UPDATE: Services returned for the summer!

We are pleased to announce that the Northern Explorer, Coastal Pacific and TranzAlpine trains have returned to the tracks for spring and summer. Face masks are now mandatory on The Northern Explorer including all sectors on the journey, except when consuming food or drink.

Cook Strait ferry bookings and some daytours and bus routes are also open for sale. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any queries on 0800 143 669 or info@newzealandtravelteam.com

 

We understand that Covid-19 continues to add uncertainty in planning, and indeed all the train services rely on the country being at Covid - 19 Alert Level 1. Should there be cancellation of services due to Covid 19 restrictions, we will offer affected customers a transfer to an alternative date, a credit for 12 months, or a refund, regardless of the fare purchased less a $30 processing fee for the entire reservation.

 
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Train Services

New Zealand long distance passenger train services

Northern Explorer: Auckland-Wellington-Auckland train service
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. Read more

Coastal Pacific: Christchurch–Picton–Christchurch train service
The Coastal Pacific train operates between the delightful port of Picton - the gateway to the beautiful Marlborough Sounds - to Kaikoura - the home of whale watching and onto Christchurch - the South Island's largest city. Read more

Tranz Alpine: Christchurch–Greymouth–Christchurch train service
The Tranz Alpine train operates between Christchurch, Arthurs Pass and Greymouth - from the east coast to the west coast of New Zealand's South Island. Read more

 

 

NEW Premium service launched on South Island trains. Passengers travelling on the TranzAlpine and Coastal Pacific in the South Island are now being offered a new way to experience train travel.  Scenic Plus is a new option at a higher ticket price than the familiar Scenic Class - offering regional delicacies, and local commentary, delivered straight to your seat as you sit back and enjoy the spectacular views. Food from local producers will be on offer, including Canterbury grass-fed roast lamb loin on the TranzAlpine and Marlborough salmon and Kaikoura crayfish on the Coastal Pacific. Initially one carriage will be dedicated to Scenic Plus on each train service.

The familiar Scenic Class experience is also still available with a range of fresh food and beverages available from the café car. Seating is comfortable '2 Seat-Aisle-2 Seat' reclining seats with head rests or 'Table Group' (4 people around a table) seating - great for families, small groups or meeting new friends.

Regional passenger train services in New Zealand
Alongside the three long distance passenger train services in New Zealand there are also two regional passenger train services.

  • The Capital Connection train operates between Wellington and Palmerston North Monday to Friday
  •  The Wairapapa Connection train operates between Wellington and Masterton seven days a week

There are no overnight regional or long distance passenger train services in New Zealand.

Travel to other major tourist destinations in New Zealand is by scenic bus and coach services from either Auckland, Hamilton, Christchurch or Greymouth.