your travel a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

With connecting scenic coach services, you can travel south from either Greymouth or Christchurch to the West Coast Glaciers, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Invercargill, Mt Cook/Aoraki, Invercargill (for ferry services to Stewart Island), Dunedin or from Auckland to Paihia in the Bay of Islands and the thermal wonderland of Rotorua.

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Luxury Bike Experiences

Truly see the South Islands rugged beauty, our luxury cycle experiences let you discover the best of what our regions have to offer. With a variety of bespoke itineraries, you get the serendipity that comes with an adventure paired with personalised services, luxurious accommodation and delicious cuisine.

You will experience all the unique differences we offer when you explore with us.  

Our Cycling Experiences

We are the only company specializing in luxury cycle experiences in Central Otago and beyond since 2004. See below for what’s possible…

THE PREMIER

Alps 2 ocean.

Join us on New Zealand’s premier Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Experience. Our luxury experience will take you on a culinary journey along some of New Zealand’s most spectacular cycle trails surrounded by the Southern Alps and past turquoise lakes. Indulge in luxurious and experience a highly personalised service like no other, creating memories and a cycle experience of a lifetime.

Otago Central Rail Trail Experience

Our premier Otago Central Rail Trail experience takes you on an enchanting journey through New Zealand’s picturesque landscapes. Along the way you will be able to enjoy other activities with our comprehensive itinerary including perfecting the art of curling amidst the stunning backdrop of Naseby, and exploring the iconic Vulcan Hotel and sapphire-hued oasis of the Blue Lake at St Bathan’s.  Enjoy boutique/luxury accommodation along with delicious cuisine.

THE CLASSIC

Discover the charm of the Otago Central Rail Trail – an enchanting journey through New Zealand’s picturesque landscapes. Pedal through historic gold mining towns, relish the serenity of vast plains, and immerse yourself in local hospitality.   As you explore the trail biking from Clyde to Middlemarch you’ll enjoy a unique blend of adventure and tranquility that makes the Otago Central Rail Trail an unforgettable experience.

Bikes & Boats Experience

The Lake Dunstan and Roxburgh Gorge Trails

Perfect for a short get away or combined with the Otago Central Rail Trail, Our Luxury Bikes & Boats experience allows for a unique perspective of two of New Zealand’s finest cycle trails. Learn about the gold mining history & hidden gems of the Lake Roxburgh Gorge Trail. Marvel at the feat of engineering that has gone into the Lake Dunstan Trail.  Incorporating spectacular scenery, boat rides, cycling, wineries, luxury accommodation & award winning food – this experience has something for everyone!

Central Otago Gold

The Otago Central Rail Trail, Roxburgh Gorge Trail and Lake Dunstan Trail

Experience three of Central Otago’s greatest trails. Based from your luxury accommodation in Clyde, you will get to sample three amazing and very different trails, giving you a taste of what cycling in Central Otago has to offer, all done in style and luxury.

Looking for a luxury adventure for just the day? We offer some great options!

Exploring New Zealand’s original great ride to enjoying a ride with a scenic cruise or jet boat tour, taking in breathtaking views from different vantage points.

On one of our quality full suspension e-mountain bikes, we can take you to the hills (literally) and explore the awesomeness that is Matangi Station MTB park or enjoy miles of challenging single-track with breathtaking panoramic views at Flat Top Hill (both are for intermediate and advanced riders).

We also offer a sneaky half day ride.

BACK COUNTRY

An amazing overnight E-Bike experience taking you from the River Track and the confluence of might Clutha and Manuherikia rivers, along the Otago Central Rail Trail then up to the highlands of the Ida Valley and Poolburn Dam. This is an exclusive Luxury Trail Company experience.

An amazing 2 night/ 3day E-Bike experience taking you from the shores of Lake Wanaka then along the bluffs of Lake Hawea. Spend 2 nights and have exclusive access to an iconic highcountry sheep and cattle station in a spectacular location. This is an exclusive Luxury Trail Company experience.

We only do luxury

You will experience all the unique differences we offer when you explore with us. With luxurious accommodation and delicious cuisine combined with personalised service. We will provide an experience to remember.

ACCOMMODATION

Luxury lodgings.

As part of our bespoke itineraries, you will end each day in style with luxury accommodation. We have handpicked your accommodation options with luxury, absolute comfort and spectacular views at the forefront of our selections.

Ending each day with style

As part of our unique itineraries, you will only ever stay in luxury accommodation and the best available depending on where you are. We have done our research and found the best throughout the Otago region and beyond. Handpicked accommodation that boasts character, refinement and absolute comfort. You will always finish your day with peace of mind, knowing that what is at the end of your ride that day is just pure luxury and relaxation.

Exquisite Dining

Gourmet dining

Our Experiences aim to take you on not just amazing cycling adventures but also amazing culinary journeys from fine dining to classic pub meals and great pies. Enjoy the breathtaking Central Otago Trails and more with us and you’ll also get to indulge in some of the finest gourmet wining and dining available.

More hidden gems

Although you will get to see more than you may dream of on our Experiences, there are still so many more hidden gems in the Otago region that you might not want to miss! Check out our Explore page to see what other highlights you can add to your adventure.

What people say

• Alps 2 Ocean Premier
• Otago Central Rail Trail Classic
• Otago Central Rail Trail Premier
• The Premier Bikes & Boats Experience
• The Premier Central Otago Gold

Snake on a bullet train causes rare railway delay in Japan

Almost nothing stops Japan's famous high-speed bullet trains from running exactly on time - but a tiny snake slithering through a passenger carriage will do the trick, albeit for just 17 minutes.

On Tuesday, a commuter reported to station staff in Tokyo that a 40cm snake had been spotted in the carriage of a train arriving from Nagoya, according to the Central Japan Railway Company.

The train had been scheduled to depart for the city of Osaka, but was instead put out of service as a precaution. Another train had to be assigned to the route, causing a delay that, while brief by many other national railway standards, was relatively significant for Japan's relentlessly punctual service.

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No injuries were reported. Over 600 passengers were affected by the delay.

The breed of the snake is unknown, and a review is underway to determine how the snake got on board, the railway company told CNN.

The bullet train, known as Shinkansen in Japan, is known for its efficiency as well as speeds of up to 320km/h. Commuters in Japan have come to expect its reliability.

In 2017, a conductor on one service, the Tsukuba Express, triggered a network apology after he departed 20 seconds early.