Northern Explorer Train Journey from Wellington to Auckland

Travel between Wellington and Auckland on the Northern Explorer, New Zealand’s longest running passenger service. This long distance scenic rail journey passes through a wide range of landscapes, from the fertile farmlands of Waikato to the volcanic country of the Central Plateau and the sparkling Kapiti Coast.

A standout section is the journey through Tongariro National Park, where Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu rise above a landscape of contrasts. Along this route, snow covered fields, ancient lava flows and dense beech forests appear within the same stretch of country, giving a clear sense of the region’s varied terrain. The train also traverses river gorges and winds through the Raurimu Spiral near National Park, a notable piece of railway engineering.

On board, the experience is designed around the scenery. Travel in award winning carriages with specially designed seats, listen to GPS triggered audio commentary through headphones at every seat, or step onto the open air viewing decks for an unobstructed look at the landscape as it changes. A licensed café carriage is available throughout the trip for snacks and light meals at your own expense.

This is a rail journey focused on New Zealand’s changing geography, seen from the comfort of a purpose built scenic train.