Duration: 3 Days+ (timetable dependent)
Price: Price On Request
Departure From: Auckland or Christchurch. Greymouth & Wellington departures are also available.
Departure Date: From Auckland: Monday, Thursday & Sunday. From Christchurch: Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Monday.
Tour Type: Independent Tour
Physical Grading: 2
ENQUIRE NOWTravel New Zealand’s three great rail journeys, each a contrasting experience and an absolute delight of scenic beauty, taking you right through New Zealand’s heartland.
There really is no better way to see New Zealand than by train, how else can you sit back, relax and let the scenery come to you. This trip combines each of New Zealand’s famous scenic rail journeys, an inter-island ferry plus accommodation all packaged into a flexible tour that will suit every traveller.
There is no absolutely fixed itinerary with this tour. LOCO Journeys can tailor-make a journey that delivers you to your desired destinations, your time, budget and the train timetable.
The three great rail journeys of New Zealand in this tour include:
New Zealand’s premier great rail journey dissects the Southern Alps running East to West from Christchurch to Greymouth and return. A stunning day-trip whatever the season, you can be sure to enjoy the contrasts from the Canterbury Plains to the rugged West Coast punctuated by stunning alpine splendour. Choose to take an optional stop along the way in Arthur’s Pass and find your inner alpine adventurer.
The TranzAlpine offers two booking classes, Scenic Class and Scenic Plus. Please see below for further details on the inclusions.
The other of New Zealand’s great South Island train trips is the half-day Coastal Pacific. Tracking the Pacific Ocean from Christchurch to Picton, you will enjoy the marvellous variety of captivating coastline, mountain views of the Kaikoura Ranges and the beautiful scenery of Marlborough and it’s famous wine-growing country. If you want to take more time on this leg of your three great journeys, consider extending your stay in Kaikoura, Blenheim or Picton, each worthy destinations in their own right.
The Coastal Pacific offers two booking classes, Scenic Class and Scenic Plus. Please see below for further details on the inclusions
The third of our famous three great rail journeys is the epic Northern Explorer. A tremendous captivating adventure that traverses the varied topography of New Zealand’s North Island. This amazing train ride from Auckland to Wellington and vice versa travels 680 kilometres, from dawn until dusk. Extending your journey and hopping off to visit Waitomo Caves or spending time in the Tongariro National Park are popular options.
The Northern Explorer train offers Scenic Class service only.
The TranzAlpine and Coastal Pacific offer two distinct service levels to their train journey. Both classes are worthy of what you pay, and both a thoroughly enjoyable way to make the most of your TranzAlpine train experience.
Glide through the heart of New Zealand’s beautiful scenery in Scenic Class carriages, with epic landscape views filling your window while you relax in your seat.
In Scenic Class you’ll experience spacious reclined seats with generous amounts of legroom and comfort, panoramic windows, glass shelves and skylights. And to heighten your comfort, state-of-the-art airbag suspension has been used to guarantee a smooth ride across our rugged New Zealand terrain.
While onboard, you might like a stroll to the Scenic Cafe carriage where you’ll find a great selection of hot and cold snacks, drinks and ice creams. Indulge in a freshly brewed specialty tea or barista coffee married with a sumptuous cake? Or perhaps toast your special journey with a bottle of bubbles?
The Scenic Cafe opens for coffee and breakfast before the train departs and continues serving throughout the day. You can take a seat in the Scenic Cafe carriage and feast upon the views whilst eating. But you are also welcome to return to your seat to dine and drink if you would prefer. The day is yours to do as you choose!
During the hot summer months, the open-air viewing carriage is a great place to get some fresh air and enjoy the great outdoors while on the move. You can whittle away the hours chatting and gazing out upon spectacular scenery and wildlife. It is also that perfect place for capturing those magical views on camera.
Learn the stories of our land while you travel by plugging into the Scenic Class audio commentary at your seat. The commentary provides a seamless stream of stories, narratives and facts about the places outside your window and is available on all three Scenic Class services.
Inside the refined Scenic Plus Class carriages, it’s more than just a journey. You’ll be treated to fresh food, captivating commentary, great hosting and spectacular views, all delivered to your seat while you ease back and enjoy the journey. There really is no better way to discover New Zealand.
At the heart of the Scenic Plus experience is the refined Scenic Plus Class carriage, with huge panoramic windows, glass shelves and skylights, bathing you in those gorgeous coastal and mountain landscapes.
With freshly prepared food inspired by the fields that glide past your window and regional wines to match, you’ll be immersed in the flavours of our land. As you admire the views and savour the flavours, our Scenic Plus hosts will recount the stories and histories of the passing landscapes and landmarks.
When you step off your great rail journeys, you will have experienced some of the best New Zealand has to offer.
If your budget doesn’t stretch to enjoy Scenic Plus Class on each journey, we recommend you book Scenic Plus on just one leg to give yourself and your travelling companions that extra treat.
Please note, Scenic Plus Class experience is currently suspended.
By travelling independently, the team at LOCO Journeys will be able to completely customise your tour on these three great rail journeys. As long as it is possible with the timetable that Kiwirail operate, we can ensure you enjoy all the highlights.
Our suggested itinerary starts in either Auckland or Christchurch including a return journey on the TranzAlpine and a one-way journey on the Coastal Pacific and Northern Explorer.
This suggested itinerary can easily be amended, for example you can take a one-way journey on the TranzAlpine and continue down the West Coast to Queenstown, or start your journey in Wellington and take a return journey on the Northern Explorer. All options and combinations are possible, just ask us how. Click here to contact us.
Click here for alternate South Island tours.
Click here for alternate North Island tours.
For a detailed itinerary, departure details, and booking conditions, please see below.
For more information about this tour, price queries and updates on specials, please Enquire Now.