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Train travel in europe..., train travel in asia..., train travel in africa..., train travel in america..., train travel in australasia, see new zealand by train.

Whether you're an overseas visitor or a born-and-bred New Zealander, trains are the best way to travel between New Zealand's three main cities, Auckland, Wellington and (with a little help from the Interislander ferry) Christchurch.  Trains are also the way to reach the North Island's Tongariro National Park, the South Island's west coast at Greymouth, the whale-watching and dolphin-swimming centre at Kaikoura or the Marlborough vineyards at Blenheim.  See the route map opposite.

Unlike domestic flights, the trains take you at ground level past superb scenery that can't be seen by road, in civilised comfort that cramped and uncivilised long-distance buses can't match.  So ditch that short-haul flight and actually see New Zealand!

New Zealand's long-distance trains are operated by Kiwi Rail's passenger division, originally called Tranz Scenic but returned to public ownership in 2008 as KiwiRail Scenic and in 2017 rebranded yet again as Great Journeys of New Zealand .  Who knows what it will be called next year?  This page explains routes, train times, fares, the best way to buy tickets, and what there is to see on the journey.

Train times, fares, tickets

Other useful information

Interactive route map.

Click a route for info.

Useful country information

Auckland to wellington by train.

The train ride from Auckland to Wellington over the North Island Main Trunk Railway is an amazing experience and one of my favourite journeys.  So ditch that domestic flight or nightmare bus journey and ride the Northern Explorer from downtown Auckland to central Wellington, in comfort at ground level.  Stop off if you like at the Tongariro National Park.  This is an epic 681 kilometre (423 mile) journey right across the interior of the North Island, taking you in a single day past every kind of scenery there is, from coastline to volcanoes to mountains, from lush green farmland to thick New Zealand rainforest.  The historic North Island Main Trunk Railway was completed in 1908 and includes such feats of engineering at the Raurimu Spiral , Turangarere Horseshoe & Makatote Viaduct.

For times, fares, information & photos, see the Northern Explorer page .

Wellington to Picton by ferry

New Zealand's Interislander is one of the most scenic ferry crossings in the world, easily the best way between the North & South Islands - a genuine experience, not a mere flight.  There are up to 5 daily sailings across the Cook Strait between Wellington and Picton, crossing time 3½ hours.  The 08:45 sailing from Wellington and 14:15 sailing from Picton connect with the Coastal Pacific train to/from Christchurch, see the Wellington-Christchurch timetable below .  The Cook Strait has a reputation for choppy seas, but in reality only a third of the crossing is actually in the Strait itself, most of it is in very sheltered waters, and in my experience it was rock steady on the big, modern and stabilised ferry Kaitaki .

Interislander sailings from Wellington:  06:15*, 08:45, 13:00, 15:45, 20:30**.

Interislander sailings from picton:  07:30*, 11:00*, 14:15, 18:30, 20:35..

Crossing time 3½ hours.  * Not Mondays.  ** Not Saturdays.

Times vary by season, so check ferry fares & times at www.greatjourneysofnz.co.nz/interislander . 

In Wellington , the Interislander terminal is a long walk north of the railway station, but a free shuttle bus clearly marked Interislander leaves from platform 9 at the railway station 50 minutes before each sailing.  The journey time is 5 minutes.  Foot passengers must check in at the terminal at least 30 minutes before sailing time.  All heavy baggage is checked in so only hand luggage is carried on board.  Passengers connecting with the train to Christchurch can check in bags in Wellington all the way through to Christchurch.

In Picton , the Interislander terminal is 200 metres from the station.  All heavy baggage is checked in so only hand luggage needs to be carried on board.

The 08:25 sailing from Wellington & 13:15 sailing from Picton connect with the Coastal Pacific train to/from Christchurch.  You can book combined Wellington-Christchurch ferry & train tickets  online at www.greatjourneysofnz.co.nz , but see the advice bee below to get the cheaper tickets.  Both these sailings are normally operated by the Kaitaki , the largest ferry in New Zealand waters.

The Kaitaki may look familiar to ferry travellers from Ireland or the UK.  She started life in 1995 as the Isle of Innisfree on the Irish Ferries Holyhead-Dublin and Pembroke-Rosslare routes, and later the P&O's Pride of Cherbourg on the Portsmouth-Cherbourg route.  The Interislander ferry company was started in 1962 by New Zealand Railways, hence its close connections with the train service to Christchurch.  Another ferry company also operates several daily ferries between Wellington and Picton, www.bluebridge.co.nz , but these ferries don't connect with the train to Christchurch.

Kaitaki Plus first class lounge:   For an extra NZ$80 paid on board, you can access the Kaitaki Plus lounge with quiet seating, power sockets, free WiFi, complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and a free light hot meal.  Over-18s only.  On the down side, the views from the lounge are slightly obstructed, and you may spend much of the crossing on deck, gazing at the scenery!

A voyage on the Interislander

The ship sails out of the Interislander terminal at Wellington and heads out of the harbour in a wide arc with views of Wellington's seafront.

It passes the suburb of Seatoun on the right and exits the harbour into the Cook strait separating the North and South Islands.  Also on the right are some wicked-looking rocks, including the Barrett Reef where the Lyttelton-Wellington overnight ferry m/v Wahine came to grief in a storm in 1968.

The crossing of the Cook Strait itself only lasts an hour, and at the other side the ferry passes between narrow headlands into the Tory Channel.  Named after the "Tory", a migrant ship which passed through the channel in 1840, the Tory Channel is one of the Marlborough Sounds, a narrow channel between Arapawa Island on the right and a strip of mainland on the left.

The ship slowly follows this channel, through an 's' bend, entering the larger Queen Charlotte Sound and finally arriving at Picton, a small town and the railhead for the South island.

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Picton to Christchurch by train

The most comfortable and scenic way to travel from Wellington to Christchurch is to take the famous Interislander ferry and the connecting Coastal Pacific train.  Named TranzCoastal until 2011, the train has now regained its original name Coastal Pacific .

* Runs from late September until late April.  Runs every day in summer, February-April.  For exact dates see www.greatjourneysofnz.co.nz .  The Coast Pacific used to run daily all year but was reduced to running in New Zealand's summer season only.  It was planned to restore all-year-round running in 2019, but this didn't happen.

One class of seating, cafe-bar, open-air viewing platform.

There are other Wellington-Picton Interislander ferry sailings, see www.greatjourneysofnz.co.nz/interislander , only the rail-connected sailing is shown here.  It leaves Wellington at 08:45 on some dates, and northbound times vary too, so always check for your date of travel.

Children aged 2-14 travel at reduced fare.  Infants under 2 travel free.

How to buy tickets

Option 1 , you can buy Wellington-Christchurch combined train+ferry tickets (or tickets between any other two stations on this route) at KiwiRail's official passenger train website www.greatjourneysofnz.co.nz with print-your-own tickets.

Option 2 , you can buy tickets for the train and for the ferry at 12go.com , a reliable agency.  The process is easy, but you need to book the Wellington-Picton ferry and Picton-Christchurch train separately.  Tickets are usually confirmed within 24h and sent by email.

Option 3 , tour operator Railbookers offers various holidays & tours around New Zealand which include train travel, more information here .

What's the train like?

The Coastal Pacific uses new AK panoramic sightseeing coaches built in KiwiRail's Dunedin workshops in New Zealand in 2011-2012.  These replace the old rebuilt 1930s & 1940s carriages used until 2012. Photos courtesy of James Chuang

Comfortable seats , most facing direction of travel, some in bays of 4 around a table, all lining up with huge panoramic windows (note the roof skylights too!), with loads of legroom even if you're over six feet tall.  Seats are not always allocated at booking, but by the train manager before departure.  However, if you book by phone (or book online and then call KiwiRail's freephone number when you get to NZ and quote your booking reference) you can make a seating request.  For example, four friends or family travelling together could request one of the few bays of 4 seats facing each other around a table, keen photographers could request a seat close to the viewing platform.  Requests can't be guaranteed, of course, but it doesn't hurt to ask!  All your heavy baggage is checked in to the baggage van, only hand luggage may be taken into the seating coaches.  All seats in the new 'AK' cars have power sockets for mobiles, laptops or cameras (New Zealand voltage and plug, of course).  Larger photo .

New Premium class:   From October 2020, a new Premium class carriage was added to the Coastal Pacific, with extra-legroom extra-width reclining seats arranged 2+1 across the car width (the usual cars have seats 2+2 across the car) and included food & wine, served at your seat.

Cafe-bar:   In the centre of the train is a counter selling tea, coffee, wine, beer, spirits, snacks & light microwaveable meals at reasonable prices.  I can recommend a cream tea in the afternoon, and a glass of Sauvignon Blanc!  You can buy at the counter and take your food & drink back to your seat, but staff also come through the train taking orders for delivery to your seat.  Bring cash, as cards are sometimes not accepted if the credit card machine is out of cellphone range.  Larger photo .

