Auckland to wellington by northern explorer scenic train. North island rail tours take you through spectacular scenery and fascinating historical locations in new zealand. North island train travel can be affordable on any budget. The overlander train flyby at mckay crossing to wellington.
A tranz scenic journey simply cant be beaten for comfort or the stunning scenery you will encounter. Sep 30, 2015 the northern explorer is a journey through the heart of the north island, traveling between auckland new zealand s largest city and home of the sky tower, to wellington new zealand s arts and culture capital. Youll be collected from your hotel and transferred to wellington train station for your overlander scenic train to auckland. The northern explorer is a journey through the heart of the north island, traveling between auckland new zealands largest city and home of the sky tower, to wellington new zealands arts and culture capital. You can explore new zealand with a scenic rail pass which allows you unlimited travel on new zealand s long distance passenger train network including ferry travel between wellington in the north island and picton in the south island, at you own pace, at any time, in any direction. The great journeys of new zealand is the tourism division of kiwirail that brings together its three scenic train services tranzalpine, northern explorer and coastal pacific with its passenger ferry business, interislander. On a world scale, new zealand is a small country similar in size to great britain, but with a population of only 4. It has continuity with the earlier intercity rail 19871995. If the north and south islands that comprise new zealand were any more beautiful it would be necessary to invent new superlatives to describe them. The northern explorer train is a scenic rail journey through the heart of the north island travelling between auckland new zealands largest city and home of the sky tower, to wellington. Journey past the central north island ski towns of national park and ohakune, see fantastic views of new zealand farmland, the volcanic plateau, mount. In the north island, the northern explorer links wellington and auckland. The northern explorer rumbles through the heart of the north island on an epic journey that covers 680km of new zealand s finest scenery, as it travels between auckland and wellington.
On the journey you will pass though the village of kaikoura, where you can break to take in the whale watching or dare to get closer and swim with the dolphins. You can enjoy the unique new zealand scenery, including some vistas inaccessible by car. Each of the three scenic passenger rail journeys in new zealand are unique, with views from the northern explorer train showing you the diverse countryside of the north island towering viaducts, spectacular gorges, hidden valleys, to the rugged coastline of the south island, seen from the coastal pacific train to the mountain alpine scenery from the tranz alpine train. The wellington to auckland train service is a scenic rail journey on the northern explorer train through the heart of the north island, travelling between wellington new zealand s arts and culture capital, through the central heartland of the north island to auckland, new zealand s largest city home of the sky tower. Other new zealand train trips our other rail experiences rely on the passion and dedication of enthusiasts. This train ride is a scenic feast of new zealand, with the kaikoura mountain ranges on one side and the rugged pacific ocean coastline on the other. The overlander was a longdistance rail passenger train between auckland and wellington in the north island of new zealand, along the north island main trunk nimt. Auckland to wellington by northern explorer scenic train from nz. North island trains are an easy and enjoyable way of seeing new zealand. Traveling by train in new zealand the overlander journey through the heart of new zealands north island on the overlander which connects wellington and auckland.
Christmas and new year in north island new zealand new. A guide to train travel in new zealand train routes, tranzscenic. The journey takes you through the heart of the north island, passing amazing scenery including mount ruapehu, the raurimu spiral and beautiful river gorges. You can comb the country on beautifully restored steam machines, whilst relaxing in modern comforts. On the north island, the 681kmlong northern explorer route connects auckland and wellington, taking in plenty of stunning scenery along the way. The northern explorer train service is a scenic rail journey through the five unique geographical regions of the north island travelling between auckland, new zealands largest city home of the sky tower, through the central heartland of the north island to wellington new zealands harbour capital and arts and culture centre. All carriages feature panoramic viewing windows that allow you to see fantastic views of the countrys farmland as well as iconic natural landmarks like the world famous raurimu spiral. Train travel new zealand a guide to new zealand rail travel. Jun 20, 2010 trip from auckland to tongariro national park north island on june 18, 2010. The new brand, named kiwirail scenic journeys, was launched with new akclass carriages designed to showcase new zealand s scenery, as well as providing longdistance passenger train services. Northern explorer train official great journeys of new. Journey through the heart of new zealand s north island on the overlander which connects wellington and auckland.
New zealand rail nz train, bus and ferry travel networks. New zealands longest running passenger service, the northern explorer is a long distance scenic train service running between auckland and wellington, stopping at palmerston north, ohakune, national park and hamilton. This journey is a scenic feast of new zealand, with the kaikoura mountain ranges on one side of your train and the rugged pacific ocean coastline on the other. All carriages feature panoramic viewing windows that allow you to see fantastic views of the countrys farmland as well as iconic natural landmarks like the world famous raurimu. Just three hours from australias eastern cities, our stunning landscapes and friendly locals are closer than you think. Yet guests who join great rail journeys in order to explore gods own country on an escorted rail tour will soon realise improving upon new zealands filmstar looks is an impossibility. The longest of these journeys, and the one thats most likely to be considered as an alternative to flying or driving, is the overlander train between auckland and wellington. Experience the extremes of new zealand s scenery, from the fertile farmlands of waikato to the volcanic peaks of the central plateau and the sparkling kapiti coast. North island train tours are ideal for both young and old, couples and groups, and a broad range of interests. Covid19 update due to covid19 restrictions all train, bus and day tour services are postponed and unable to be booked until resumption of service is announced.
