New Zealand is famous for its dramatic landscapes — snow-capped mountains, rugged coastlines, deep river valleys and rolling farmland. One of the most relaxing and spectacular ways to experience these landscapes is by train.
New Zealand’s scenic rail journeys are considered some of the most beautiful in the world, offering travellers a comfortable and unique perspective of the country’s natural beauty. From crossing the Southern Alps to travelling alongside the Pacific Ocean, these train journeys showcase some of the most breathtaking scenery the country has to offer.
Here are the three best scenic train journeys in New Zealand and why they should be on every traveller’s itinerary.
The TranzAlpine – One of the World’s Great Train Journeys
Often ranked among the top scenic train journeys in the world, the TranzAlpine travels between Christchurch and Greymouth across the dramatic Southern Alps. This unforgettable rail journey takes passengers from the fertile Canterbury Plains through deep river valleys and into the heart of the alpine landscape.
Along the way, the train climbs through the spectacular Waimakariri River gorge before passing through the remarkable Arthur’s Pass National Park. Towering peaks, braided rivers and native beech forests create constantly changing views throughout the journey.
Large panoramic windows and open-air viewing carriages allow passengers to fully experience the incredible scenery, making the TranzAlpine a highlight of many New Zealand train tours.
Journey highlights include:
- Crossing the vast Canterbury Plains
- The dramatic Waimakariri River Gorge
- Arthur’s Pass National Park
- Alpine mountain scenery and native forests
The Coastal Pacific – Spectacular Ocean and Mountain Views
The Coastal Pacific train travels between Picton and Christchurch along the eastern coastline of New Zealand’s South Island. This stunning journey combines dramatic mountain landscapes with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.
For much of the trip the railway hugs the coastline, where passengers can watch waves crashing against the shore while rugged mountains rise on the other side of the train. The route passes through the picturesque Kaikōura region, famous for its marine life and spectacular coastal scenery.
Travellers may even spot seals basking on rocks or dolphins playing offshore as the train winds its way along one of the most scenic coastal railways in the world.
Highlights of the Coastal Pacific journey include:
- Dramatic Pacific Ocean views
- The spectacular Kaikōura coastline
- Rolling vineyards of the Marlborough region
- Rugged mountain landscapes
The Northern Explorer – Through the Heart of the North Island
The Northern Explorer connects Auckland and Wellington, travelling through the diverse landscapes of New Zealand’s North Island. This scenic rail journey offers an incredible cross-section of the country’s geography, from farmland and forests to volcanic plateaus.
One of the most fascinating sections of the journey is the famous Raurimu Spiral, an ingenious piece of railway engineering that allows the train to climb steep terrain using a spiral track.
Passengers also travel through the spectacular landscapes of Tongariro National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage area known for its volcanic peaks and dramatic alpine scenery.
Highlights of the Northern Explorer include:
- The famous Raurimu Spiral railway
- Volcanic landscapes of Tongariro National Park
- Native forests and rural countryside
- A scenic journey through the heart of the North Island
Why Travel New Zealand by Train?
Train travel offers a relaxed and comfortable way to experience New Zealand’s landscapes without the need to drive. Modern carriages feature large panoramic windows, comfortable seating and open-air viewing areas designed for sightseeing.
Unlike travelling by car, scenic rail journeys allow passengers to sit back and fully enjoy the views while travelling through some of the country’s most remote and spectacular regions.
Many travellers choose to experience these rail journeys as part of a guided New Zealand train tour, which combines scenic train travel with comfortable coach touring, expert guides and carefully planned itineraries.
Experience New Zealand’s Scenic Train Journeys
New Zealand’s three great scenic train journeys — the TranzAlpine, Coastal Pacific and Northern Explorer — each offer a unique way to experience the country’s incredible landscapes.
Whether crossing alpine mountains, travelling beside dramatic coastlines or exploring volcanic landscapes, these iconic rail journeys are an unforgettable highlight of any trip to New Zealand.
If you’re dreaming of exploring the country by rail, you can discover our range of New Zealand train tours featuring these spectacular scenic rail journeys.
Explore our New Zealand’s scenic train journeys here.