Open-air viewing platform:   At the Wellington end of the train (rear going north, behind the locomotive going south) is a large open-air viewing platform, ideal for seeing and photographing the scenery, with no glass in between you and it.  Children must be accompanied.  The viewing cars now have additional rails to prevent you leaning out.

What's the journey like?

Travel tips, about the journey, christchurch to greymouth by train.

The TranzAlpine is the most scenic train journey in New Zealand, and one of the most scenic train trips in the world.  Not surprisingly, it's become the most successful of all the Kiwi Rail Great Journeys passenger train services, very popular with tour groups because of the spectacular crossing of the Southern Alps between Christchurch and the South Island's west coast at Greymouth.  It's a fantastic trip, though in my opinion neither as epic or as historically-significant as the Auckland-Wellington Northern Explore r .

See the TranzAlpine page for times, fares & details .

Christchurch to Dunedin & Invercargill

Once important cities, Dunedin and Invercargill have declined in importance and apparently no longer justify a proper train service to the rest of New Zealand.  The last Christchurch-Dunedin-Invercargill train service, the daily "Southerner" over the South island's Main South Line, was withdrawn in 2004.  Nowadays, anyone wishing to reach these towns must endure a long bus journey from Christchurch.  Here are the main bus services, although an additional bus may run on Fridays and Sundays.  Please check times before travelling at the bus operator websites,   www.intercity.co.nz .

Fares & how to buy tickets

 Christchurch-Dunedin costs NZ$33-$46.  Christchurch-Invercargill costs NZ$35-$67.  You can check fares and book bus tickets online at www.intercity.co.nz .

Christchurch to Queenstown & Milford Sound

There were never any train services to Queenstown, although historically you might have taken a slow train from Invercargill to Kingston (the preserved Kingston Flyer train uses part of this route), then a steamer across Lake Wakatipu to Queenstown, a route on which Queenstown's famous 100-year old working steamship Earnslaw would have worked.  Today, there are bus services operated by national operator Intercity.  You need to change buses and overnight in Queenstown if you are travelling to/from Milford Sound.

 You can check times, fares and book bus tickets online at www.intercity.co.nz .

Dunedin - Queenstown by train

The taieri gorge railway.

The most rewarding way to travel between Dunedin and Queenstown was via the Taieri Gorge Railway's Track & Trail train/bus link, but sadly they no longer offer this train-bus combo (perhaps you could arrange a private transfer between Pukerangi & Queenstown using a Queenstown taxi service?).  However, you can still ride the Taieri Gorge Railway ( www.dunedinrailways.co.nz ), a preserved railway running daily year-round tourist trains through spectacular scenery over part of the old Dunedin-Cromwell branch railway.  Leaving from the beautiful and much-photographed 1906 railway station in Dunedin's town centre, it travels a few kilometres south over the South Island Main Trunk Line (still well-used for freight but sadly with no passenger service) before branching off inland through the scenic gorge that gives the line its name.  The train terminates at Pukerangi, 58 km from Dunedin, extended to Middlemarch on summer Fridays & Sundays, 76 km from Dunedin.  Highly recommended!  The Taieri Gorge Railway now also operates a tourist train called the Seasider along the main line between Dunedin and Palmerston.

U pdate:  The Taieri Gorge Railway ceased operating to Pukerangi, although now runs some seasonal trains on shorter runs, see www.dunedinrailways.co.nz

* = The railway no longer offers an integrated bus connection.

To check times, fares & buy tickets, contact the Taieri Gorge Railway on www.dunedinrailways.co.nz or call (03) 477 4449.

Tours of New Zealand by train

Railbookers specialise in train-based tours and offer several tours of New Zealand with rail travel, including Essential New Zealand (8 days), Best of New Zealand (16 days), Scenic New Zealand (14 days) and Ultimate Tour of New Zealand (19 days), all of which can all be customised to your own requirements.

  UK call 0207 864 4600, www.railbookers.co.uk .

  us call free 1-888-829-4775, www.railbookers.com .,   canada call free 1-855-882-2910, www.railbookers.com .,   australia call toll-free 1300 971 526, www.railbookers.com.au .,   new zealand call toll-free 0800 000 554 or see website ., g uidebooks.

Click to buy online at Amazon.co.uk

Lonely Planet New Zealand     Rough Guide to New Zealand

Hotels in New Zealand

In Auckland , the Airedale Hotel or Mercure Auckland Hotel are both sound central choices, the latter right near the Britomart station and Devonport ferry terminal, though not the cheapest options. 

In Wellington , the Shepherds Arms Hotel is a cosy gastro pub just 15 minutes walk from Parliament and the city centre with friendly staff, great food and good beer.  A top choice!

Backpacker hostels

www.hostelworld.com :  If you're on a tight budget, don't forget about backpacker hostels.  Hostelworld offers online booking of cheap private rooms or dorm beds in backpacker hostels in many places in New Zealand at rock-bottom prices.

Flights to New Zealand

Overland travel by train & bus around New Zealand is an essential part of the experience, so once there, don't cheat and fly, stay on the ground!  But a long-haul flight might be unavoidable to reach New Zealand in the first place.

1)  Check flight prices at Opodo, www.opodo.com

2)  use skyscanner to compare flight prices & routes worldwide across 600 airlines....

3)  Lounge passes

Make the airport experience a little more bearable with a VIP lounge pass, it's not as expensive as you think!  See www.loungepass.com

Travel insurance & other tips

Always take out travel insurance.

Never travel overseas without travel insurance from a reliable insurer, with at least £1m or preferably £5m medical cover.  It should also cover cancellation and loss of cash and belongings, up to a sensible limit.  An annual multi-trip policy is usually cheaper than several single-trip policies even for just 2 or 3 trips a year, I have an annual policy with Staysure.co.uk myself.  Here are some suggested insurers.  Seat61 gets a small commission if you buy through these links.

Get an eSIM with mobile data package

Don't rely on WiFi, download an eSIM with a mobile data package for the country you're visiting and stay connected.  Most newer mobile phones can download a virtual SIM card so you don't need to buy a physical SIM, including iPhone 11 & later, see device compatibility list .  Maya.net is a reliable eSIM data retailer with a 4.5 out of 5 Trustpilot rating and a range of packages including unlimited data .

Get a Curve card for foreign travel

Most banks give you a poor exchange rate, then add a foreign transaction fee on top.  A Curve MasterCard means no foreign transaction fees and gives you the mid-market exchange rate, at least up to a certain limit, £500 per month at time of writing.  The money you spend on your Curve card goes straight onto one of your existing debit or credit cards.

How it works:   1. Download the Curve app for iPhone or Android .  2. Enter your details & they'll send you a Curve MasterCard - they send to the UK and most European addresses.  3. Link your existing credit & debit cards to the app, you can link up to two cards with the free version of Curve, I link my normal debit card and my normal credit card.  4. Now use the Curve MasterCard to buy things online or in person or take cash from ATMs, exactly like a normal MasterCard. Curve does the currency conversion and puts the balance in your own currency onto whichever debit or credit card is currently selected in the Curve app.  You can even change your mind about which card it goes onto, within 14 days of the transaction.

I have a Curve Blue card myself, it means I can buy a coffee on a foreign station on a card without being stung by fees and lousy exchange rates, just by tapping the Curve card on their card reader.  The money goes through Curve to my normal debit card and is taken directly from my account (in fact I have the Curve card set up as payment card on Apple Pay on my iPhone, so can double-click my phone, let it do Face ID then tap the reader with the phone - even easier than digging a card out).  I get a little commission if you sign up to Curve, but I recommend it here because I think it's great.  See details, download the app and get a Curve card , they'll give you £5 cashback through that link.

Get a VPN for safe browsing.  W hy you need a VPN

When you're travelling you often use free WiFi in public places which may not be secure.  A VPN encrypts your connection so it's always secure, even on unsecured WiFi.  It also means you can select the geographic location of the IP address you browse with, to get around geoblocking which a surprising number of websites apply.  See VPNs & why you need one explained .  ExpressVPN is a best buy with a 4.7 out of 5 Trustpilot ranking which I use myself - I've signed up as an ExpressVPN affiliate, and if you go with expressvpn.com using the links on this page, you should see a special deal, 3 months free with an annual subscription.  I get a small commission to help support this site.

Carry an Anker powerbank

Tickets, reservations, vaccination records and Interrail or Eurail passes are often held digitally on your mobile phone, so it's vital to keep it charged.  I always carry an Anker powerbank which can recharge my phone several times over if I can't get to a power outlet.  Buy from Amazon.co.uk or from Buy from Amazon.com .

