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Northern Explorer Leaving National Park Northern Explorer Hapuawhenua Viaduct Distance Northern Explorer Leaving National Park Southbound Northern Explorer Carriage External Northern Explorer Hapuawhenua Viaduct

Northern Explorer

Rail Journey - from £109

Travel in style through rolling farmland, dramatic gorges and the rugged, volcanic Central Plateau from the North Island’s gateway city to its capital.

  • Panoramic windows on every carriage
  • Licensed café on board
  • Mountain scenery
  • Informative audio commentary
  • Scenic rail travel
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Your Rail Journey

Enjoy a journey through the heart of the North Island, travelling between Auckland and Wellington, New Zealand’s commercial and political capitals.

Along the way you’ll pass the ski towns of National Park and Ohakune, popular with winter holidaymakers. There are fantastic views of New Zealand countryside, the volcanic central plateau, Mount Ruapehu, the world famous Raurimu Spiral, and stunning river gorges – all from the comfort of your air conditioned carriage.

On board facilities: A licensed café carriage onboard the Northern Explorer provides you with a variety of meals, snacks and drinks. There is also an audio commentary system on board relaying the histories, legends and myths of New Zealand as it passes your window.

Auckland to Wellington

Monday, Thursday & Saturday
Departs: 07:45
Arrives: 18:25

Wellington to Auckland

Wednesday, Friday and Sunday
Departs: 07:55
Arrives: 18:50

Rail Journey - from £109

Include this Rail journey in a New Zealand holiday
designed for you

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Northern Explorer Hapuawhenua Viaduct Distance
Northern Explorer Leaving National Park Southbound
Northern Explorer Carriage External
Northern Explorer Hapuawhenua Viaduct

Your Rail Journey

Let the train take the strain for part of your New Zealand holiday. These iconic rail journeys offer reserved seating, panoramic windows, informative commentary.

Coach Class Seats: Spacious reclining seats with generous leg room

See more New Zealand Rail Journeys…

For advice or to start planning your holiday

talk to a New Zealand Expert on 0333 234 3209

Coronavirus – Notice for Customers

We are currently contacting all customers whose holiday may be affected by the current travel restrictions in place due to the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak.

For the latest Government advice regarding travel to any particular country please visit the Gov.uk website: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

Great Prices for 2020 & 2021

Whether you’re looking to get away this year or next, hotels are now offering some great prices and airlines incredible deals for both 2020 and 2021.

Cancellation Guarantee

So you can enjoy these low rates without risk, we have introduced a Price & Cancellation Guarantee. On all new bookings from 14th March 2020 we are offering:

Full Refund or Free Re-Booking - if you have to cancel your holiday or part of it due to UK government recommendation not to travel.

Free Change of Date or Destination - if foreign government action prevents access to their country or region.*

Freedom Expertise

At Freedom Destinations you have expert help at the end of the phone, so you can book with confidence knowing you have great support and full financial protection whatever happens.

Call us today on 0333 003 8043 or enquire online.

* Changes must be booked with same airline if flights have been paid. All changes subject to availability and seasonal surcharges and standard terms and conditions apply.