These great train trips can take you through remote national parks, across spectacular volcanic landscapes, over river valleys and along rugged coastlines with steep mountains on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other.
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The Northern Explorer
Take a remarkable 12-hour journey through the heart of the North Island with the Northern Explorer. Here you will traverse through the Tongariro National Park and the famous Raurimu Spiral, regarded as a triumph of railway engineering.
Enjoy these views from your vantage point behind large windows that afford panoramic views. You can also retreat to the observation carriage at the rear of the train that includes lounge-style seating surrounded by glass on three sites. Open-air observation areas and a buffet car for meals and drinks ensure you won’t be stuck for refreshments or fresh views!
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Coastal Pacific
For a truly majestic view of the Pacific Ocean, hop aboard the Coastal Pacific, which runs between Picton and Christchurch. The Kaikoura Ranges rise steeply on one side, while seals and penguins can often be sighted on the rocky coastline on the other.
To extend your journey, spend the night at Kaikoura and take in a whale-watching safari. Once you hop back onboard, you will continue across the Canterbury Plains across a patchwork of horticultural and farming landscapes divided by vast rivers. In total, you will cross 175 bridges and 22 tunnels. Bonus points for anyone who counts them along the way!
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The TranzAlpine
Experience one of the world’s most spectacular train journeys as you travel from Christchurch to Greymouth aboard the TranzAlpine. Here you will cross the Southern Alps, taking in the 73-metre-high Staircase viaduct, Arthur’s Pass National Park and the Otira tunnel along the way.
This 223-kilometre one-way journey takes just under 5 hours and will see you pass through 19 tunnels and four viaducts. Time flies as you drink in epic vistas such as the edges of the ice fed Waimakariri River and miles of native beech forest. The TranzAlpine also features an outdoor viewing carriage, to allow you to get even closer to the spectacular scenery. If you only do one train trip on your NZ holiday, make it this one.
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Contact us to learn more about our current Great Rail Holiday packages available.
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