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Travel New Zealand by train: cities, mountains and coasts

Dec 9, 2019 • 5 min read

From its beautiful coastline to its spectacular mountains, New Zealand is a place you visit for its scenery – and there’s no better way to gorge on its good looks than by train. Travelling at surface level, you can take in every detail of Aotearoa, stopping off along the way to see more. Here’s how.

Auckland to Wellington

The lengthiest of three long-distance rail journeys in New Zealand, this route takes in diverse landscapes on its ten-hour, 680 kilometre course across the North Island .

Before hitting the rails, make time to learn a little about the culture and attractions of Auckland . A good introduction to the nation’s first people, the Māori, is the Home Fires of Tāmaki Ōrākei tour, led by a tribe which has lived in the area for centuries. Or take a ferry to enjoy the city’s waterside setting and local produce on the Wine on Waiheke tour.

Then it’s time to catch the Northern Explorer train from the unassuming  Strand Station .

The train, however, is impressive, with a comfortable 2+2 seating layout which has plenty of leg room. Carriages are the same on all three long-distance rail routes, incorporating a good onboard café, as well as an open-sided observation car. The recorded commentary, delivered via headphones, is excellent (though it does include occasional colourful descriptions of historic rail accidents).

Given the length of this journey, it can be a good idea to break it up along the way. Hamilton is the first stop outside Auckland and from here it’s easy to visit the popular Hobbiton Movie Set near Matamata. On the outskirts of Hamilton are two other genteel attractions: the lovely Hamilton Gardens , with multiple gardens from different civilisations; and Zealong , New Zealand’s only tea farm, which offers high tea, a tour and a tea ceremony.

Back on the rails, hilly green farming country eventually gives way to the more dramatic terrain of the Central Plateau, which the train reaches by squealing its way up the curving Raurimu Spiral , an 1898 engineering marvel. Another potential break on the journey is National Park Station, where travellers can access Tongariro National Park and its mighty volcanic peaks.

The Northern Explorer ends its long journey by easing along the Kapiti Coast to Wellington , arriving at the most impressive railway station of the trip: a grand 1937 edifice from the golden age of rail travel.

Wellington to Christchurch

The capital has plenty to offer. In addition to an excellent dining scene – typified by Ortega Fish Shack on the edge of the lively Te Aro district – there are many cultural drawcards. Admire the new art gallery within the absorbing Te Papa national museum, or feed your Hobbit fixation by taking a tour of Weta Workshop , the design company heavily involved with The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movie trilogies.

Before you can catch your next train, there’s water to cross via the Interislander . This 3.5 hour ferry service navigates the Cook Strait from the North to South Island , finishing with a leisurely sail through the beautiful Marlborough Sounds to Picton. The ferries are sizeable vessels with food and entertainment on board.

From the ferry landing, it's a short walk to Picton Station and the Coastal Pacific . This train has only recently returned to service after its rails were damaged by the 2016 Kaikoura Earthquake. Running from September to April, it’s arguably the most scenic of the three rail routes, passing between mountains and ocean as it snakes southward for six hours and 348 kilometres to Christchurch .

One of its early stops is Blenheim , the hub of the Marlborough wine region. You can spot vineyards from the train, before it travels alongside the Pacific Ocean for a long stretch. Here nature takes centre stage – including a colony of fur seals lounging on craggy rocks just offshore. Near the town of Kaikoura there’s another impressive natural wonder: the Seaward Kaikoura Range, snow-topped inland mountains which run parallel to the tracks.

Finally, after returning to farming country, the train makes its way into Christchurch Station – a shiny new structure which replaced the station damaged in the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes which devastated the city.

Christchurch to Greymouth

Christchurch is a fascinating city, still in a process of change as it rebuilds from that geological double-punch. You can learn about that pivotal event at the excellent Quake City exhibition, or meet New Zealand’s unique wildlife at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve (which also hosts the Māori cultural show Ko Tane ). Or maybe just graze on treats bought at the brand-new Riverside food market.

This final long-distance rail trip is different from the others – instead of mountains providing a backdrop, they’re the heart of the experience. The TranzAlpine train takes five hours to cross the Southern Alps as it heads 223 kilometres from Christchurch across the South Island to the western port of Greymouth .

The first stretch of the journey cuts through the Canterbury Plains… then suddenly you’re within the mountains. For a while the TranzAlpine follows the Waimakariri River, a distinctive ‘braided’ watercourse which is fed by melting ice. High steel viaducts help the train through this craggy environment.

At 740 metres above sea level and surrounded by beech forest, Arthur’s Pass is a popular destination for hikers in summer and snow sports enthusiasts in winter. After this high point, the train eases out of the mountains to the lakeside town of Moana before terminating at Greymouth.

The TranzAlpine heads back to Christchurch an hour later, but it’s worth staying over in Greymouth to sample some of its sights: the quirky museum village of Shantytown ; the impressive coastal rock formations at Punakaiki; and the good food and beer served at the brewhouse of popular local-born brewer, Monteith’s . From North Island to South Island, a rail journey of that epic length deserves a toast.

Make it happen

Bookings for the above train and ferry services can be made via the Great Journeys of New Zealand website.

Tim Richards travelled with the assistance of Tourism New Zealand . Lonely Planet contributors do not accept freebies in exchange for positive coverage.

This article was first published December 2019 and updated December 2019

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The 5 Best Train Journeys in New Zealand

Backyard Production / Getty Images

Outside the greater Auckland and Wellington regions, train travel is not an everyday way of getting around in New Zealand. However, a small number of mostly long-distance routes provide a scenic and relaxed alternative to driving around New Zealand . One of these spans most of the length of the North Island, while the others traverse different regions of the South Island.

As well as connecting places of interest travelers, train travel has the benefit of allowing you to relax. Driving in New Zealand can be challenging because of the mountainous terrain and lack of highways, so including a train journey as part of your itinerary can allow you to relax and soak in the beautiful landscapes.

Here's what you need to know about the scenic train journeys of New Zealand.

Northern Explorer: Auckland to Wellington

Toni Greaves / Stringer / Getty Images

The Northern Explorer starts in Auckland and ends in Wellington, or vice versa. The route cuts through the center of the North Island and takes about 11 hours to complete, which is a comparable time to driving this same distance (400 miles). Scenic highlights include the farmland of Waikato, the dramatic hillocks and forests of the King Country, Tongariro National Park and its three volcanoes (Tongariro, Ruapehu, and Ngauruhoe), and the Kapiti Coast north of Wellington.

The Northern Explorer is a comfortable train with seats clustered around tables. There's an open-air viewing platform, onboard toilets (which are more spacious than airplane toilets), and a dining cart serving food and drinks. The food served on the train tends to be overpriced and underwhelming, so it's a good idea to bring a picnic (BYO alcohol is not allowed, however).

Travelers on the Northern Explorer can get off at stations en route, such as at Otorohanga for the Waitomo Caves or Ohakune for the Tongariro National Park, and continue on another train a few days later, or pick up a car and continue the journey from there. The train runs in either direction a few times per week, year-round.

Marlborough Flyer: Picton to Blenheim

 Elen Turner

The Marlborough Flyer is the shortest (and the most charming) of the journeys on this list, as it travels a mere 18 miles between Picton and Blenheim , in the Marlborough region at the top of the South Island. By car this trip takes less than 30 minutes, but the train ride takes about an hour.

While the train travels a short distance, riding it is an experience in and of itself. As as it's a steam train from 1915, the carriages look appropriately vintage. Each carriage is sponsored by a local winery (Marlborough is the largest producer of wine in New Zealand ) and samples are given on board.

Starting in the beautiful port town of Picton in the Marlborough Sounds , the Marlborough Flyer travels past the practically endless fields of vineyards outside Blenheim before stopping at Blenheim Station, which conveniently houses The Wine Station . This innovative wine-tasting bar offers dozens of local wines in self-serve machines.

The Marlborough Flyer can be traveled as a return trip from Picton after arriving in the South Island on the Interislander Ferry, or one-way in either direction.

Coastal Pacific: Picton to Christchurch

 naumoid / Getty Images

The Coastal Pacific travels along the east coast of the upper South Island, covering the 208 miles between Picton and Christchurch, stopping roughly halfway in Kaikoura . Kaikoura is a popular whale-watching destination so many travelers take the opportunity to stop there for a couple of days before continuing the train journey.

Like the Northern Explorer, the Coastal Pacific is comfortable and comes with onboard amenities. Scenic Plus Class provides freshly prepared food and commentary in an upgraded carriage.

The Coastal Explorer is seasonal and runs from early spring (September) until mid-autumn (April). It runs three times a week.

TranzAlpine: Christchurch to Greymouth

The TranzAlpine cuts through the mountainous center of the South Island, from Christchurch on the east coast to Greymouth on the west. The 139-mile journey takes five hours to complete and starts in the flat expanses of the Canterbury Plains before traveling up over the Southern Alps and ending on the wild and rugged West Coast.

