28th March 2026
Discover the best heritage railways New Zealand has to offer, from hidden branch lines and vintage tramways to unique rail cart adventures. This guide explores 12 lesser-known rail experiences across both islands, alongside iconic journeys like the TranzAlpine, helping you plan a richer and more rewarding New Zealand rail holiday.
25th March 2026
Experience the Scenic South Island in spring, where mountains, waterfalls, rivers and coastlines shine, explored in comfort by rail and luxury coach on a leisurely journey.
22nd January 2026
There are a host of exciting TranzAlpine tour destinations you can head to once you have completed your TranzAlpine train journey. Take a read for LOCO’s favourite dozen.
6th December 2025
For many travellers TranzAlpine train food is an important part of their day, particularly if you are enjoying a day return TranzAlpine train journey from Christchurch. Here are the details you need to know.
23rd November 2025
Enjoy this 19 day mid size group rail cruise and coach adventure, a premium journey that delivers the best of New Zealand’s rail experiences.
19th November 2025
Embark on the 19 day ultimate rail cruise and coach adventure, a seamless journey that blends New Zealand’s most iconic rail experiences.
11th November 2025
Journey through a landscape rich in natural beauty, cultural heritage, and captivating contrasts, from volcanic peaks to rolling farmland, from historic townships to sweeping coastal vistas. This exclusive North Island train tour offers a truly unique way to experience New Zealand.
4th November 2025
Much like Sir Edmund Hillary’s own pathway to the world’s peaks, this journey blends majesty, mastery and moments that stay with you long after the tracks end.
If you dream of dramatic alpine crossings, heritage steam railways, world-class fiords and warm kiwi hospitality, the Sir Edmund Hillary train tour is a grand voyage that effortlessly combines comfort and adventure.
31st October 2025
Few journeys capture the essence of New Zealand’s South Island quite like the Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer Tour, a rail and luxury coach adventure that journeys through the best of New Zealand’s distinctive scenery.
Designed for travellers and rail fans who want to see the very best of the South Island in comfort, this journey combines rail heritage, grand scenery, and the pioneering spirit of one of New Zealand’s most celebrated figures.
17th October 2025
The Sir Edmund Hillary train journey isn’t just a scenic rail adventure, it’s a carefully crafted travel experience that connects you from your doorstep to the very best of New Zealand.
When you book with LOCO Journeys, you’re choosing a trusted, specialist team who turn complex travel arrangements into smooth, memorable holidays.
From the moment you enquire to the day you return home, you’ll experience a level of personal service that makes every step of your rail journey effortless.
10th October 2025
The Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer Rail Tour series has become one of New Zealand’s most celebrated and talked-about rail touring experiences, and for good reason.
Operating regular departures right throughout the year, this extraordinary rail and luxury coach journey showcases the majesty of the South Island in every season. Discover why the Sir Edmund Hillary train tours are so highly rated.
8th October 2025
Step aboard one of New Zealand’s most inspiring rail adventures with Sir Edmund Hillary Tours, a journey that showcases the country’s breathtaking landscapes and legendary spirit of exploration.
While the tour features many remarkable stops, we’ve hand-picked our 10 best destinations. Enjoy a collection of alpine wonders, coastal gems, and vibrant towns that truly capture the magic of New Zealand’s South Island.
3rd October 2025
This epic journey circumnavigates New Zealand’s South Island, combining luxury coach travel with six remarkable rail experiences, including heritage steam – inspired by New Zealand’s most celebrated explorer.
29th September 2025
The Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer Pinnacle Tour is an exclusive 15-day luxury journey through New Zealand’s South Island, hosted by Peter Hillary and reserved for a select group of discerning travellers.
26th August 2025
Join this tour and travel through beautiful Central Otago and then ride the famous Taieri Gorge Railway. Discover stunning viaducts, tunnels and Otago scenery.
26th March 2025
An unforgettable adventure that combines the luxury of the TranzAlpine train with the natural beauty of Franz Josef Glacier and the world-renowned Milford Sound.
11th March 2025
The Taieri Gorge Railway is an unforgettable New Zealand heritage rail journey taking passengers on a scenic adventure through dramatic gorges and over historic viaducts.
16th November 2024
Taking inspiration from one of the world’s most celebrated explorers, this Winter Edition offers NZ’s best rail adventure tour with snow on top!
20th June 2024
Our Premium Three Great Rail Journeys itinerary delivers a fully encompassing luxury, independent, rail travel experience. Take your time and enjoy the very best New Zealand has to offer.
30th August 2023
Enjoy the premier twin rail journeys of New Zealand on each island on this succinct, independent 13 day countrywide tour from Queenstown to Auckland.
29th August 2023
Join us on this comprehensive 19 day land, New Zealand rail and cruise journey from Christchurch to Wellington. Discover New Zealand on this wonderful tour.
