The 15 Best Train Experiences in New Zealand

1.Northern Explorer Train Journey from Wellington to Auckland

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 513 reviews · from $157Our pick

Travel from Wellington Station to Auckland by Northern Explorer, with large windows, comfortable seats, a café carriage, GPS-triggered commentary, and open-air viewing decks. The route crosses the Kapiti Coast, Tongariro National Park, the Raurimu Spiral, and Waikato countryside. Bring patience, a camera, and a lunch budget.

“We opted to take the train rather than spend another day wondering around Wellington waiting for an evening flight and it was WELL worth it. As a couple who is content to lay back and read and relax, this was ideal. My only complaint was the food was a bit of a let down, wish we’d packed our own lunches! Otherwise, a great trip.”

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2.TranzAlpine Train, Arthur’s Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 426 reviews · from $254Top rated

Travel from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass on the scenic TranzAlpine, then explore waterfalls, alpine viewpoints, Lake Pearson, and Castle Hill by minibus. Guides such as AJ and Anuj provide commentary, snacks, water, and practical help on this small-group day out.

“Great experience, the train ride was fun. Exploring Arthur's Pass and Devils Punchbowl walk was very interesting, but we really like walking around the Castle Hill. Anuj was a wonderful guide and took very good care of everybody and providing a lot I f interesting information. We definitely recommend this tour!”

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3.Coastal Pacific Train Journey from Picton to Christchurch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 345 reviews · from $164

Travel one way from Picton to Christchurch aboard the Coastal Pacific, with panoramic windows, GPS-triggered commentary, a café carriage, and an open-air viewing deck. The 5-hour-40-minute route follows 98km of Pacific coastline, passing vineyards, seals, Kaikoura, native bush, and the Canterbury Plains.

“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.”

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4.TranzAlpine Train Journey: Christchurch to Greymouth

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 312 reviews · from $151Best value

Ride the TranzAlpine from Christchurch to Greymouth in about 4 hours 50 minutes. Watch Canterbury farmland give way to the Waimakariri River, Arthur’s Pass, beech forest, and West Coast scenery. GPS-triggered commentary, assigned seats, an open viewing deck, and a licensed café are included.

“The journey from Christchurch to Greymouth was lovely. A brief stop at Arthurs Pass. The area around Moana and Lake Brunner was particularly stunning. The staff were great and we even got a wave goodbye from the platform. Next time, I might try the Scenic carriage which appears to be a fine dining experience. I was unaware of this option when I booked and was only offered what seems to have been a more expensive ticket an than one economy may have been - but then again, the scenic carriage may be even more overpriced for a five hour train trip. But overall, a great experience.”

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5.Arthur’s Pass Discovery and TranzAlpine Train – Small Group Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 272 reviews · from $555

Take the TranzAlpine from Christchurch across the Canterbury Plains and through the Southern Alps, then meet a guide such as Jock, Sue, Peter, or Fiona for short walks, Cave Stream, Castle Hill, lunch, and a scenic minivan return.

“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.”

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6.Arthur’s Pass: TranzAlpine Train and Castle Hill Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 270 reviews · 10 hours · from $245

Take the TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass, then return by air-conditioned minibus with an English-speaking guide such as Anuj or Anush. Expect mountain views, waterfall walks, Lake Pearson, kea at Otira, Castle Hill, snacks, and several photo stops.

“Our tour guide Anuj was on time. He was very patient and informative. He has water and chocolate and chips for everyone. The van we got on was comfortable. The views are amaziiiiiiing. Need i more to say? It’s worth it. Every penny 🔥🔥🔥”

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7.Northern Explorer Train Journey from Auckland to Wellington

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 204 reviews · from $164

Spend about 11 hours crossing New Zealand’s North Island on the Northern Explorer from Auckland Strand to Wellington Station. Enjoy wide-window seats, GPS-triggered commentary, a café carriage, and an open-air viewing deck as the train passes Waikato farmland, Tongariro National Park, the Raurimu Spiral, and the Kapiti Coast.