The TranzAlpine is a handy way of traveling from coast to coast, which can be a challenging route to drive. Greymouth is a handy jumping-off point for exploring the West Coast, where the Hokitika Gorge, Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers , Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, and the Paparoa National Park are highlights.

Like the other long-distance trains, amenities and comforts are available onboard. Scenic Plus Class offers an upgraded service.

Taieri Gorge Railway: Dunedin to Middlemarch

m-kojot / Getty Images

The Taieri Gorge Railway is another journey that's less about getting from point A to B and more about enjoying the ride. The route travels through some classic big-sky Central Otago landscape, as well as the Taieri Gorge itself. Starting in Dunedin, at the famous neo-gothic Dunedin Railway Station, the Taieri Gorge Railway travels 47 miles to the small town of Middlemarch, locally famous for its annual Singles Ball. The highlight of the trip is the dramatic Taieri Gorge, carved by the Taieri River, between the Taieri Plains and the high Maniototo Plateau, and the high railbridge.

Most passengers on the Taieri Gorge Railway return to Dunedin on the same day, as Middlemarch isn't very conveniently located for traveling elsewhere in Otago.

The Taieri Gorge Railway is run by Dunedin Railways, which also offers a couple of other day-trip train rides from Dunedin: the Inlander (between Dunedin and Hindon) and the Seasider (between Dunedin and Waitati).

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Coastal Pacific™ train itinerary

Scenic train journey between Picton and Christchurch

• 98 kms of rugged coast
• Picton waterfront
• Kaikōura - famous for crayfish

View Coastal Pacific™ route

The Coastal Pacific™ train trip, which travels through the Kaikōura ranges, is one of the great journeys of New Zealand, transporting you by rail between Picton and Christchurch. 

The journey is just over 5 hours, but why not take your time and book a stop over for a couple of days to explore, Picton, Kaikōura and Christchurch.

Day 1: Sail on the ferry from Wellington to Picton

Interislander Kaitaki entering the Tory Channel, Wellington

By Rob Pine

Picton Marina, New Zealand

Crossing the Cook Strait on a Bluebridge Ferry , Wellington

By Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferries

Home to world famous Marlborough Sounds

• Queen Charlotte Track
• Picton's relaxing waterfront
• Gateway to the South Island

Find out more about Picton

Linking the North and South Islands together, the Interislander and Bluebridge ferries are both excellent ways to get from Wellington to Picton. 

The 3.5 hour sailing across the Cook Strait is as relaxing as it is scenic. As playful dolphins frolic alongside the ferry sit back and relax on the outside deck or lounge inside at the café or bar. 

During the winter months humpback whales can be seen gracefully gliding their enormous bodies through the strait as they migrate to the south. 

Glimpses of land appear as the ferry slowly drifts past secluded inlets of the Marlborough Sounds where you're greeted with the palm tree lined waterfront of Picton . 

For local maps, expert advice and to book activities visit Picton isite Visitor Information Centre , which is a mere five minutes walk from the ferry terminal and most accommodation providers are close by. 

Day 2: Exploring Picton and surrounds

Queen Charlotte Track, Marlborough

By www.cougarline.co.nz

Hans Herzog winery, Marlborough

By Destination Marlborough

Friendly pigs welcoming mail run visitors to the outer Pelorus Sounds, Marlborough

By Pelorus Mail Boat

Mail boat delivering to Wakatahuri, Marlborough

By Jim Baillie

Excellent Marlborough wineries and boutique shops

• Short drive to Blenheim wineries
• Green-lipped mussel tours
• Great walking and hiking

Towns in the Marlborough area

Considered the heart of the Marlborough Sounds and built around a sheltered harbour, the picturesque port town of Picton is home to great cafés, restaurants, galleries and specialty boutique stores. And with less than 5,000 locals you're bound to meet a few friendly faces.

Picton is home to many excellent tramping and cycling trails including the Queen Charlotte Track (opens in new window) . Although the climate is mild and generally warm, the area also has a high average rainfall so you need to be prepared and check the weather before you begin. 

Green-lipped mussels are grown and harvested in abundance in the area and the small village of Havelock , just 45 minutes drive from Picton, is the gateway to the Pelorus Sounds .

Marlborough Tour Company Mail Boat tour is a super relaxing full day tour onboard a  catamaran, meandering slowly through the clear waters of the Pelorus Sounds to deliver mail and supplies to locals who live remotely in the sounds. Waiting on the jetty's you'll meet some interesting characters and hear how Kiwi ingenuity shapes the somewhat primitive life in the sounds. It's not just the locals who wait on the jetties - keep a look out for dogs, pigs, sheep and seals! 

Day 3: Picton to Kaikōura on the Coastal Pacific™

Lake Grassmere Salt Plains from the Coastal Pacific, Marlborough

By Coastal Pacific

Coastal Pacific travelling through Marlborough, Marlborough

By KiwiRail

Kaikoura, Christchurch - Canterbury

By Moray Nairn

01 Kaikoura Canterbury Kyle Mulinder, Christchurch - Canterbury

By Kyle Mulinder

Vast open plains, mountain ranges and wildlife

• Kaikōura crayfish
• Whale watching
• Albatross tours

Find the top 10 things to do in Kaikōura

After a sleep-in and leisurely brunch, make your way to Picton Train Station (just behind Picton isite Visitor Information Centre ) ready for an early afternoon departure on the Coastal Pacific ™, one of New Zealand's great train journeys.

Leaving Picton behind, your Coastal Pacific ™ train trip begins with views of New Zealand's premium wine growing region of Blenheim, home to world-renowned Marlborough sauvignon blanc. The patchwork landscape of deep oranges and burnt yellows are thanks to the long hot days and dry weather in this region.

The Coastal Pacific™ railway's many tunnels are a major feature of the journey. The cost and difficulty of building these 20 tunnels resulted in the railway taking more than 80 years to complete.

The tunnels are clustered in the cliffs that rise either side of Kaikōura's  vast plains. The majority of these tunnels are between  Ōkiwi  Bay and Claverley.

Continuing on, you'll notice the landscape becomes lush as the train tracks cross into the northern Canterbury region. 

Lake Grassmere is an interesting sight, the pastel pink and whites you'll see is  the result of natural salt production. Seawater, fresh from the Pacific Ocean, is pumped into the lake and into  crystallisation ponds until the salt is harvested. The pink to purple colour of the crystallisation ponds is caused by natural microscopic green algae that change to pink in the high salt concentration. The same phenomena that gives the Red Sea its name. 

Continuing south, keep a look out for the Ohau Point Seal Colony. Often, hundreds of New Zealand fur seals can be spotted sunning themselves on the rocks or frolicking amongst the seaweed. The train travels close enough to the ocean to see the seals with the naked eye. 

One of the most spectacular moments of the Coastal Pacific ™ journey is at Mangamaunu Bay. Here the train rounds the southern end of the bay delivering exceptional close-up views of the  Kaikōura mountain ranges.  Mangamaunu Bay is also one of the best surf beaches in New Zealand and during peak surf conditions, the bay is so popular that surfers queue up to take turns.

In the late afternoon the Coastal Pacific ™ arrives into   Kaikōura Train Station (also known as the Whaleway Station) which is on the waterfront in the same building as Whalewatch Kaikōura.

Accommodation options are ten minute walk from the station in the town centre or a short drive away. 

Day 4: Exploring wildlife in Kaikōura

Pod of dophins, Christchurch - Canterbury

By Dennis Buurman

Whale tail, Christchurch - Canterbury

By Whale Watch Kaikoura

Albatross Encounters Kaikoura, Christchurch - Canterbury

By Albatross Encounters Kaikoura

Crayfish BBQs and wildlife encounters

• Seward Kaikōura Ranges
• Mt Fyffe - walking and hiking
• New Zealand fur seal colonies

Find out more about Kaikōura wildlife

Kaikōura is a base for wildlife experiences of all kinds – it’s also a great place to eat crayfish (in Māori language 'kai' means food, 'kōura' means crayfish). 

Kaikōura's environment is truly spectacular, the village is sandwiched between the rugged seaward Kaikōura Range and the Pacific Ocean. In winter the mountains are covered with snow, adding to the drama of the landscape.

The special talents of the area are marine mammal encounters. Whales, fur seals and dolphins live permanently in the coastal waters. Whale watching trips leave the town several times a day and the local seal colony is always entertaining. 

Kaikōura Canyon, where many wildlife encounters take place, is deep and open and the sea conditions can change quickly. When the seas are too rough, head to the clouds and whale watch from above with Wings over Whales .

There are also plenty of cafés, restaurants and shops to explore and of course you should try succulent Kaikōura crayfish fresh off the boat at Nins Bin crayfish caravan (opens in new window) , at a waterfront restaurant or  Kaikōura Seafood BBQ (opens in new window) .

