Earlybird 20% Off Selected New Zealand Rail Tours Book by 31 January for departures September 2026 to April 2027.

NZ’s Northern Rail Highlights Tour

Duration: 6 Days

Price: from NZ$3,399

Departure From: Auckland

Departure Date: Weekly Departures

Tour Type: Escorted Tour

Meal Plan: B&B and selected meals

Physical Grading: 2/5

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Experience the essence of New Zealand’s North Island on the Northern Rail Highlights tour — a six-day adventure that showcases the best of city life, volcanic landscapes, and coastal splendour, all aboard the legendary Northern Explorer train.

Travel between Auckland and Wellington on this guided scenic journey, exploring a blend of bustling cities, charming towns, and natural wonders. Along the way, you’ll encounter volcanic peaks, rolling farmlands, sparkling coastlines, and marvels of Kiwi engineering that bring this extraordinary route to life.

Your northern rail adventure begins in Auckland, where the soaring skyline fades into the wide-open Waikato plains. From Hamilton, the train climbs the iconic Raurimu Spiral — an ingenious feat of engineering — before reaching the volcanic plateau, where you’ll pass beneath the shadow of three mighty peaks. The descent brings thrilling crossings over dramatic viaducts, each offering sweeping views of the landscapes below.

The final stage of your Northern Rail Highlights tour carries you along the sunlit Kapiti Coast, tracing the shoreline southward into Wellington, New Zealand’s vibrant capital. With its stunning harbour, rich culture, and lively atmosphere, Wellington provides the perfect finale to a journey that captures the very heart of the North Island.

Northern Rail Highlights Tour

Northern Rail Highlights Rail Tour Highlights

  • Experience the Volcanic Plateau by world-renowned Northern Explorer train journey
  • Encounter the volcanic peaks of Middle Earth in Tongariro National Park
  • Witness the engineering marvels of the amazing Raurimu Spiral 
  • Marvel at the mesmerising coastal views of the Kapiti Coast
  • Discover the sandstone cliffs of the Rangatikei River Gorge
  • Be captivated by the storytelling of your Tour Director throughout your northern rail great train journey
  • Included activities are; Te Papa introduction tour, Northern Explorer Scenic Train, Free time and optional excursions to personalise your Northern Rail Highlights holiday.
Northern Rail Highlights LOCO Journeys
Crossing one of the many North Island viaducts aboard the Northern Explorer

Northern Rail Highlights Rail Tour Optional Excursions

Each option on our is highly recommended to make the most of your Northern Rail highlights tour. Ask at the time of booking.

Explore Tongariro – Put your walking shoes on and explore the volcanic mountains of Tongariro National Park

Old Coach Road – Hire a bike or e-bike and explore Ohakune’s historic Old Coach Road

Wellington Cable Car – Explore the heights of Wellington on the famous red cable car to take in the views over the city

Scenic Helicopter Tour – Get a birds-eye view of Wellington and the surrounding areas on a helicopter tour

Wellington City Tour – Explore New Zealand’s Capital by foot

Wellington-Cable-Car
Enjoy a ride on New Zealand’s only public Cable Car.

For a detailed itinerary, departure details, and booking conditions for your Northern Rail Highlights Tour, please see below. The Northern Rail Highlights Tour departs from Auckland – 6 days finishing in Wellington.

Departure Date from AucklandPricing & Notes
13 January 2026SOLD OUT
03 February 2026$3,399 – Reverse trip from Wellington to Auckland – Enquire
13 February 2026$3,399
13 March 2026SOLD OUT
27 March 2026$3,399
28 April 2026$3,399 – Reverse trip from Wellington to Auckland
11 September 2026$3,499
25 September 2026$3,499
09 October 2026$3,499
30 October 2026$3,499
13 November 2026$3,499
20 November 2026$3,499
04 December 2026$3,499
11 December 2026$3,499
22 January 2027$3,499
29 January 2027$3,499
12 February 2027$3,499
19 February 2027$3,499
05 March 2027$3,499
12 March 2027$3,499
02 April 2027$3,499
23 April 2027$3,499

All Departure Dates for the Northern Rail Highlights Tour are Guaranteed to Operate

Click here for alternate North Island New Zealand tours.

