Northern Explorer
Rail Journey - from £109
Auckland | Wellington
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
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: 18:57
Wellington to Auckland
Wednesday, Friday and Sunday
Departs: 07:55
Arrives: 19:09
Rail Journey - from £109

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