New Zealand Rail Journeys

Train tracks traversing braided river valleys and volcanic fields, tunnels cutting through majestic mountains, and 19th Century viaducts spanning landscapes inaccessible by road – welcome aboard New Zealand’s trains!

Imagine sitting back in a purpose-built observation or open-air carriage, taking in magnificent views of steep New Zealand mountains on one side and the never-ending Pacific Ocean on the other as you listen to the soft lullaby of the clattering train! New Zealand rail journeys are not only beautifully romantic and relaxing, but they also showcase parts of New Zealand which simply aren’t visible by road.

Tranz Scenic rail trips cover some of the most stunning New Zealand scenery. The Overlander, connecting Auckland and Wellington, is a twelve-hour ride through the heart of the North Island. At the Raurimu Spiral, the train climbs 132 metres in under seven kilometres, an amazing feat of railway engineering! On the TranzAlpine, which traverses the South Island from east to west in four and a half hours, you’ll encounter another engineering highlight; the 73-metre Staircase Viaduct. The TranzCoastal service travels from Picton past Kaikoura to Christchurch – a trip that takes just over five hours and carries you across 175 bridges and through 22 tunnels! This service is currently suspended due to low demand after the Christchurch earthquake. However, the TranzCoastal will run again from 15 August 2011 – a great journey to look forward to! To make the most of your rail holiday, purchase a Scenic Rail Pass so you can get on and off as you please.

There are plenty of other options for discovering New Zealand rail history. The Taieri Gorge Railway takes you from Dunedin into Central Otago’s narrow and exhilarating Taieri Gorge through tunnels and across viaducts dating back to 1879! The Driving Creek Railway in The Coromandel is another highlight; this is New Zealand’s only narrow-gauge mountain railway.

Whether on an old steam locomotive or aboard the modern Tranz Scenic trains – make sure you sample New Zealand’s great train trips!

Sleep in a Train!

If you’re after a unique accommodation option, Waitomo’s Woodlyn Park fits the bill. Here, you can sleep in a refurbished 1950s rail car. Aboard the Waitomo Express you’ll find a completely self-contained motel unit!

Rail Museums

Go train spotting in NZ’s transport museums! At Auckland’s Museum of Technology and Transport (MOTAT) you can admire an amazing collection of locomotives, wagons, carriages, jiggers, rail buildings and photographs, and you can even go for a ride on a vintage steam locomotive. Other goodies are Pahiatua Railcar Museum near Palmerston North, Pleasant Point Museum near Timaru and Wellington’s Cable Car Museum at the terminus of the Cable Car (a must-do ride!).

Special Rail Tours

In New Zealand you can also book great special rail packages. How about a Tui Brewery Day Excursion up the stunning Kapiti Coast which includes a behind-the-scenes tour, classic Kiwi lunch and rail journey on the luxurious Silver Fern train. Or join the weekend Chateau Grand Ball rail trip which includes your stay at The Chateau Tongariro, the Chateau Grand Ball event, meals plus return rail journey from Wellington or Otaki. Other special train trips include a nostalgic ride on the 100-year-old Bay of Plenty Jazz Steamtrain.