Day 5: Kaikōura to Christchurch on the Coastal Pacific™

Coastal Pacific leaving Kaikoura, Christchurch - Canterbury

Coastal Pacific View from beach curving around Oaro , Christchurch - Canterbury

Coastal Pacific enjoying open air carriage views, Christchurch - Canterbury

Coastal Pacific , New Zealand

The Canterbury Plains are New Zealand's largest area of continuous flat land

• Spectacular Southern Alps
• Okarahia Viaduct
• Mangamaunu Bay surf beach

Find out more about Canterbury

With most of the day free, it's then time to head back to the Whaleway Station in the afternoon to board the Coastal Pacific™ bound for Christchurch. 

Heading south, the train travels over the Kahutara River Bridge which stretches 241 metres long. Enjoy stunning views of the Kahutara River below, the Pacific Ocean on the left and the Seaward  Kaikōura  Ranges on the right. 

Okarahia Viaduct, at 21 metres high and 115 metres long, is an unexpected gem and a beautiful sight to behold.  Views of the viaduct appear suddenly from behind trees near Claverley Road and you're treated to stunning views of the Pacific Ocean on the left and tree-lined Okarahia Valley on the right.

Travelling on to the north-eastern tip of the Canterbury Plains (which span a massive 200 kilometres from north to south) the Coastal Pacific™ is now sharing the land with the TranzAlpine™ whose main territory is the Southern Alps. The TranzAlpine™ follows the valleys of the Waimakariri River while the Coastal Pacific™ crosses over the river near Kaiapoi. 

Historically, the train route of the Coastal Pacific™ began as two separate railways; one from Christchurch to  Kaikōura and another from Picton to Blenheim. Connecting the two railways together was impossible with the Kaikōura Ranges in the way. The only option was to build the train route around the coast, creating a scenic train journey on the very edge of the world. 

As the Coastal Pacific™ pulls into Christchurch Railway Station (sometimes known as Addington Station) your train journey comes to an end just after sunset. 

Grab a taxi from the station and head into the central city where you'll find many options for acccomodation.

Christchurch is an interesting city so it's worth spending a few nights exploring. 

If your next stop is the West Coast consider the scenic journey through the Southern Alps onboard the TranzAlpine ™  which departs from Christchurch Station. 

 View the  Coastal Pacific™ route below

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A comprehensive guide to New Zealand’s Train Journeys

New Zealand train journeys are a unique and relaxing way to see another side of this spectacular country.

Many of New Zealand's most stunning views remain inaccessible by road. This is where rail travel comes into scenic play. Clever engineering has resulted in a small (but comprehensive) railway network offering the opportunity to enjoy some of those views - and there are many incredible train journeys available. Complete with food and drink, panoramic windows and reclining seats, these journeys allow you to sit back and enjoy the view as you traverse snowy alpine passes, remote national parks, volcanic fields and windswept coastlines.

North Island

The North Island has one key scenic railway, The Northern Explorer and two (notable) smaller ones - Driving Creek Railway and The Forgotten World adventures.

• The Northern Explorer: Cutting through the heart of the North Island, the Northern Explorer travels between Auckland - New Zealand's largest metro area - and Wellington - New Zealand’s political and cultural capital. The 12 hour trip is truly remarkable, crossing lush farmland and the volcanic plateau. See Tongariro National Park - home to Mordor, the fictional stronghold of Sauron in Lord of the Rings - through wide panoramic windows and open air viewing decks. The park’s three active volcanoes - Mount Ruapehu, Mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe - can be spotted along with ancient lava flows, native beech forest and deep river gorges. You'll also go through the renowned Raurimu Spiral - an astounding feat of engineering. Passengers can choose to sit around tables, or in recliners that can be rotated to face whichever direction the train is traveling. 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.
• Driving Creek Railway: This one hour narrow gorge railway trip is located in the Coromandel and provides a thrilling insight into the history of the area. Acclaimed potter Barry Brickell originally developed this railway as a means of transporting clay to his kiln. The innovatively designed train carriages journey through regenerating kauri forest and native bush before ending with soaring views over the Hauraki Gulf and surrounding islands. Unique pottery sculptures and outdoor art line the tracks while the neighbouring predator free wildlife sanctuary is a must see.
• The Forgotten World Railway Adventures: This railway adventure is like no other. Travelling through the heart of Taranaki, you’ll take  specially adapted golf carts along decommissioned railway lines go over bridges and through tunnels to faded townships of the past. Venture into the Republic of Whangamomona, once a thriving pre-war community, now a ‘ghost town’ of 40 people. Learn about the hardy pioneers who built this line - an essential link to the outside world.  Livelihoods such as coal mining and farming were only viable because of this rail connection. Abandoned stations along the line are visible, but decay is evident - and this only adds to the experience. Choose from between one and four day tours.  

South Island

There are many more scenic rail journeys in the South due to the dramatic landscape. The most well known is the TranzAlpine Scenic Train but other notable journeys include  The Oamaru Seasider, The Coastal Pacific and the Taieri Gorge Railway.  

• The TranzAlpine: The TranzAlpine tracks a route from Christchurch to Greymouth - from one coast of the South Island to another - and is considered one of the world's greatest scenic railway journeys. You'll cross the Canterbury Plains before weaving your way through the gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri. Ascending the Southern Alps, you'll be awestruck by the sheer grandeur of these mountains, before descending into native beech rainforest to arrive in the seaside town of Greymouth. With huge panoramic windows and an open air viewing car to better enable photography, 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.
• The Coastal Pacific: The Coastal Pacific follows the coast from port town Picton to Christchurch. You’ll pass through Marlborough wine country, the Kaikoura Ranges and the patchwork Canterbury Plains - traversing over 98 kilometres of rugged coastline. On this journey the sky seems endless - dissolving into the blue of the pacific ocean horizon. Watch the seabirds and seals from open air carriages or view the mountains from inside through huge panoramic windows and reclining seats.

We recommend that people add at least one of these experiences to their New Zealand visit because a train is a great platform for taking in New Zealand scenery. Contact one of our experienced trip planners for more help and information on how to include some spectacular New Zealand train journeys in a visit to New Zealand.

Categories: - Scenic Trains, Flights & Tours

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Rail travel in New Zealand

• 1.1 History
• 2 Pros & cons
• 3.1 Long distance
• 3.2 Wellington suburban
• 3.3 Auckland suburban
• 3.4 Heritage lines
• 4 Boarding the train

New Zealand by rail can be a great way to see both the North and South Islands. New Zealand's passenger rail lines include both the government-owned KiwiRail , as well as heritage and steam lines throughout the country. Commuter train services operate in the Auckland and Greater Wellington region.

Understand [ edit ]

Although rail travel had historically played a much more prominent role in New Zealand's transportation system, with the advent of private car ownership and commercial air travel in the decades following World War II, the popularity of rail travel declined sharply. Today, New Zealand's rail network is only a shadow of its former self, and is primarily used for freight transport. Many former passenger lines have either been dismantled, or are now used exclusively for freight.

New Zealand's long-distance rail network is considerably underdeveloped by the standards of the developed world. There are no high-speed services — the intercity lines aren't even electrified, and driving yourself often works out to be faster than taking the train. The rail network is also limited, with only 3 long-distance passenger lines, all operated by state-owned KiwiRail. That said, the trains have been designed with tourists in mind; passenger carriages are built with exceptionally large windows to maximise the amount of scenery you can see from the train, and there are also outdoor viewing platforms where you can go to get some fresh air. There is no fixed rail (or road) link between the North and South Islands, with passengers and freight wagons transferred by ferry between Wellington and Picton.

A train ride from Auckland to Christchurch, however, with a ferry for crossing between islands, is undoubtedly a unique way to experience New Zealand's stunning landscapes, and would allow you to take in the sights from certain stretches that are difficult to access by car.

History [ edit ]

New Zealand's first railway opened in 1863 between central Christchurch and a temporary port at Ferrymead; the full line opened to Lyttelton in 1867 with the completion of the Lyttelton Rail Tunnel. Over the next 100 years, the rail network expanded to cover the country, however progress was slow due to difficult terrain. The line between Auckland and Wellington was completed in 1908 when railheads met between National Park Village and Ohakune , and the line between Christchurch and Greymouth was completed in 1923 with the opening of the 8.55 km (5.31 mi) Otira Tunnel under the Southern Alps main divide. Two world wars, the Great Depression and difficult terrain meant it took until 1945 for the line between Christchurch and Picton to be completed. The final link in the rail network came in 1962 with the commencement of roll-on-roll-off rail ferry services between Wellington and Picton. The first mainline diesel locomotives were introduced into service in 1954, with the last steam locomotives withdrawn from revenue service in October 1971.

