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.

“This is a great way to really appreciate the diverse scenery and landscape of New Zealand. The trip was comfortable and the explanations of the sights great.”

Check Availability →Read the review →

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.

“Anuj, our guide was amazing! His knowledge of the area was vast and I learned a lot of fun facts I didn't know before my trip. We made tons of stops at points of interest. He has umbrellas, water, and snacks. He even gave us some tips on the rest of our trip. I highly…”

Check Availability →Read the review →

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

TranzAlpine Train Journey: Christchurch to Greymouth

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

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 great bespoke full day tour. The train journey was fantastic followed by a drive through Arthur's Pass which included several stops & short walks. Peter our tour guide for the day provided history & information on the area & introduced us tRead more”

Check Availability →Read the review →

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

7.Northern Explorer Train Journey from Auckland to Wellington

★ 4.0

Ride the Northern Explorer one-way from Auckland to Wellington with open-air decks, seat audio, and Tongariro volcano views.

“The ride was a nice relaxing way to travel from Auckland to Wellington. Thanks to our concierge Harry to make sure our hotel in Wellington met our needs as well. The crew on the train were friendly and the food costs reasonable. You can bring your own snacks with you too ❤️. Highly recommend”

Check Availability →Read the review →

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.

“Great and excellent tour with Scotty around👍, very happy with Scotty, however one loose point to highlight, we are a tour of two to this train tour but being seated separately at 7C n 8A😔, overall the tour is fun n great, especially the cookies by the owner of the sheep farm and doggie Tobby(hope…”

Check Availability →Read the review →

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

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!”

Check Availability →Read the review →

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

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

★ 4.5

A full-day Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass tour with the TranzAlpine train, lunch, and a hike to Devil’s Punchbowl waterfall.

“This tour was all day. Lots of time in a bus driving to not see very much at all. There was a bag of snacks given as we got on the bus and then we picked up lunch at the jet boat stop. A bread roll with salad , a cookie and an apple. Our…”

Check Availability →Read the review →

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

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.

“Am amazing experience unlike any other, you shouldn't miss this unique rail and pottery experience that will take you through beautiful some forest up to stunning views.”

Check Availability →Read the review →

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

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

★ 5.0

Scenic day trip from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass with a small-group vibe, optional Devil’s Punchbowl walk, and Castle Hill boulders.

“I had an amazing time. My guide for the day, Nathanael, was extremely knowledgeable and shared many interesting stories about New Zealand, the area, and the Māori people. Castle Hill is magnificent, and it was great to walk around anRead more”

Check Availability →Read the review →

Most recent

Explore New Zealand