Top 3 Scenic Train Journeys in New Zealand

With its stunning coastline and majestic mountains, New Zealand is a destination for breathtaking landscapes—and traveling by train is the ultimate way to soak it all in. At ground level, you can appreciate every detail of Aotearoa (the name in the Māori language), with opportunities to stop and explore along the way.

Onboard Experience: What to Anticipate

The trains are quite impressive, featuring a spacious 2+2 seating arrangement that offers ample legroom. While the carriages across the three long-distance rail routes are generally similar, the TranzAlpine boasts a more upscale Manuhiri Scenic Plus carriage introduced in 2024. Each train includes a decent onboard café and an open-sided observation car. The recorded commentary, available through headphones, is informative and engaging (though it does feature some vivid tales of historic train accidents).

1. Experience the Northern Explorer from Auckland to Wellington

As the longest of the three long-distance train journeys in New Zealand, this route spans 10 hours and 680km (423 miles) from Auckland to Wellington, showcasing a variety of stunning landscapes across the North Island.

Before boarding the train, take some time to explore the culture and attractions of Auckland. A great way to connect with the nation’s indigenous people is by visiting the Auckland Museum, where you can watch Māori kapa haka (song and dance) performances held twice daily. Alternatively, enjoy a ferry ride to appreciate the city’s waterfront and indulge in local produce on a wine tour. Once you’re ready to depart Auckland, head to the unassuming Northern Explorer train at Strand Station.

Given the length of this trip, it’s wise to plan some breaks along the way. The train line even offers guided tours for this purpose. Your first stop after leaving Auckland is Hamilton, where you can easily visit the famous Hobbiton Movie Set near Matamata. Nearby, you’ll find the delightful Hamilton Gardens, featuring diverse gardens from various cultures, as well as Zealong, New Zealand’s only tea farm, where you can enjoy high tea, a tour, and a tea ceremony.

Continuing your journey, the lush green farming landscape gradually transforms into the striking scenery of the Central Plateau. The train navigates the winding Raurimu Spiral, an engineering wonder from 1898. Another option for a stop is National Park Station, where travelers can access the stunning Tongariro National Park and its majestic volcanic peaks.

The Northern Explorer concludes its extensive journey as it glides along the Kapiti Coast towards Wellington, arriving at the trip’s most impressive railway station: a grand structure from 1937 that epitomizes the golden age of rail travel.

Wellington, the capital, has much to offer. Beyond its vibrant dining scene, highlighted by Ortega Fish Shack in the bustling Te Aro district, there are numerous cultural attractions. Explore the art gallery housed within the fascinating Te Papa national museum, or satisfy your Hobbit enthusiasm with a tour of Wētā Workshop, the design studio renowned for its work on The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film trilogies.

2. Journey on the Coastal Pacific from Picton to Christchurch

Before boarding your next train, you’ll need to cross the water via the Interislander. This -hour ferry ride traverses the Cook Strait from Wellington on the North Island to Picton on the South Island, culminating in a scenic glide through the stunning Marlborough Sounds. The ferries are spacious, offering food and entertainment during the trip.

After disembarking from the ferry, it’s just a short stroll to Picton Station, where you’ll board the Coastal Pacific train. Operating daily from January to April and four times a week from May to December, it’s arguably the most picturesque of New Zealand's three rail journeys, winding between mountains and the ocean on a 6-hour, 348km (216 miles) route to Christchurch.

One of the train's first stops is Blenheim, the heart of the Marlborough wine region. You can see vineyards as the train glides by, then it runs alongside the Pacific Ocean for a significant stretch. Here, nature shines – including a colony of fur seals basking on rocky outcrops just off the shore. Close to Kaikōura, you’ll also find the majestic Seaward Kaikōura Range, where snow-capped mountains loom inland, paralleling the tracks.

Eventually, the train returns to agricultural land and enters Christchurch. The gleaming station is a replacement for the one that was damaged in the earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 that struck the city. It remains in a state of transformation as it rebuilds after that seismic double blow. You can discover more about this significant event at the fascinating Quake City exhibition, explore street art on a guided tour with Watch This Space, or simply enjoy snacks purchased at the Riverside Markets.

3. The TranzAlpine traverses the Southern Alps from Christchurch to Greymouth

This final long-distance train journey sets itself apart from the others – instead of mountains as a backdrop, they become the core of the adventure. The TranzAlpine takes 5 hours to traverse the Southern Alps, covering 223km (139 miles) from Christchurch to the western port of Greymouth.

The journey begins by crossing the Canterbury Plains… and then, without warning, you find yourself enveloped by mountains. For a time, the TranzAlpine follows the Waimakariri River, a unique 'braided' waterway fed by glacial melt. High steel viaducts facilitate the train's passage through this rugged landscape.

At 740m (2428ft) above sea level and surrounded by beech trees, Arthur’s Pass attracts hikers in summer and snow sports fans in winter. After reaching this lofty point, the train descends from the mountains to the lakeside town of Moana before concluding its journey in Greymouth.

An hour later, the TranzAlpine returns to Christchurch, but it’s worth lingering in Greymouth to explore its attractions: the Māwhere Pā visitor experience (created in collaboration with Wētā Workshop), the stunning coastal rock formations at Punakaiki, and the delightful food and beer offered at the local favorite, Monteith’s. A rail journey spanning from North Island to South Island deserves a celebratory toast.

Train and ferry tickets are available for booking through a single website.

Reservations for the train and ferry services mentioned above can be made through the Great Journeys of New Zealand website.

Tim Richards received support from Tourism New Zealand during his travels. Contributors to Dinogo Planet do not accept complimentary services in exchange for favorable coverage.