19th July 2023
Any rail holiday to New Zealand would not be complete without visiting one of our famed New Zealand steam railways. New Zealand has a great number of heritage railways in both the north and south island that provide a glimpse into the country’s rich railway history.
13th July 2023
The 4 day TranzAlpine West Coast Explorer is a timeless and enjoyable escape to Lake Brunner, Punakaiki, & Hokitika. Break free from the ordinary and visit some great West Coast destinations.
12th July 2023
Enjoy the Forgotten World Escape from Auckland on the way to Wellington. Explore the rural heart of New Zealand’s North Island with the Northern Explorer train including a half-day rail cart tour.
11th July 2023
If you are looking to experience the incredible Northern Explorer train journey from Auckland to Wellington and then enjoy the magical capital without any hassle, then this is the break for you.
4th July 2023
Explore the rural heart of New Zealand’s North Island with the Northern Explorer train and enjoy the Forgotten World Escape on the way to Auckland.
4th July 2023
Journey to Greymouth on this TranzAlpine overnight adventure. Escape the city and travel to New Zealand’s famous West Coast. This rail break will take you through the heart of the Southern Alps to a land of timeless beauty.
4th July 2023
See the majestic seabirds or get up close to dolphins or whales and discover the spectacular wildlife of Kaikōura on the Coastal Pacific Train.
3rd July 2023
Departing from Christchurch, this delightful journey takes you along remote beaches, between mountains and sea to the Marlborough wine region.
20th June 2023
This NZ rail holiday will deliver you the best scenic attractions and memorable journeys on each of NZ’s three scenic rail experiences.
17th June 2023
Join us on an unforgettable journey through the South Island on a Christchurch to Queenstown train adventure.
16th June 2023
Join us on this guided captivating Wellington to Christchurch train tour. Glide across the magnificent Cook Strait, along coastal beaches and through mountain valleys.
16th June 2023
Embark on a remarkable rail journey from travelling through volcanic peaks and New Zealand’s most idyllic natural landscapes.
15th June 2023
Discover the South Island in style on this luxury rail tour. Journey in comfort across the majestic Southern Alps, trace wild coastlines, and conclude with the awe-inspiring Milford Sound.
14th June 2023
Explore New Zealand’s cities and sea journey via its remote regions, travelling on this premium, luxury Auckland to Christchurch rail tour. It doesn’t get much better.
13th June 2023
Indulge in luxury New Zealand rail as you journey through iconic landscapes and vibrant cities on three world-famous trains from Auckland to Queenstown.
12th June 2023
Join us on this week long guided scenic train tour, through the mighty Southern Alps, to the wild West Coast and on to Queenstown.
12th June 2023
Join us on this guided scenic Wellington to Christchurch rail tour across the Cook Strait, past coastal beaches and through mountain valleys.
11th June 2023
Journey between Auckland and Wellington aboard the Northern Explorer train on a six day escorted adventure.
11th June 2023
Join us on tour across Cook Strait, past the mighty Southern Alps and through the Wild West Coast to beautiful Queenstown. This journey features the Coastal Pacific and TranzAlpine.
22nd March 2023
This 5 day independent rail holiday offers the best North Island rail highlights featuring New Zealand’s epic Northern Explorer.
16th February 2023
This 10-day city and coastal highlights tour will take you on a journey through the North and South Island’s from Auckland to Christchurch.
10th February 2023
Join us on this fabulous scenic guided New Zealand rail highlights tour through the heart and soul of New Zealand, featuring all three Great Rail Journeys.
6th February 2023
If your ambition is to travel on each of NZ’s scenic trains, this tour will achieve your dream. A fully flexible independent tour, LOCO will match your time, budget and expectations.
8th December 2022
Welcome to your complete guide to travelling on the TranzAlpine train New Zealand, the famous scenic train Christchurch to Greymouth. Take a read through LOCO Journeys all-inclusive overview to be inspired and plan for the best train journey New Zealand has to offer.
2nd February 2022
Amidst a stunning backdrop of mountains and ancient forest, take our escape to Moana and Lake Brunner. This is a magical getaway that you won’t regret.
14th January 2022
The TranzAlpine West Coast Cycle Trail Escape offers a unique off the beaten track getaway featuring some of New Zealand’s iconic highlights.
14th December 2021
The Wilderness Lodge Escape is designed to let you relax, unwind, and enjoy a very special off the beaten track experience.
27th November 2021
What’s in a name? The TranzAlpine Train or Trans Alpine Train? Established as a tourist scenic journey since 1987, NZ’s premier rail journey enjoys fame across the world.
TranzAlpine Train or Trans Alpine Train, what do you prefer and does it really matter?
21st October 2021
The magic of NZ train holidays lives strong and is a great choice for any traveller wishing to journey the length and breadth of New Zealand. Read on to find our top 5.
