Rail journeys in New Zealand

Few countries can compete with New Zealand’s beautiful natural landscapes. What better way to admire the scenery than through the panoramic windows of a train on of one of these scenic rail journeys?

Tailor-made New Zealand holidays including rail

Here are some ideas for combining great Kiwi rail journeys into your holiday:

New Zealand holiday with scenic rail journeys

22 days, From ££5,095 pp

Includes flights

Coastal Pacific

Start in the garden city of Christchurch, bound for the picturesque coastal town of Kaikoura, famous for whale watching. This route continues north, hugging the Pacific coastline before passing through the Kaikoura ranges, farmlands, rugged coastlines and the beautiful wine growing region of Marlborough en route to your destination, Picton. You'll get panoramic views from the latest style carriages which are heated and air-conditioned and have large windows and rooftop skylights so you won't miss a thing!

Route: Christchurch to Picton via Kaikoura
Duration: 5 hours, 20 minutes
Distance covered: 348km/216 miles

Northern Explorer

Travel through the heart of the New Zealand's North Island on this friendly service from the cultural capital Wellington to Auckland, the 'City of Sails'. This journey takes you through an ever-changing landscape of rolling fields, lush forests, spectacular river gorges and stark, volcanic terrain. One of the highlights is the feat of railway engineering which is the Raurimu Spiral - a section of single track railway that winds its way towards a steep ascent through tunnels and over bridges.

Route: Auckland to Wellington
Duration: 10 hours 30 minutes
Distance covered: 681km/423 miles

The TranzAlpine

Leaving behind the arable fields of the Canterbury Plains, you'll follow the Waimakariri river as the TranzAlpine slowly ascends into the spectacular scenery of the Southern Alps, stopping for freshly baked muffins along the way. You'll cross spectacular gorges and impressive viaducts and pass through lush valleys. After stopping at Arthur's Pass you'll descend through lush rain forest past Lake Brunner and into the west coast town of Greymouth.

Route: Christchurch to Greymouth via Arthurs Pass
Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes
Distance covered: 224km/139 miles

Tailor-made rail travel in New Zealand

We can tailor make your trip to include train tickets. For information on how to book any rail journeys in New Zealand, call us on 1273 320 580 or request a quote by email.