Many rural branch lines closed in the latter half of the 20th century due to competition from road transport. Passenger services were cut back as car ownership rose and air travel became more affordable, although several services were retained and re-branded as tourist services. Auckland's suburban rail network was nearly scrapped in the late 1980s due to low passenger numbers. Wellington's suburban network experienced a decline, but passenger numbers remained strong. This was due to the city's geography being ideal for rail transport and the fact the network was electrified (completed 1938-40 and 1953-55).

In 1993, the government under Prime Minister Jim Bolger privatised the whole rail network. Privatisation was soon deemed an abject failure and it brought worsening quality of service and state of infrastructure, swinging the political consensus in favour of renationalisation. In 2004, the government under Prime Minister Helen Clark bought back the rail infrastructure assets and later in 2008, bought back the remainder to form the present day KiwiRail.

In 2003, the rail renaissance in Auckland began with the opening of a new underground central terminus, Britomart. In 2014-15 the Auckland network was electrified and for the first time, total passenger boardings exceeded those of Wellington. The renaissance has caused demand to outstrip the capacity of Britomart station, and in 2016, works started on a new rail tunnel through central Auckland to turn Britomart into a through station.

Pros & cons [ edit ]

The advantages of train travel in New Zealand are many:

• You can enjoy the unique New Zealand scenery, including some vistas unavailable by car.
• You can bring large equipment, such as surfboards, mountain bikes, or gear that would be too big to place on a bus or in a small car.
• In the South Island, trains offer daily service through many small towns. It is possible to get off, enjoy the town, then continue your journey by train the next day.
• You can get a snack or a drink -- on board the train itself.
• New Zealand trains are designed with photographers and sightseers in mind, with outdoor viewing platforms and panoramic viewing lounges in each train.
• All long-distance New Zealand trains have an automatic audio guide who explains, via supplied headphones, the history of each area and points out special things to see. Commuter trains have a train manager (conductor) who collects tickets and can provide you with some local information.
• You can enjoy the ride without the hassles of driving. The Wairarapa Connection service between Masterton and Wellington has survived largely due to the advantage of the 8.8 km (5.5 mi) Rimutaka Rail Tunnel through the Rimutaka Ranges compared to having to drive the narrow and winding 15 km (9.3 mi) Rimutaka Hill Road over it (and then getting caught in Wellington rush hour traffic).

The disadvantages of train travel in New Zealand :

• Lack of routes - there are basically only four long-distance passenger train routes in New Zealand; most other routes were cancelled by 2001-2 (i.e. during privatisation) due to allegedly being uneconomical.
• Travel time - Trains can only go up to 110 km/h (68 mph) and they often run slower due to track conditions and can even stop briefly between stations. If you are in a hurry to get somewhere, take a plane or drive a car. For example, the Auckland-Wellington route takes 11½ hours, while you can drive it in about 9 hours.
• Lack of flexibility - on the Northern Explorer, there are only three trains in each direction a week. If you stop anywhere en route, it will be two or three days before you can continue in the same direction.
• Financial cost - as well as being quicker and more flexible, flying between Auckland and Wellington costs less than the train.

Passenger services [ edit ]

Long distance [ edit ].

On both the North and South islands, long distance passenger rail service is provided by state-owned KiwiRail under the brand Great Journeys New Zealand . New Zealand has three main passenger lines.

The Northern Explorer provides service three times per week from Auckland to Wellington and back. The Coastal Pacific provides service on the South Island from Christchurch to Picton and back, timed to meet the Interislander ferry service between Wellington and Picton.

The TranzAlpine , one of the most popular routes, provides service between Christchurch and Greymouth, including a stop inside the Arthur's Pass National Park. Passengers may pay extra to upgrade to Scenic Plus , in which meals made using local produce are included.

KiwiRail also operates a weekday commuter service known as the Capital Connection between Palmerston North and Wellington (departing Palmerston North in the morning and returning in the evening).

There is also the Wairarapa Connection between Masterton and Wellington, which operates five services in each direction on weekdays and two services in each direction on weekends. Operated by Wellington commuter operator Metlink , this train blurs the line between long distance and commuter rail - it operates a commuter-orientated timetable and doesn't have the snack servery, open air carriages, checked luggage or reserved seats of long distance services; but it has the luggage room, long-distance seats, tray tables, power outlets and toilets which commuter services in New Zealand don't have.

Station stops for all lines, with links to relevant city articles, are as follows:

Northern Explorer takes you in one day the 681 km (423 mi) length of the North Island Main Trunk between Auckland and Wellington. Construction of the line begun in 1885 and only completed in 1908, including marvels of Victorian engineering such as the Raurimu Spiral, Turangarere Horseshoe and Makatote Viaduct. As ever in New Zealand, this exhilarating journey traverses ever-changing scenery; from rocky coast to volcanoes through uplands, passing lush green pasture lands and thick native bush. Auckland Strand - Papakura in South Auckland - Hamilton - Otorohanga (for Waitomo Caves) - National Park - Ohakune - Palmerston North - Paraparaumu - Wellington

The Coastal Pacific is a 5.5-hour 348 km (216 mi) journey along the Main North Line between Christchurch and Picton, connecting with Cook Strait ferries to Wellington. The line only opened to through traffic in December 1945, having been delayed by difficult terrain each side of Kaikoura, plus two World Wars and the Great Depression. The line was damaged in the 14 November 2016 Kaikoura earthquake and the Coastal Pacific service in December 2018 is running a little slower than normal. Picton - Blenheim - Seddon - Kaikoura - Mina (for Cheviot) - Waipara - Rangiora - Christchurch

The TranzAlpine is a 4.5-hour 223 km (139 mi) journey along the Midland Line between Christchurch and Greymouth. The train travels across the Canterbury Plains and up the Waimakariri Gorge into the Southern Alps, before tunneling underneath the main divide and travelling down river valleys to the West Coast. The Otira Tunnel (1923) under the main divide is 8.5 km long, with the Arthur's Pass end 250 m higher than the Otira end: some trains require five diesel locomotives to haul them up the tunnel, which explains why they close the viewing platforms. Christchurch - Rolleston - Darfield - Springfield - Cass - Arthur's Pass National Park - Otira - Jacksons - Moana - Kokiri - Brunner - Greymouth

Capital Connection ( Commuter Service - one return service on weekdays only ) Palmerston North - Shannon - Levin - Otaki - Waikanae - Paraparaumu - Wellington

Te Huia ( Commuter Service - two return services on M-W, Sa and three on Th-F ) Auckland Strand - Puhinui - Papakura - Huntly - Rotokauri - Hamilton . This follows the route of the Northern Explorer between Auckland and Hamilton, taking 2 hours 40 minutes. The train has a cafe, useful for breakfast on the 6AM departure from Hamilton. There are connections to the Auckland rail network at Puhinui and Papakura, which may be convenient to use Britomart on Queen Street, rather than the more isolated Strand station. There is a significant discount for using a Bee card to buy your ticket, so use this rather than cash if you are going more than a single stop.

Wellington suburban [ edit ]

Wellington, despite being smaller than Auckland, has the larger (in route kilometers) and the more patronised (in trips per capita) suburban system. The trains are part of the Metlink network and are operated by Transdev. There are five lines serving Greater Wellington as far north as Waikanae and Masterton . Electric multiple unit trains operate all services except the Wairarapa Line service (also known as the Wairarapa Connection) between Masterton and Wellington, which uses diesel-hauled carriage trains due to the lack of electrified track beyond Upper Hutt .

Services typically operate half-hourly seven days a week on the Johnsonville, Kapiti, and Hutt Valley Lines. Melling Line services typically operate hourly on weekdays; the line does not operate on weekends. Services are more frequent at peak times. The Wairarapa line operates five-times daily (three peak, two off-peak) each way on weekdays and twice daily each way on weekends.

Single-trip tickets can be purchased with cash from the train manager on board. Ten-trip tickets and monthly passes for regular trips between two stations can be purchased at ticket offices at major stations and some retail outlets across the region. Day explorer and bus-train combined passes are also available.

Bicycles can be carried free on off-peak services on a first-come-first-served basis. Most peak services will not take bicycles in the peak direction (to Wellington in the morning, from Wellington in the evening).

Auckland suburban [ edit ]

After facing near closure in the late 1980s, Auckland's suburban network had a major turning point in 2003 when the new Britomart central terminus opened. As a result of extensive track works and electrification in 2014-15, Auckland's network has overtaken Wellington's network in passenger numbers.

There are four lines, stretching west to Swanson and south to Onehunga, Manukau and Papakura. Weekday off-peak services typically operate every 20 to 30 minutes. An hourly diesel shuttle service connects Pukekohe with electric trains at Papakura. An underground city centre extension, the City Rail Link, is under construction and is expected to open in 2025.

Heritage lines [ edit ]

There are some shorter sections of railway which are more suited to a day out than as a regular form of passenger transport. These often operate preserved steam or diesel locomotives and carriage stock.

