NEW ZEALAND · NEW ZEALAND TRAIN JOURNEYS
The 13 best new zealand train journeys you can book today, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is at the top for a reason, so start there.
Review the Northern Explorer from Wellington to Auckland, with mountain views, onboard comfort, pricing, food, timing, and practical tips.
“My husband and I loved this experience of traveling across New Zealand by train. The views were some of the most amazing and beautiful we have ever seen. The staff was great, highly recommend this travel experience.”
Ride the TranzAlpine to Arthur’s Pass, walk to Devils Punchbowl, and explore Castle Hill on a guided Christchurch day trip.
“Fabulous way to experience the best of Arthur's pass. This tour has everything: trains, a great drive, viewpoints, waterfalls, rocks, nature and great guided information”
Review of the Coastal Pacific from Picton to Christchurch, with Pacific views, Kaikoura scenery, practical tips, pricing, comfort, and value.
“the ride was great to take with children. We had seets with table so we have possibility to play whole time. We also have food and drinks from buffet.”
Review the TranzAlpine from Christchurch to Greymouth, with route highlights, food, viewing decks, price, timing, and booking tips.
“Amazing views - mind blowing Useful to take your own picnic, food available on train if needed. Wine & beer too”
Ride the TranzAlpine from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass with lunch, short walks, mountain scenery, and a small-group return by minivan.
“Our guide was Hugo, who was knowledgeable, engaging, funny and quite excellent. The one-way train ride to Arthur's Pass was very comfortable and scenic. Once there, Hugo (who had driven up there after dropping us off at the train) took over and shared details of the local area, with multiple stops along the way that should be seen by anyone visiting the area.”
Review of the Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass TranzAlpine tour, with train views, waterfalls, Castle Hill, practical tips, and honest value advice.
“Fantastic day and incredibly beautiful area. Anju, our guide, was very knowledgeable and explained everything in detail. First we took the train to Arthur’s pass and enjoyed incredible views, when we arrived Anju was waiting for us with the van and a took us to incredible places like the Devils Punchbowl waterfall and castle hill amongst other breathtaking stops like lake Pearson. Overall it was a great tour!”
Ride New Zealand’s Northern Explorer from Auckland to Wellington for volcanic peaks, open-air views, the Raurimu Spiral, and relaxed train travel.
“We could not enjoy the experience as the train was cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. There was flooding from bad weather.”
Ride the TranzAlpine from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass, hike to waterfalls, cross the Southern Alps, and visit a working sheep farm.
“This was a terrific tour and our tour guide, Carmen, was EXCEPTIONAL! She had the trip planned down to the minute with every detail thought through such that we had no worries at all. Carmen was/is warm, personable, knowledgeable and very energetic - a true pleasure to be around. We traveled via train to Arthur's Pass and back to Christchurch via van with plenty of scenic and interesting stops along the way to include a 300 step climb to a view of a beautiful waterfall. To say the scenery was breath-taking would be an understatement. This is a great tour to get you outside the city of Christchurch. I 100%…”
Review of the TranzAlpine from Greymouth to Christchurch, with Southern Alps views, Arthur’s Pass tips, prices, seating, food, and practical advice.
“Another experience to see beatiful landscape from west coast area to the east coast. Maybe need to arrange longer stop time on certain interesting points during the journey”
Ride the TranzAlpine from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass, hike alpine trails, enjoy a picnic, and return by car in one scenic day.
“Our guide Craig was incredible!! So knowledgeable about the history of the countryside and made our trip so special with his flexible relaxed style!”
Review the Coastal Pacific train from Christchurch to Picton, with Kaikoura coast views, wildlife, open-air decks, commentary, and practical tips.
“Staff were excellent, the manager gave a very good commentary about the area and history. Journey took us by the sea and were saw a large group of dolphins”
Review of the Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass tour with Castle Hill, Devil’s Punchbowl, lunch, and a scenic TranzAlpine train ride.
“On that day, tour size was too big at 21 pax which clearly exceeded what was mentioned at max of 16 pax. Each stop for photo taking was rather rushed. Joseph was the driver and the tour guide for the day. He’s a skillful driver and quite knowledgeable however was less thoughtful and patient towards the elderly on board. At one point, it was raining and he was laughing and trying to sound cheeky by saying the elderly passenger was unable to handle the rain when she used an umbrella to shelter from the rain. Transalpine train was also late by more than 45mins back to Christchurch station which disrupted…”
Ride Dunedin’s historic Taieri Gorge Railway through tunnels, bridges, and Otago scenery with onboard stories, views, and café service.
“Couldn’t fault the trip! A wonderful experience, fabulous scenery and excellent staff. Dave the storyteller was very interesting and informative. Austin the guard had a nice chat with us. Food available was first class too.”
By the kind of train, or by the country it runs through.