“Very easy to get about. The food on the train was better than I expected. The open car behind the engine is a must visit.”

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8.Arthur’s Pass and TranzAlpine Train Day Tour from Christchurch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 202 reviews · from $347

Travel from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass by TranzAlpine train, then return by air-conditioned vehicle with a local guide. Expect mountain views, the Otira Viaduct, optional walks such as Devil’s Punchbowl, Arthur’s Pass Village, and a working sheep farm with sheepdogs, shearing, 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.”

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9.TranzAlpine Train Journey from Greymouth to Christchurch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 182 reviews · from $151

Ride from Greymouth to Christchurch through beech forest, Arthur’s Pass, Southern Alps valleys, and the Canterbury Plains. Your reserved seat comes with GPS-triggered commentary, access to open viewing decks, and an onboard café. Allow about 4 hours 50 minutes, and dress for alpine conditions.

“The staff were lovely but the trip was slow and expensive and after you’ve been in NZ for a week or two, the scenery wasn’t any different to what we’d already seen. The commentary was by wifi and old, and for the $ charged they really need to provide live commentary by announcement and refreshments. It’s not a trip in its current form that we would recommend.”

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10.Coastal Pacific Train Journey from Christchurch to Picton

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 92 reviews · from $164

Take the 5-hour-40-minute Coastal Pacific from Christchurch to Picton, following 98km of Kaikoura coastline. Expect large windows, an open-air viewing deck, GPS-triggered commentary, onboard snacks and coffee, and possible views of fur seals or dolphins. Check in early to request a preferred seat.

“The train ride was wonderful! Got to see the dolphins dancing and playing in the sea. The views from the train were breathtaking.”

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11.Tranz Alpine Train Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 92 reviews · from $465

Start with a Christchurch pickup, ride the TranzAlpine train from Springfield to Arthur’s Pass, then hike among waterfalls, mountain meadows, and alpine parrots. Guide Craig provides local context in a relaxed group of no more than seven, with a picnic and return drive included.

“Our guide Craig was incredible!! So knowledgeable about the history of the countryside and made our trip so special with his flexible relaxed style!”

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12.Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass Day Tour: TranzAlpine Train & Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 90 reviews · from $273

Travel from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass by Mercedes Sprinter, stopping at Castle Hill, alpine lakes, Otira Viaduct, and Devil’s Punchbowl Falls. You’ll return by the TranzAlpine train, with lunch, snacks, commentary, WiFi, and hotel pickup included. An optional jet boat ride adds more action.

“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…”

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13.Christchurch to Franz Josef 1 Way Tour inc TranzAlpine Train

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 13 reviews · 12 hours · from $328

Travel from Christchurch to Franz Josef in 12 hours, pairing the five-hour TranzAlpine train with a small-group road trip. Your English-speaking guide leads stops at Hokitika, Hokitika Gorge, and Lake Ianthe, with lunch, snacks, water, and luggage transport included.

“The chauffeur was reliable and friendly. Would have been better if the phone numbers were exchanged with the chauffeur so that after getting out off the train you would just let them know quickly”

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14.Arthur’s Pass with optional TranzAlpine Train (Small Group Tour)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 13 reviews · from $340

Travel from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass in a group of up to eight, stopping at Darfield, Springfield, Lake Lyndon, and Castle Hill. You can upgrade to the TranzAlpine Train for the outbound journey. Guides such as John, Nathanael, and Ingi have brought strong local knowledge and warm service to past departures.

“Transalpine component is highly recommended. Reasonable amount of walking included. Informative tour guide.”

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15.Kaikoura Whale Watch Day Tour from Christchurch including Coastal Pacific Train

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · from $316

You’ll take the Coastal Pacific Train north from Christchurch, join a guided whale-watching cruise in Kaikoura, then return by road with stops at a fur seal colony and, if time allows, a Waipara Valley winery. Hotel pickup, live commentary, and an optional lunch are included.

“The whale watching was terrific. However, the tour itself was very disorganized. They combined several different tours into one. Directions were not very clear and we ended up having to wait for other people to finish their activities. The guiRead more”

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