New Zealand · NEW ZEALAND SCENIC RAIL JOURNEYS
28 reviewed
Good scenic rail journeys fill up over a New Zealand summer and the best of them are gone by October. The 15 that stand out are below, with current prices and what makes each one different.
Ride the Northern Explorer from Wellington to Auckland with open-air decks, GPS audio, and Tongariro volcano scenery for a stress-free day.
“Great experience throughout. Comfortable way to see a lot of then Island. Staff were very attentive.”
TranzAlpine train plus Arthur’s Pass walks and Castle Hill, with hotel pickup and drop-off for a full South Island nature day.
“It was a fabulous day out. Our guide AJ was wonderful and explained everything perfectly. We would definitely recommend this tour.”
Ride the Great Journeys Coastal Pacific one-way from Picton to Christchurch, with Kaikoura and ocean views, plus GPS audio and café snacks.
“Comfortable seats with beautiful views. Coastal views amazing. Good food and snacks. Very nice workers onboard. Downside, just this run were AC made it too cold and the train was 20+ minutes late which meant it was dark when we arrived. Also to know, the outdoor viewing car had no seating so I’d standing is an issue don’t go out there.”
Ride the TranzAlpine from Christchurch to Greymouth in about 4.5 hours, with GPS audio, open-air decks, and café snacks through the Alps.
“What an amazing experience !! Worked like clock work 😊 with easy to board, staff were great! We did the lunch and train ride and were fortunate enough to have a lovely UK couple share the table we were on. The food was fantastic!! We Read more”
A semi-guided one-day cycling loop in Central Otago, with transfers, top gear, and must-see Poolburn Gorge highlights.
“No better way to see and experience the Central Otago region - the team at BikeItNow were brilliant, the bikes were all set up perfectly and ready to go. Couldn’t ask for a better day. Thanks to Lisa and all the crew.”
Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass by TranzAlpine, then guided minivan walks in the Southern Alps, with lunch and teas included.
“Jock, our guide, was amazing. Our trip was altered due to the weather and he still made it fabulous. Arthur's Pass beautiful and the view from the train spectacular. He threw in an impromptu tour of Christchurch at the end as we hadn't had a chance to look around. Would thoroughly recommend this tour.”
TranzAlpine train to Arthur's Pass plus alpine walks and Castle Hill boulders, guided stops, snacks, and Christchurch pickup in one day.
“Excellent day trip, the hike to devils punchbowl does require moderate fitness and proper shoes (which I wasnt aware of). Our guide was wonderful! The whole tour is well organised and the train is definitely worthwhile.”
Northern Explorer one-way train Auckland to Wellington: 11 hours of Waikato farms, Tongariro volcanoes, the Raurimu Spiral, and GPS audio.
“This is a very long train ride if you go from Auckland to Wellington. The seats are comfortable but not 11 hours' worth! Getting up for a lunch or snack or checking out the viewing car is a must! All to say, well worth it. I had no idea what the landscape was like and I really didn't want to fly over it all. And trains are cool!”
TranzAlpine rail plus Southern Alps road touring to Arthur’s Pass, with scenic stops, a sheep farm with dog herding, and afternoon tea.
“A ton of activities packed into the day but definitely one to recommend. Stephanie was great and connected with us all. Three wonderful hikes with Cascade falls being incredible - worth the steps. Loved the small group and especially loved the experience at the farm learning about the life of working with sheep. And we got a great picture of a Kea.”
Great Alpine Highway day trip from Christchurch to Castle Hill and Arthur's Pass, returning on TranzAlpine with lunch and Kea.
“Excellent tour. Guide was informative and friendly and squeezed in a couple of extra stops as we were making good time. Recommended.”
TranzAlpine from Greymouth to Christchurch through Arthur’s Pass, with GPS audio, open viewing decks, and a café. About 4h50.
“Great scenery. The Train ride was comfortable. The staff were very friendly! I would recommend this trip.”
Coastal Pacific train from Christchurch to Picton, 5h 40m. Ocean-hugging views, fur seals, and GPS audio through seat headphones.
“The best way to travel through remarkable New Zealand, would do it again! We enjoyed it and even got lucky to see seals 😍”
Small-group TranzAlpine day tour from Christchurch with pickup, scenic train through the Southern Alps, Arthurs Pass walking, and a homemade picnic.
“Our guide Craig was incredible!! So knowledgeable about the history of the countryside and made our trip so special with his flexible relaxed style!”
TranzAlpine rail, Castle Hill, Otira Viaduct and a Devil's Punchbowl hike from Christchurch, with lunch, snacks, and carbon-neutral transport.
“The scenery, as expected, was beautiful. Our guide, Clive, was knowledgeable and interesting as well as responsive to questions. We made more stops than were on the listed itinerary, some for photo-ops, some for hikes and some for optional jet boating. One concern for us was that the tour was listed as 8 hours (approx.). In reality, it turned out to be over 11 hours. This was not due to difficulties, but looking back it was organized for this length (the train was scheduled to pick us up at 4:20, followed by a three hour train ride and then delivery to our hotels by van). It caused us to miss…”
Ride the Remutaka Rail Trail by eBike from Kaitoke to Featherston, with tunnels, a swing bridge, and a summit picnic.
“I had the best time. The eBike was set up for my height and requirements, and the operation was explained in detail. The guide explains the trail and what to expect in very good detail. You are then left to travel and your own pace, making your way to the end where you are picked up to travel back to Wellington. I travelled in May (autumn) which was a little chilly but very pretty. I travelled on my own, feeling very safe and relaxed the entire time. Would definitely recommend this tour.”