Boarding the train [ edit ]

New Zealand trains are about the same size as British mainline trains, despite operating on a narrower gauge (1067 mm compared to 1435 mm in most of North America and Europe). The smaller size of the trains is reflected in the baggage policy. Although the trains do have overhead racks, they are really not intended for anything larger than a handbag or hat. If your bags can't fit in the overhead racks or by your feet, you will need to check them into the baggage van, and you'll need to pick them up immediately upon getting off at your stop. The baggage van will either be at the rear of the train or at the front directly behind the locomotive.

If you are getting on a train from anywhere other than its starting point, it is a good idea to call Tranz Scenic's recorded arrival times information line at 0800-ARRIVAL. Trains almost always do start on time, but delays at the middle stations do happen. Calling ahead to see what time the train is expected is a good idea can save you from waiting.

On board [ edit ]

The Northern Explorer, Coastal Pacific and TranzAlpine all use the AK class carriages, introduced in 2010-12 to replace the old 1940s "56-foot" carriages. Each train includes a café carriage, an open air-viewing carriage, and a baggage/generator van. The Capital Connection and Wairarapa Connection use the S and SW class carriages respectively, both of which are refurbished 1970s British Rail Mark 2 carriages. Neither train has an open-air viewing platform and there is no café aboard the Wairarapa Connection (a cafe servery is fitted but disused). The services are hauled by diesel locomotives, although they may swap the diesel for an electric locomotive on the Northern Explorer between Hamilton and Palmerston North.

All trains in New Zealand are single class, with seats in a 2+2 layout. Seats come both in "airline style" with a fold-out tray in the seat in front of you, and in "table bay" with two sets of seats facing each other with a table between them. All long-distance trains are heated and air-conditioned. Each carriage is fitted with a toilet at one end of the carriage; a wheelchair-accessible toilet with baby-changing facility can be found in the café carriage. Toilet waste goes into a retention tank, not onto the tracks, so you may flush while the train is standing at a station.

All long-distance trains have a café carriage, serving sandwiches, hot meals, snacks, hot and cold drinks, beer and wine.

The trains also have an open air viewing carriage, at the opposite end of the train to the baggage car. The viewing carriage has a covered roof, but the sides are open air. It's the ideal place to take photos from the train, as taking photos through a window will result in glare. It's probably not the best place to relax, and can be quite noisy. For safety sake, always keep your arm, head, etc. inside the train. Due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, the viewing carriage may occasionally close during journey if the train is about to go through a long tunnel. These were closed for safety modifications and re-opened in June 2019 with higher handrails.

Smoking is forbidden anywhere on the train, including the open air areas. As all trains are licensed premises, you can't bring alcohol on board unless it is stored in the baggage car.

Reserve [ edit ]

• Great Journeys of New Zealand , ☏ +64 4 495-0775 , toll-free: 0800 872 467 (in country only) . Telephone reservations are available daily 8AM–5PM . The only operator of long distance passenger train services in New Zealand, run by state-owned KiwiRail. Updated Information on timetables and delays: 0800 TRAINS (0800 872 467). Great Journeys operated travel centres are located within the Wellington and Christchurch train stations. At a few other stations, you can buy tickets, but through third-party reservation agents who may charge a slight additional fee. Tickets and rail passes may also be purchased on-line, from the Great Journeys web site, or by phone. Note that the cheapest online fares are only available if you book using a computer in New Zealand (using a NZ IP address). These cheaper fares can be around half that quoted to overseas online bookers. On a longer trip, it may be worth waiting until you arrive in New Zealand to book trains (or geeks can use a New Zealand proxy server).  
• Metlink , toll-free: 0800 801 700 . M-Sa 7AM-9PM, Su and public holidays 8AM–8PM . The public transport network in Wellington which manages the Wellington commuter trains, buses and ferries. Service delays are also published on Metlink's Twitter account: @metlinkwgtn  
• Auckland Transport (AT) Bus Train Ferry ( formerly MAXX ), ☏ +64 9 366-6400 , toll-free: 0800 10 30 80 . M-F 06:00-21:00, Sa 07:00-20:00, Su and public holidays 08:00-18:30 . AT manages the Auckland commuter trains as well as buses and ferries. iPhone and Android apps are available: search "AT Mobile" in the iTunes App Store or Google Play Store.  

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There are relatively few scenic rail journeys in New Zealand but wow, they deliver truly spectacular travel experiences!  The TranzAlpine, Northern Explorer and Coastal Pacific can all be considered world-class rail journeys. Combine these iconic rail trips with unique accommodation and activities, and our featured tours will take you to the destinations you want to see, with some stunning vistas along the way.

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Christchurch to Queenstown; Alpine Highlights

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Cities and Sea; Auckland to Christchurch Rail Tour

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Forgotten World Adventure from Wellington Return

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Inspiring North Island Train Tour

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New Zealand Rail Tour – Up Close

Discover off the beaten track destinations and bustling urban centres by three world-famous scenic rail trips from Auckland to Queenstown.

North Island Rail Highlights

This 5 day independent rail holiday offers the best North Island rail highlights featuring New Zealand’s epic Northern Explorer.

Northern Rail Highlights Tour

Journey between Auckland and Wellington aboard the Northern Explorer train on a six day escorted adventure.

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.

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.

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.

Southern Rail Highlights from Wellington

Join us on tour across Cook Strait, past the mighty Southern Alps and through the Wild West Coast to beautiful Queenstown. This journey features the Coastal Pacific and TranzAlpine.

Spectacular South; Wellington to Queenstown

Explore the Spectacular South on this signature rail tour. Glide through the mighty Southern Alps and along the Pacific coastline to Queenstown and Milford Sound

Springtime South Island Rail Tour

The summer South Island Rail Tour provides a stunning panorama of magnificent southern mountain scenery, meandering rivers and coastal plains.

Top of the South Island Train Tour

Enjoy the Top of the South Island train tour on this succinct 7 day independent journey that includes TranzAlpine and Coastal Explorer rail journeys.

TranzAlpine Train, Glaciers & Fiords

The combination of TranzAlpine Train, Glaciers and Fiords offers one of the greatest lure’s of travelling in the South Island of New Zealand. The spectacular and diverse scenery catches your breathe at every turn.

TranzAlpine Winter Wonderland

Winter is a magical time to experience the South Island, and there is something romantic and dreamy about the TranzApine Winter Wonderland rail journey set against a backdrop of snow.

Twin Rail Journeys of New Zealand

Enjoy the premier twin rail journeys of New Zealand on each island on this succinct, independent 13 day countrywide tour from Queenstown to Auckland

Wellington to Christchurch; Coastal Highlights

Join us on this guided scenic Wellington to Christchurch rail tour across the Cook Strait, past coastal beaches and through mountain valleys.

Off the Beaten Track by Train

Let the train take you beyond the well-trodden tourist path and deliver you to some truly stunning experiences.

Forgotten World Escape from Auckland to Wellington

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Forgotten World Escape from Wellington to Auckland

Explore the rural heart of New Zealand’s North Island with the Northern Explorer train and enjoy the Forgotten World Escape on the way to Auckland.

Martinborough Getaway by Train – Two night package

This relaxing short break is the perfect weekend away for wine lovers. Enjoy a luxury 2 course wine matching lunch, chauffeur and more.

TranzAlpine Moana Magic Escape

Amidst a stunning backdrop of mountains and ancient forest, take our escape to Moana and Lake Brunner. This is a magical getaway that you won’t regret.

TranzAlpine West Coast Cycle Trail Escape

The TranzAlpine West Coast Cycle Trail Escape offers a unique off the beaten track getaway featuring some of New Zealand’s iconic highlights.

TranzAlpine Wilderness Lodge Escape

The Wilderness Lodge Escape is designed to let you relax, unwind, and enjoy a very special off the beaten track experience.

Short Rail Breaks

A couple of nights away by train without having to drive is as good as any holiday. Enjoy your destination and the journey.

Best of Wellington by Northern Explorer

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Blenheim Rail Break; Wine & Wings

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Coastal Pacific Train Wildlife Encounter

See the majestic seabirds or get up close to dolphins or whales and discover the spectacular wildlife of Kaikōura on the Coastal Pacific Train.

Coromandel Family Getaway

Take a short break and discover New Zealand’s Coromandel with this 5-day family getaway. With a mountainous interior and golden beaches, this is a perfect getaway,

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Travel by ferry and scenic train from Wellington to Christchurch, and enjoy a wonderous Kaikoura experience including the natural wonders of this marine paradise.

Martinborough Overnight by Train – One night package

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Northern Explorer & The Tongariro Crossing

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Premium TranzAlpine Glacier Experience

Enjoy a heavenly escape into a world filled with fascination and grandeur on this premium TranzAlpine Glacier Experience including 5-star accommodation.

TranzAlpine – Explore Hokitika

Jump aboard the TranzAlpine scenic train and explore Hokitika in style. Travel via rail through the Southern Alps to Greymouth enjoying the views from your window.

