Explore New Zealand’s Scenic Train Journeys
New Zealand’s scenic train journeys are among the most spectacular in the world. Travelling by train offers a relaxed and comfortable way to see the country’s incredible landscapes — from dramatic mountains and sparkling lakes to rolling farmland and rugged coastline. You can travel on the TranzAlpine, Coastal Pacific or the Northern Explorer trains.
These iconic rail journeys are featured in several of our New Zealand rail tours.
The Best New Zealand Scenic Train Journeys
The TranzAlpine
Christchurch to Greymouth
Weaving coast-to-coast through the stunning Southern Alps, the TranzAlpine journey is one of a kind. Ranked amongst the best train journeys in the world, the TranzAlpine route is truly stunning. Cutting through the mountainous spine of New Zealand’s South Island, the railway weaves through cliff-lined river gorges, over high mountain plains, over braided rivers and around pristine mountain lakes.
The TranzAlpine journey follows two railways on its journey from east to west. Starting in Christchurch, the journey rumbles across the expansive Canterbury Plains on the South Island Main Trunk line (SIMT). Then at Rolleston, the TranzAlpine train turns north onto the Midland Line. Following an ancient Māori trail through the mountains that was later plotted by engineer Arthur Dobson, it is the Midland Line’s passage through the Southern Alps that astounds the senses.
Explore the stunning Kaikōura Coastline, famous for its marine life and whale watching. Voyage through the vineyards of Blenheim, dripping with New Zealand’s premium crop. Canter amidst the idyllic Canterbury countryside to the Garden City of Christchurch.
The Coastal Pacific
Christchurch to Picton
The Northern Explorer
Auckland to Wellington
Discover the full list of our New Zealand Train Tours on our Train Tours page:
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