Duration: from 3 Days
Price: from NZ$1,599
Departure From: Auckland or Christchurch.
Departure Date: Flexible Dates
Tour Type: Independent Tour - Fully Flexible
Tour Operator: LOCO Journeys
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 absolute fixed itinerary with this tour. LOCO Journeys can tailor-make a journey that delivers to your desired destinations, your time, budget and the train timetable.
Fully Flexible Tour
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 Coastal Pacific does not operate between the months of May and August.
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 TranzAlpine, Coastal Pacific, and Northern Explorer 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 great journeys 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.
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 within the timetable that Kiwirail are operating to, we can ensure you and your travelling companions enjoy all the highlights. When making your enquiry, if there are any specific requests you have, please make them known.
LOCO Journeys has access to all and every accommodation option that you may wish to consider. Invariably, we will book 3-4 star hotels or motels (depending on availability) that are close to your journeys end, easy to reach and meet the needs of travellers. If you have a specific accommodation standard that you prefer, then please ensure you make it known at the time of booking.
While the Three Great Rail Journeys are incredible experiences in their own right, don’t forget that there are countless activities you can enjoy once you have arrived in your destination. Here are just a few:
Waiheke Island Explorer – Escape to a warmer climate and clear airs of Waiheke Island, only 40 minutes ferry journey from the city of Auckland. This is the most cost effective way to have a good day out! Introducing you to the islands top spots; hop on and off as much as you like at any of its 8 convenient stops which include some of the island’s most iconic spots.
Akaroa Day Tour – Visit the beautiful unspoilt old French whaling depot of Akaroa. A charming small township nestled in a inner harbour bay of Akaroa Harbour on Banks Peninsula, 90 minutes from Christchurch. The township contains a host of historic buildings, craft and gift shops together with a multitude of idyllic photo opportunities. On your return journey to Christchurch a stop will be made at the Barry’s Bay Cheese factory, where you will get to sample some fine New Zealand cheese
Wellington City Tour including Cable Car – Take a half day private group tour of Wellington city and surrounds. See Wellington like a local! Discover Wellington City and our rugged coastline through the eyes of a local on this tour. Experience the best attractions and must-see landmarks and get off the tourist trail. Take a ride on the famous Cable Car (optional at own cost), and sit back and enjoy Wellington City at its finest
Transfers from the station to accommodation are not included in your journey unless you specifically request them. Most hotels or motels are conveniently close to the station. If you require transport, taxis are on-hand for hire outside the railway stations. Your transfer options and distances will clearly be detailed in your itinerary.
If you are journeying from overseas and require an airport transfer, we can include this in your tour. Please advise at the time of your enquiry and be sure to specify if you would prefer a shared transfer or private transfer.
Each of the Three Great Rail Journeys not only travel through some marvelous countryside, but there are plenty of brilliant destinations along the way that if you have time, are worth exploring and enjoying. There is no additional cost to stop en route, so be sure to make the most of your the time in New Zealand.
The most popular stops are National Park or Ohakune in the North Island for volcanic landscapes, and active adventures. Blenheim for the Marlborough vineyards and Kaikoura for the incredible sea-life are the must do stops on the Coastal Pacific. While Arthur’s Pass is the popular choice on the TranzAlpine for accessing the heart of the Southern Alps for hiking and other mountain escapades.
If your intended journey crosses islands, we will automatically include the Inter-islander in your great rail journeys tour. Once you have crossed the Cook Strait passage, most travellers thoroughly enjoy the delightful cruise through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton. To reach the ferry terminal in Wellington you can either get a taxi or book the dedicated Inter-islander shuttle at your accommodation. This information will be detailed in your itinerary.
Our suggested southbound itinerary outlined below is based on an express trip of 4 days and 3 nights from Auckland to Christchurch suited to travellers who are limited for time. The guide price for this journey is based on enjoying the three great rail journeys, the inter-island ferry, three nights accommodation and a couple of delightful West Coast attractions.
The proposed itinerary should be used as an idea starter. Remember, everything is flexibile including where you start and end your journey and what you include. We have also shown an express northbound itinerary from Christchurch to Auckland if this is your preference of departure city. All options and combinations are possible, just ask us how.
For a detailed itinerary, departure details, and booking conditions for your 3 Great New Zealand Rail Journeys, please see below.
Departure Dates
Click here for alternate South Island tours.
Click here for alternate North Island tours.
For our suggested itinerary, departure details, and booking conditions, please see below.
For more information about this tour, price queries and updates on specials, please Enquire Now.