Train Experiences

NEW ZEALAND

15 Best Train Experiences In New Zealand

New Zealand's best.

New Zealand's 15 most popular train experiences, in one place. What each one is actually like, who runs it, and what you will pay.

15 Best Train Experiences In New Zealand

Northern Explorer Train Journey from Wellington to Auckland

Northern Explorer Train Journey from Wellington to Auckland - Wellington check-in and where your day starts (without chaos)

1.Northern Explorer Train Journey from Wellington to Auckland

Most Popular★ 4.0

Enjoy the Northern Explorer from Wellington to Auckland: open-air Tongariro views, GPS audio at your seat, and comfortable carriages for an 11-hour scenic ride.

“I am extremely disappointed with Viator as a booking agent for my Northern Explorer train (Scenic Plus) journey. While the train experience itself was wonderful, Viator failed in their responsibilities as an intermediary. Firstly, I clearly provided Read more”

513 reviewsFrom $157.47by Great Journeys New Zealand

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TranzAlpine Train, Arthur’s Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip

TranzAlpine Train, Arthur's Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip - Otira Viaduct: quick stop, big view, and a kea chance

2.TranzAlpine Train, Arthur’s Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip

★ 5.0

TranzAlpine to Arthur’s Pass with hotel pickup, scenic stops, short walks, Lake Pearson photo breaks, and Castle Hill limestone rocks.

“We had a fabulous time and our guide, whose name unfortunately escapes me, was incredibly interesting and knowledgeable. Even my husband was impressed (no small feat). We weren't up to all of the hikes, but there were shorter alternatives and th scenery was gorgeous.”

426 reviewsFrom $254.44by NZSI Tours & Travel

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Coastal Pacific Train Journey from Picton to Christchurch

Coastal Pacific Train Journey from Picton to Christchurch - Seats, windows, and the open-air deck: your photo strategy

3.Coastal Pacific Train Journey from Picton to Christchurch

★ 4.5

Coastal Pacific one-way train from Picton to Christchurch with ocean-and-Kaikoura views, panoramic windows, and GPS audio commentary. Great value.

“Skip the car and get on the train for some incredible scenery. Vineyards turn into spectacular ocean vistas, seals on rocks, then back into lush green forested hills. Really nice way to spend an afternoon getting from Picton to Christchurch.”

345 reviewsFrom $164.45by Great Journeys New Zealand

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TranzAlpine Train Journey: Christchurch to Greymouth

TranzAlpine Train Journey: Christchurch to Greymouth - Entering the Canterbury Plains: the calm start before the dramatic climb

4.TranzAlpine Train Journey: Christchurch to Greymouth

★ 4.5

TranzAlpine Christchurch to Greymouth: Southern Alps views, GPS headphone narration, and café snacks or picnic, in under 5 hours.

“We travelled in May and could not fault the staff and the facilities. Our concern is that it was not supported with tourist orientated commentary other than a screen showing some forward “attractions “ seems a simple fix . The rental car counters are very limited in Greymouth so best to race there first when…”

312 reviewsFrom $151.26by Great Journeys New Zealand

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Arthur’s Pass Discovery and TranzAlpine Train – Small Group Tour

Arthur's Pass Discovery and TranzAlpine Train - Small Group Tour - On the TranzAlpine: Canterbury Plains, the Staircase, and smart photo positioning

5.Arthur’s Pass Discovery and TranzAlpine Train – Small Group Tour

★ 5.0

Small-group day trip from Christchurch that pairs the TranzAlpine train with guided walks and stops around Arthur’s Pass and the Southern Alps.