TranzAlpine – Taste of the West Coast

The TranzAlpine is a scenic rail trip running from the East Coast to the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand.

TranzAlpine & West Coast Glaciers to Queenstown

Ride New Zealand’s premier rail journey on this two-day train tour from Christchurch to the West Coast. Discover the Glaciers and then head further south to the stunning lakes district and finally Queenstown.

TranzAlpine Glacier Experience

Be amazed at this exploration of the West Coast on the stunning TranzAlpine Glacier Experience. Discover the ancient world of Glacier Country and its natural wonders, where ice rivers carve through mountains and rainforests thrive.

TranzAlpine Overnight

Journey to Greymouth on this TranzAlpine overnight adventure. Escape the city and travel to New Zealand’s famous West Coast. This rail break will take you through the heart of the Southern Alps to a land of timeless beauty.

TranzAlpine West Coast Explorer

The 4 day TranzAlpine West Coast Explorer is a timeless and enjoyable escape to Lake Brunner, Punakaiki, & Hokitika. Break free from the ordinary and visit some great West Coast destinations.

Day Trips by Train

Book yourself a day to remember and experience one or more of New Zealand's world-class rail journeys.

Martinborough Wine Tour by Train

Our Martinborough wine tour by rail is a wonderful getaway that takes you from Wellington to Martinborough in the heart…

The Coastal Pacific

Join the Coastal Pacific and explore the stunning Kaikōura coastline, through the idyllic Canterbury Plains to the Garden City of Christchurch.

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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). 

The de-railing of New Zealand

Rail in New Zealand looks to be following a dead-end track with no firm plans to replace the Cook Strait ferries, and a government preference for roads.

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In the 16 years since it was bought by the government for $690 million, KiwiRail has had several overhauls and turnaround plans, worth billions of dollars. 

Its ambitions as a successful, profitable operator of tourism, freight and ferries have often been derailed by disasters from earthquakes to cyclones, mine explosions and the collapse of key industries like coal mining. 

The latest goal for KiwiRail under the multi-billion dollar 2021 New Zealand Rail Plan was to make its "above rail" business of trains and ferries commercially viable by 2025 and able to fund future investments, but that was contingent on significant ongoing government investment in the network, the "below rail" side of the business.

"It gave KiwiRail certainty for the first time that it would get specific allotments every year for three years and then having a wider 10-year outlook," BusinessDesk infrastructure editor Oliver Lewis tells The Detail . 

But the new government is taking a different approach to the state owned enterprise, making it clear that road users would not be cross-subsidising rail through the National Land Transport Programme.

"That results in a massive reduction in the possible range of funds that KiwiRail can access in future years. And so there's a lot of concern from the unions and others, (including) rail users, that this might result in more underutilised lines getting closed down or mothballed," says Lewis.

Add to that the finance minister Nicola Willis' bombshell decision not to pump another billion dollars into the Interislander mega ferries, sinking the project and leaving a question mark over KiwiRail's future as a shipping operator.

"I get the impression that government and officials are asking themselves this very question," New Zealand Herald' s Wellington reporter Georgina Campbell says. 

Campbell has been following the dramas of the Interislander for several years and says she felt relief that KiwiRail was pursuing a plan to replace the ageing ferries, especially after the terrifying Kaitaki incident last year when it drifted towards rocks, endangering the lives of hundreds of passengers on board. 

"That really scared me and so I always felt that at least there's a plan to replace these unreliable ships. I feel like I've been brought back to that space, I'm nervous. The government says they're working on a plan but technically there is no plan B yet," she says.

Willis will not commit to having replacement ships on the water by 2026, as was the plan for the first mega ferry, but Campbell sees that as a political risk.

"What happens if there is another Kaitaki incident in 2026 and they haven't got new ships and this time the ship doesn't narrowly avoid disaster? There are a few things up in the air, but in my view I think there needs to be a plan in place and implemented by 2026."

She says journalists and the public are in an information vacuum over the government's plans and the details of its decision not to fund the mega ferries. The "breadcrumbs" of information she has received show that a Ministry of Transport briefing floated the possibility of KiwiRail exiting the ferry service but more should be known about its future by mid-year.

Meanwhile, Lewis thinks the more likely option for KiwiRail is a retrenchment of the rail network with a focus on the main centres and the golden triangle of Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga. But he's keen to know more about New Zealand First's stance on KiwiRail and future funding plans.

"I think there's a signal from this government that they don't share the same enthusiasm as the previous government for investing a lot of money into rail which is slightly ironic because Shane Jones and Winston Peters were ginormous boosters of KiwiRail and secured a lot of funding for it when they were in the previous coalition.

"I'm not sure where their thinking is, why they've gone so quiet on rail in recent months."

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The de-railing of New Zealand

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In the 16 years since it was bought by the government for $690 million, KiwiRail has had several overhauls and turnaround plans worth billions of dollars.

Its ambitions as a successful, profitable operator of tourism, freight and ferries have often been derailed by disasters from earthquakes to cyclones, mine explosions and the collapse of key industries like coal mining.

The latest goal for KiwiRail under the multi-billion dollar 2021 New Zealand Rail Plan was to make its “above rail” business of trains and ferries commercially viable by 2025 and able to fund future investments, but that was contingent on significant ongoing government investment in the network, the “below rail” side of the business.

“It gave KiwiRail certainty for the first time that it would get specific allotments every year for three years and then having a wider 10-year outlook,” BusinessDesk infrastructure editor Oliver Lewis tells The Detail .

But the new Government is taking a different approach to the state-owned enterprise, making it clear that road users would not be cross subsidising rail through the National Land Transport Programme.

“That results in a massive reduction in the possible range of funds that KiwiRail can access in future years. And so there’s a lot of concern from the unions and others, (including) rail users, that this might result in more underutilised lines getting closed down or mothballed,” says Lewis.

Add to that the Finance Minister Nicola Willis’ bombshell decision not to pump another billion dollars into the Interislander mega ferries, sinking the project and leaving a question mark over KiwiRail’s future as a shipping operator.

“I get the impression that Government and officials are asking themselves this very question,” New Zealand Herald ‘s Wellington reporter Georgina Campbell says.

Campbell has been following the dramas of the Interislander for several years and says she felt relief that KiwiRail was pursuing a plan to replace the ageing ferries, especially after the terrifying Kaitaki incident last year when it drifted towards rocks, endangering the lives of hundreds of passengers on board.

“That really scared me and so I always felt that at least there’s a plan to replace these unreliable ships. I feel like I’ve been brought back to that space; I’m nervous. The Government says they’re working on a plan but technically there is no plan B yet,” she says.

Willis will not commit to having replacement ships on the water by 2026, as was the plan for the first mega ferry, but Campbell sees that as a political risk.

“What happens if there is another Kaitaki incident in 2026 and they haven’t got new ships and this time the ship doesn’t narrowly avoid disaster? There are a few things up in the air but in my view I think there needs to be a plan in place and implemented by 2026.”

She says journalists and the public are in an information vacuum over the Government’s plans and the details of its decision not to fund the mega ferries. The “breadcrumbs” of information she has received show that a Ministry of Transport briefing floated the possibility of KiwiRail exiting the ferry service but more should be known about its future by mid-year.

Meanwhile, Oliver Lewis thinks the more likely option for KiwiRail is a retrenchment of the rail network with a focus on the main centres and the golden triangle of Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga. But he’s keen to know more about New Zealand First’s stance on KiwiRail and future funding plans.

“I think there’s a signal from this Government that they don’t share the same enthusiasm as the previous government for investing a lot of money into rail which is slightly ironic because Shane Jones and Winston Peters were ginormous boosters of KiwiRail and secured a lot of funding for it when they were in the previous coalition.

“I’m not sure where their thinking is, why they’ve gone so quiet on rail in recent months.”

Check out how to listen to and follow  The Detail   here .  

You can also stay up-to-date by liking us on  Facebook  or following us on  Twitter . 

Join the Conversation

The issue of kiwirail goes far deeper than a change in government. The demise of the rail ferries was not due to a change in government but a refusal to continually pay ever increasing and uncapped large sums of money for proposed and ill-planned port infrastructure (look at the fight over where to site the Wellington terminus). Kiwirail have been “upgrading” the wellington rail network for over 10 years and still there are failures and closures such that catching a train is a gamble. The line was originally built from scratch in half the time. The stations, serviceable for the last 50 years have been replaced at huge expense – but not the reliability of the trains (latest issue is the temperature in summer stopping the trains – come on! the temperature now is no different than in the past, so why was that not factored in when the lines were “upgraded”? The Wairarapa line has issues with a new length of track that is now unsuitable for the rolling stock. You couldn’t make a comedy of Kiwirail – it wouldn’t be believed. If it was a private company, the shareholders would have replaced the board.

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