This book helped so much because i was able to identify activities and treks that would really appeal to us, and omit those things that. North island highlights with scenic train selfdrive. Our northern explorer train the overlander travels through the heart of new zealands north island. Im thinking about the national park for new year, taking the overlander train down from auckland on the 28th and spending maybe 4 days in the area. Train railway travel in new zealand tranz scenic alpine. New zealand may be an island nation but theres virtually no longdistance water transport around the country. A guide to train travel in new zealand train routes. The overlander is a journey through the heart of the north island, travelling between wellington new zealands arts and culture capital and auckland new zealands largest city. Setting off from auckland, our cosmopolitan city of sails, the first chapter of the northern explorers epic journey. On the south island, the tranzcoastal links picton and christchurch, and the tranzalpine provides. The advantages of train travel in new zealand are many. Nov 09, 2009 new zealand train journeys are a popular option for travellers wanting to see a bit more of the country. You may wish to consider staying in russell which is prettier and quieter public transport in new zealand between cities is by bus our train network is not very extensive and is used mainly for freight although there are. New zealand rail bus ferry travel new zealand train rail.
All services, northern explorer, coastal pacific, tranzalpine. New zealand steam train tours mixing some of the most romantic sceneries in the world with the nostalgia of a bygone era, touring new zealand on a steam train is a captivating experience. The wonderful northern explorer train is easily the best way to get from downtown auckland to city centre wellington, stressfree and in comfort at ground level, stopping off at the tongariro national park for a couple of days if you like. Northern explorer train official the great journeys of new zealand.
A guide to train travel in new zealand train routes, tranz. The station has a small cafe where about half the train crammed in while the other half lined up at the 2 toilets on the platform, must be something about. Travel through new zealands unique landscapes, with the views from the overlander train showing you diverse countryside and volcanic region of the north island. The journey new zealands longest running passenger service, the northern explorer is a long distance scenic train service running between auckland and wellington, stopping at palmerston north, ohakune, national park and hamilton.
Yet guests who join great rail journeys in order to explore gods own country on an escorted rail tour will soon realise improving upon new zealand s filmstar looks is an impossibility. You can choose your own route, stop when you like, and travel. The northern explorer train formally the overlander is a scenic rail journey through the heart of the north island travelling between auckland, new zealands largest city home of the sky tower, through the central heartland of the north island to wellington new zealands arts and culture capital. Relax in comfort and enjoy our beautiful country on a train tour in the north island of new zealand. There is the tongariro crossing to do and it looks like lots of other good walks as well. Our three iconic trains, coastal pacific, northern explorer, tranzalpine and our interislander cook strait ferry offer a seamless connection between the north and south islands, and to many spectacular destinations along the way. The northern explorer is the great journeys of new zealand s auckland to wellington train. The wonderful northern explorer train is easily the best way to get from downtown auckland to city centre wellington, stressfree and in comfort at ground level, stopping off at the. The overlander is the most well known scenic train journey in the north island, running from wellington to auckland. Sit back and relax on a train in the north island, arrive at your destination refreshed and in comfort. If you love nature and want to capture the essence of the north island, catch a scenic train from a station, almost anywhere in the country. Time for a quick walk around the station and nearby buildings, others had the obligatory smoke or three. Train tours tours in new zealand find and book a range of tours throughout new zealand, including train tours.
Obvious exceptions include the boat services between auckland and various islands in the hauraki gulf, the interisland ferries that cross the cook strait between wellington and picton, and the passenger ferry that negotiates foveaux. Paihia is a good centre for visiting the bay of islands and northland. New zealand train holidays and tours great rail journeys. Book one of our scenic rail or interislander ferry journeys. Northern explorer train fares the great journeys of new zealand. Heres the lowdown on exploring new zealand by rail. The overlander is a journey through the heart of the north island, travelling between wellington new zealand s arts and culture capital and auckland new zealand s largest city. The overlander was a longdistance rail passenger train between auckland and wellington in the north island of new zealand, along the north island main. North island trains may offer services around the city, suburbs or country. Christmas and new year in north island new zealand. The overlander replaced a previous service operated by rm class silver fern railcars on monday 2 december 1991.