Tour Inclusions

  • Northern Explorer Train Journey
  • Private Coaches to reach regional sightseeing
  • Services of our Experienced Tour Director
  • 5 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners and 2 meals on the train
  • 3.5 – 4 star hotel accommodation (twin share)
  • All sightseeing and entrance fees as specified in the itinerary.

Pricing Notes

  • Advertised price based on per person, twin share
  • Non-refundable deposit of 20% per person is due at the time of booking
  • Full non-refundable balance of tour payment is required 66 days prior to departure booking
  • A single supplement is available or you can choose to match up with another single traveller
  • Price is subject to change unless paid in full
  • Full terms and conditions will be advised at the time of booking.
  • Maximum group size of 35
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Tour Itinerary

Day 1 | Auckland
Kia Ora! Welcome to Auckland, New Zealand’s City of Sails! Auckland is known for its multi-cultural hub of food, music, arts, and culture. After checking into your hotel and reading your welcome letter from your Tour Director, head out and explore all that Auckland has to offer. This is the perfect opportunity to visit the Sky Tower or go shopping along bustling Queen Street. You may even fancy a drink in one of the charming bars or eateries of Vulcan Lane. Your tour officially begins this evening, as you join your fellow travellers and Tour Director this evening for a welcome reception.
Today you will marvel at rural New Zealand’s lush landscapes from the comfort of your seat onboard the Northern Explorer scenic train journey. From the green pastures of the Waikato to the icy mountain streams of Ruapehu, you won’t want to miss a moment. If you are interested in culture and history, be sure to listen to the audio commentary as you cross historic viaducts and traverse up the Raurimu Spiral. This experience is one like no other. Enjoy an elevated experience as you visit the volcanic plateau. Learn about Tongariro National Park which is home to three volcanic mountains and recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. At the base of this geological wonder is Ohakune, 'the carrot capital of New Zealand', where you’ll stay the next two nights to experience your chosen adventure.
Today is free for you to discover one of the region's many exciting excursions. Choose from the optional activities on offer and personalise your perfect holiday. Perhaps you will hop aboard a rail cart journey or join a horse trekking experience that takes you along expansive hills, mountains, rivers and into native forest. If you're after an active day, why not explore Ohakune’s historical cycle trail? Rent e-bikes and discover old viaducts, tunnels, old settlers’ camps and reclaimed native forests along the Old Coach Road!
After breakfast, we begin our day by travelling from National Park to Mt Ruapehu. You won't want to leave this mini excursion to Middle Earth without a panoramic photo in hand! Joining the Northern Explorer train once again, you will wave goodbye to this UNESCO World Heritage Site as you settle into your uber-comfortable seat. Don’t get too comfortable though; dramatic rivers, gorges, and ravines are just around the bend! Stretch your legs and explore the open-air carriage to acquire the best views from the train. As you glide through rich green farmland and past a dramatic coastline, indulge in afternoon tea while drinking in the views. All too soon the train will arrive into Wellington leaving the picturesque Porirua Harbour behind you. Arriving at Wellington Railway Station, you are just a stone’s throw from downtown, the Beehive, and Parliament Buildings. Welcome to New Zealand’s Capital City! You won't want to waste a moment of time after checking into the hotel - your evening is free to explore this award-winning cultural and culinary capital from Queen's Wharf to Cuba Street and beyond.
The perfect day does exist – and it includes exploring Wellington! Today is free for you to experience vibrant Wellington as you please. Start by joining our Wellington City introduction tour and then head off to explore Cuba Street’s cafés, bookstores, and eccentric shops. Get cultured at Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum, or visit Zealandia Eco-Sanctuary to surround yourself by native birdlife and regenerating forest. You won’t get bored with the plethora of activities on offer. From coffee, culture, historic buildings to botanic gardens and much more…the list goes on! If you need any suggestions or recommendations, just reach out to your helpful Tour Director or our Travel Centre to pre-book an experience. Enjoy dinner tonight with your fellow travellers and Tour Director.
Your journey will end after enjoying breakfast at your hotel. Should you wish to add any further adventures to your holiday, let us kow at the time of booking and we will galdly arrange these for you.

For more information about this tour, price queries and updates on specials, please Enquire Now.