Train Experiences

NEW ZEALAND

6 Best Train Experiences In New Zealand

New Zealand's best.

New Zealand's 6 most popular train experiences, in one place. What each one is actually like, who runs it, and what you will pay.

6 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.

“An extraordinary journey that allowed us to view the north island in complete comfort. Very attentive staff, everyone and particularly our conductor, Bruce, provided utmost hospitality and care until the very end. The dining wagon was well stocked at reasonable prices. The toilet for people with disabilities is excellent.”

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.

“The 3 hr train ride to Authors Pass offered spectacular views. We met friendly, like minded travelers. A couple of the memorable hikes to the Devils Punchbowl Falls and Limestone boulders took a bit of hiking but they can also be enjoyed from the car park.”

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.

“The welcoming, helpful staff and the coastal viewing splendid. We were well looked after by the train staff. The journey was comfortable and the viewing great. The food on offer was more than adequate though choice was limited when we came to eat around 5 p.m. Excellent experience.”

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.

“What an amazing experience !! Worked like clock work 😊 with easy to board, staff were great! We did the lunch and train ride and were fortunate enough to have a lovely UK couple share the table we were on. The food was fantastic!! We thought it was just lunch but you get a lovely…”

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.

“A fantastic day out. Dave was our guide and really looked after us. From organising our train seats and taking us to out of the way places to telling us the local stories and history Dave was an interesting and knowledgeable guide.”

272 reviewsFrom $555.41by Canterbury Trails

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