A guide on new zealand national travel networks and routes lines system. Or if youre moderately computersavvy, you can use the following workaround to book supersaver and smartsaver tickets online from outside new zealand. The north bound train stops in ohakune for 40 minutes southbound at national park. The northern explorer new zealand train rail bus coach. New zealand train journeys are a popular option for travellers wanting to see a bit more of the country. The route includes nine stations in total and another ten on demand for groups of 10 or more and flexi fares allow unlimited stopovers along the way. New zealand north islandoverlander trainauckland to. Rail travel new zealand rail journeys tourism new zealand. This epic journey roams through the heart of the north island, through an array of changing landscapes of sea coasts, farmlands, river viaducts and the volcanic central plateau. North island train tours, rail tour, railroad trips, new. The northern explorer journey great journeys of new zealand. The northern explorer replaced the overlander in 2012. Trip from auckland to tongariro national park north island on june 18, 2010.
Northern explorer train official great journeys of new zealand. Book trains in new zealand online international rail. Mar 19, 2009 the overlander train flyby at mckay crossing to wellington. Book kiwirail scenic journeys the great journeys of new zealand. The coastal pacific travels through 22 tunnels and crosses 175 bridges, one of them being new zealands only roadrail bridge. During the transformation, the tranzcoastal train was rebranded as the coastal pacific and the overlander became the northern explorer. Grab a ticket and tour around the north island in the comfort of a train. Travel between auckland and wellington through the heart of the north island. Trains are also the way to reach the north islands tongariro national park, the south islands.
This epic journey roams through the heart of the north island, through an array of changing landscapes of sea coasts. From auckland to wellington three days a week, returning. Sit back and let us connect you to a rich diversity of people and places throughout aotearoa, new zealand. The northern explorer train service is a scenic rail journey through the five unique geographical regions of the north island travelling between auckland, new zealands largest city home of the sky tower. A remarkable 12hour journey through the volcanic heart of the north island with highlights including tongariro national park and the famous raurimu spiral, a feat of railway engineering. See the sights only captured by transportation on a train.
The train networks that crisscross new zealand are perfectly suited for visitors to take in a lot of natural sights in a short time period. The northern explorer train service is a scenic rail journey through the five unique geographical regions of the north island travelling between auckland, new zealand s largest city home of the sky tower, through the central heartland of the north island to wellington new zealand s harbour capital and arts and culture centre. North island trains new zealand new zealand tourism guide. Trains in the north island may run at a timetable throughout the day or during the week.
Its an epic 681 kilometre 423 mile journey across the interior of the north island. Following the withdrawal of the overnight northerner, it was the only regular passenger train on the nimt between pukekohe and. Rail new zealand guidepost tours cultural and special. The service was replaced from 25 june 2012 by the northern explorer. The journey through tongariro national park, with its three spectacular volcanic mountains tongariro, ngauruhoe and.
Northern explorer train wellington 2020 all you need to. Travel through new zealand s unique landscapes, with the views from the overlander train showing you diverse countryside and volcanic region of the north island. Along the way, pass the central north island ski towns of national park and ohakune, popular with young and old alike. This book helped so much because i was able to identify activities and treks that would really appeal to us, and omit those things that were too intense or not in our area of interest. The northern explorer is the great journeys of new zealands auckland to wellington train. You can bring large equipment, such as surfboards, mountain bikes, or gear that would be too big to place on a bus or in a small car. Explore the north islands unique experiences with these flight deals arrive in wellington with air new zealand. The overlander train is a day train service between wellington, palmerston north, ohakune, national park and hamilton in the north island of new zealand. Then go to nz and book your kiwirail great journey, and be. North island train tours, rail tour, railroad trips, new zealand. Southland has the kingston flyer, dunedin has the taieri gorge railway and auckland is the launching point for amazing boutique steam train trips around the whole country. The northern explorer train service connects auckland, new zealand s largest city and home of the sky tower. The wellington to auckland train service is a scenic rail journey on the northern explorer train through the heart of the north island, travelling between wellington new zealands arts and culture capital, through the central heartland of the north island to auckland, new zealands largest city home of the sky tower.
Get a flexi plus train fare with unlimited stops and date flexibility or grab a limited earlybird bargain with one of our northern explorer starter fares. It takes you the length of the historic north island main trunk railway, started in 1885 and. A scenic rail journey through the heart of new zealands beautiful north island. A scenic rail journey through the heart of new zealand s beautiful north island. The northern explorer train service connects auckland, new zealands largest city and home of the sky tower.
The overlander train wellington auckland day rail train. Northern explorer train wellington 2020 all you need. The overlander was a longdistance rail passenger train between auckland and wellington in the north island of new zealand, along the north island main trunk. Auckland to wellington on the north island main trunk railway, one of the worlds great train rides. On the north island, the overlander links auckland with wellington. New zealand train tours and tours great rail journeys. We take passengers across new zealand in comfort and style through some of the most scenic areas of the north and south islands. The new division was launched in may 2017 and replaced the former tourism brand kiwirail scenic journeys. North island rail map north island new zealand mappery.
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