“Tour guide Peter picked us up from hotel and guided us through the trip. We did train ride to Arthur pass and then some small to medium trail walks and took some scenic photos. The downside is the road from Arthur Pass toward west coast was closed due to construction so we did not get…”

272 reviewsFrom $555.41by Canterbury Trails

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Arthur’s Pass: TranzAlpine Train and Castle Hill Day Tour

Arthur's Pass: TranzAlpine Train and Castle Hill Day Tour - Otira Viaduct and kea spotting: the quick stop that feels like a highlight

Northern Explorer Train Journey from Auckland to Wellington

Northern Explorer Train Journey from Auckland to Wellington - From Waikato Farmland to the Coastline: The Easy Start

Arthur’s Pass and TranzAlpine Train Day Tour from Christchurch

Arthur's Pass and TranzAlpine Train Day Tour from Christchurch - TranzAlpine train: headsets, tunnels, and the big scenery payoff

8.Arthur’s Pass and TranzAlpine Train Day Tour from Christchurch

★ 4.5

Arthur's Pass by TranzAlpine train and road tour from Christchurch, with Otira Viaduct stops, short walks, and a sheep farm visit.

“Beautiful scenery and informative commentary on train and from Terry on bus. Weather was horrendous in mountains but this did not spoil what was s very enjoyable trip. Special mention to Terry for his improvisation to deal with weather aRead more”

202 reviewsFrom $347.52by Leisure Tours

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TranzAlpine Train Journey from Greymouth to Christchurch

TranzAlpine Train Journey from Greymouth to Christchurch - Coast-to-Alps changeover: Greymouth through native beech rainforest

Coastal Pacific Train Journey from Christchurch to Picton

Coastal Pacific Train Journey from Christchurch to Picton - The train experience: comfort, headphones, and viewing decks

10.Coastal Pacific Train Journey from Christchurch to Picton

★ 4.5

Coastal Pacific from Christchurch to Picton: 5h40 of Kaikoura coast views, GPS audio in your seat, and comfortable carriages near the ocean.

“The views, especially along the coast, are wonderful. Friendly staff and fellow travelers were also a plus. And the open air car was fantastic. Unfortunately the commentary wasn’t functioning, which was quite a disappointment. And the food options could be better, though they were adequate.”

92 reviewsFrom $164.45by Great Journeys New Zealand

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Tranz Alpine Train Tour

Tranz Alpine Train Tour - Springfield Station to Arthurs Pass: How to Think About the Timing

11.Tranz Alpine Train Tour

★ 5.0

Small-group TranzAlpine train to Arthurs Pass for a short walk, waterfalls, and a home-made picnic, with Christchurch pickup and same-day return.

“Our guide Craig was incredible!! So knowledgeable about the history of the countryside and made our trip so special with his flexible relaxed style!”

92 reviewsFrom $465.43by J Craig Rome

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Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass Day Tour: TranzAlpine Train & Lunch

Christchurch to Arthur's Pass Day Tour: TranzAlpine Train & Lunch - Getting your bearings: Waimakariri River, Lake Lyndon, and the road-to-the-mountains shift

Dunedin: Scenic Railway Tour Through the Taieri Gorge

Dunedin: Scenic Railway Tour Through the Taieri Gorge - Dunedin Railway Station: timing that keeps the ride smooth

13.Dunedin: Scenic Railway Tour Through the Taieri Gorge

★ 4.7

Ride the Taieri Gorge Railway from Dunedin through tunnels and bridges with onboard stories and Precinct café treats for purchase. 5 hours.

“Tour was excellent with in route commentary a beverage car and toilets. Scenery was amazing once we left the Dunedin area. Would recommend to anyone interested in taking the train that you take lunch or whatever food you may want on the train. Also to have some local currency for beverages as credit cards are…”

73 reviews5 hoursFrom $95by Dunedin Railways

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Captivating Railway Journey in Coromandel

Captivating Railway Journey in Coromandel - Barry Brickell, Pottery, and the Conservation Story That Powers the Ride

14.Captivating Railway Journey in Coromandel

★ 4.5

Ride Coromandel’s Driving Creek Railway to EyeFull Tower for Hauraki Gulf views, bridges, tunnels, and Barry Brickell’s art and conservation story.

“Great little railway travelling up through rainforest to fantastic viewpoint over the bay. Excellent commentary on the ride giving the history and workings of the railway and pottery. Cafe fine but menu limited.”

36 reviewsFrom $35.37by Driving Creek

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Arthur’s Pass with optional TranzAlpine Train (Small Group Tour)

Arthur's Pass with optional TranzAlpine Train (Small Group Tour) - Lake Lyndon: a short break that sets the mood

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