18th October 2021
Enjoy the Top of the South Island train tour on this succinct 7 day independent journey that includes TranzAlpine and Coastal Explorer rail journeys.
20th September 2021
With a recorded history of near on 150 years, NZ rail tours have long been a part of New Zealand’s tourism landscape. In this article we aim to tell the story of how the idea of a New Zealand rail tour evolved and developed to what we know today.
26th July 2021
This summer South Island Rail Tour provides a stunning panorama of magnificent southern mountain scenery, meandering rivers and coastal plains. Escorted touring at its best including all three major New Zealand scenic trains
22nd July 2021
The combination of TranzAlpine Train, Glaciers and Fiords offers one of the greatest lure’s of travelling in the South Island of New Zealand. The spectacular and diverse scenery catches your breathe at every turn.
7th July 2021
Discover New Zealand on a 15-day NZ Rail Adventure. Ride iconic trains, explore scenic highlights, and enjoy a seamless small-group travel experience.
6th July 2021
Winter is a magical time to experience the South Island, and there is something romantic and dreamy about the TranzApine Winter Wonderland rail journey set against a backdrop of snow.
25th May 2021
Travel by ferry and scenic train from Wellington to Christchurch, and enjoy a wonderous Kaikoura experience including the natural wonders of this marine paradise.
21st May 2021
Traversing the Alps bedecked in its winter cloak delivers a very special magic. This trip offers the opportunity to experience it two-fold, once by road and again by TranzAlpine train.
17th November 2020
Explore Te Ika-a-Māui on our memorable Northern Explorer tour and walk one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
4th November 2020
You will often find that man-made features such as viaducts spanning bottomless gorges can often only be fully appreciated standing some distance away watching from a viewing point.
The Raurimu Spiral, however, is best experienced on board the Northern Explorer train as you are placed right into the visionary mind of engineer Robert Holmes. Read more in our latest blog.
15th October 2020
In our latest blog, LOCO Journeys Rob Burnell recalls a trip on the Coastal Pacific – one part of an epic overland journey from Auckland to Christchurch.
22nd September 2020
Take a short break and discover New Zealand’s Coromandel with this 5-day family getaway. With a mountainous interior and golden beaches, this is a perfect getaway,
20th September 2020
Jump aboard the TranzAlpine scenic train and explore Hokitika in style. Travel via rail through the Southern Alps to Greymouth enjoying the views from your window.
14th September 2020
There are some incredible train trips to travel on around the world. Wonderful, scenic rail journeys of discovery. Check out 3 of the best.
A diary note says it all – “As good as it gets”. Living, enjoying and simply soaking in the moments. Yes, a railway journey can have this effect.
10th September 2020
The Northern Explorer, New Zealand’s longest running passenger rail service, is waiting for your booking. Explore New Zealand’s North Island.
10th September 2020
Join the Coastal Pacific and explore the stunning Kaikōura coastline, through the idyllic Canterbury Plains to the Garden City of Christchurch.
5th September 2020
The TranzAlpine is a scenic rail trip running from the East Coast to the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand.
24th August 2020
This relaxing short break is the perfect weekend away for wine lovers. Enjoy a luxury 2 course wine matching lunch, chauffeur and more.
24th August 2020
Enjoy a change of scenery with this overnight vineyard package that takes you from the city lights of Wellington.
9th August 2020
We live in new times. When we founded LOCO Journeys, no one could have imagined the challenges the world faces today, and yet we’re certain there is hope for the future, particularly when travelling by train.
30th July 2020
Our Martinborough wine tour by rail is a wonderful getaway that takes you from Wellington to Martinborough in the heart…
26th July 2020
New Zealand is blessed with countless great rail destinations open and ready for you to explore. In fact, there’s an overflowing bounty of places to stop and soak up the local vibe.
Here’s LOCO Journeys lowdown on 5 of the best that can be reached by train.
25th June 2020
In our latest blog LOCO Journeys intrepid track bashing rail-guru, David Burnell recalls a recent trip on the marvelous TranzAlpine rail journey.
“This is one of the great railway journeys of the world. And that isn’t a cliché.”
23rd June 2020
Journey across the Southern Alps on one of the world’s great train rides. The TranzAlpine offers breathtaking views of mountains, rivers, and rainforests — an unforgettable way to experience the South Island’s natural beauty.
22nd June 2020
Ride New Zealand’s premier rail journey on this two-day train tour from Christchurch to the West Coast. Discover the Glaciers and then head further south to the stunning lakes district and finally Queenstown.
19th May 2018
The chances are we can all name five, possibly ten popular rail journeys that have acquired global fame and that feature highly on personal must do lists. So here’s five that you possibly haven’t heard of and maybe one day would like to try.