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New Zealand

There are relatively few scenic rail journeys in New Zealand but wow, they deliver truly spectacular travel experiences! The TranzAlpine, Northern Explorer and Coastal Pacific can all be considered world-class rail journeys. Combine these iconic rail trips with unique accommodation and activities, and our featured tours will take you to the destinations you want to see, with some stunning vistas along the way.

View our tour selection below or contact us to find out more about pricing and departures.

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NZ Rail Tours Off the Beaten Track by Train Short Rail Breaks Day Trips by Train Private Touring Signature Tours by LOCO Steam Train & Railfan Tours

New Zealand Rail Tours

Choose from our unrivalled choice of New Zealand's finest Escorted Tours or fully flexible Independent Rail Holidays.

13 Day Twin Rail Journeys of NZ

Departing: Weekly
Departure From: Queenstown
13 Days | from NZ$3,699
Tour Type: Independent Tour - Fully Flexible

Enjoy the premier twin rail journeys of New Zealand on each island on this succinct, independent 13 day countrywide tour from Queenstown to Auckland.

20 Day New Zealand Rail Journey

Departing: Weekly Departures
Departure From: Auckland
20 Days | from NZ $5,499
Tour Type: Independent Tour - Fully Flexible

This NZ rail holiday will deliver you the best scenic attractions and memorable journeys on each of NZ’s three scenic rail experiences.

3 Great Journeys by LOCO

Departing: Flexible Dates
Departure From: Auckland or Christchurch.
from 3 Days | from NZ$1,869 - Save 15%*
Tour Type: Independent Tour - Fully Flexible

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.

3 Great Rail Journeys – Premium Tour

Departing: Flexible Dates
Departure From: Auckland or Christchurch
from 3 Days | from $3,889
Tour Type: Independent Tour - Fully Flexible

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.

Auckland to Christchurch; Cities & Coastal Highlights

Departing: Monthly Departures
Departure From: Auckland
10 Days | from NZ$5,749
Tour Type: Escorted Tour

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.

Captivating Coast; Wellington to Christchurch

Departing: Monthly Departures
Departure From: Wellington
6 Days | from NZ$4,999
Tour Type: Escorted Tour

Join us on this guided captivating Wellington to Christchurch train tour. Glide across the magnificent Cook Strait, along coastal beaches and through mountain valleys.

Christchurch to Queenstown Train Tour

Departing: Flexible Dates
Departure From: Christchurch
5 Days | from $2,359
Tour Type: Independent Tour - Fully Flexible

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.

Christchurch to Queenstown; Alpine Highlights

Departing: Monthly Departures
Departure From: Christchurch
7 Days | from NZ$4,999
Tour Type: Escorted Tour

Join us on this week long guided scenic train tour, through the mighty Southern Alps, to the wild West Coast and on to Queenstown.

Cities and Sea; Auckland to Christchurch Rail Tour

Departing: Monthly Departures
Departure From: Auckland
12 Days | from NZ $9,999
Tour Type: Escorted Tour

Explore New Zealand’s cities and sea journey via its remote regions, travelling on this Auckland to Christchurch rail tour.

Great North Island Steam & Diesel Tour

Departing: 11 June 2025
Departure From: Auckland
12 Days | from NZ$8,990
Tour Type: Escorted Tour

Join us as we experience some of the country’s best of the scenic railways as we embark on the Great North Island Steam & Diesel Tour.

Inspirational Alps; Christchurch to Queenstown

Departing: Monthly Departures
Departure From: Christchurch
7 Days | from NZ$6,399
Tour Type: Escorted Tours

Join us on an unforgettable journey through the South Island on a Christchurch to Queenstown train adventure.

Inspiring North Island Train Tour

Departing: Monthly Departures
Departure From: Auckland
8 Days | from NZ$6,549
Tour Type: Escorted Tour

Join us on this signature rail journey from Auckland to Wellington exploring volcanic peaks, and NZ’s idyllic natural landscapes.

New Zealand Rail Highlights

Departing: Monthly Departures
Departure From: Auckland
15 Days | from NZ$9,749
Tour Type: Escorted Tour

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.

New Zealand Rail Tour – Up Close

Departing: Monthly Departures
Departure From: Auckland
17 Days | from NZ$15,199
Tour Type: Escorted Tour

Discover off the beaten track destinations and bustling urban centres by three world-famous scenic rail trips from Auckland to Queenstown.

North Island Rail Highlights

Departing: Flexible Dates
Departure From: Auckland or Wellington
5 Days | from NZ$1,429
Tour Type: Independent Tour - Fully Flexible

This 5 day independent rail holiday offers the best North Island rail highlights featuring New Zealand’s epic Northern Explorer.

Northern Rail Highlights Tour

Departing: Monthly Departures
Departure From: Auckland
6 Days | from NZ$3,399
Tour Type: Escorted Tour

Journey between Auckland and Wellington aboard the Northern Explorer train on a six day escorted adventure.

NZ Rail Adventure

Departing: Summer/Spring/Summer 25-26
Departure From: Auckland
15 Days | from NZ$7,395 - Includes $600pp Saving
Tour Type: Escorted Tour

Enjoy a taste of each of New Zealand’s scenic rail experiences on this NZ rail adventure, including a distinctive ride on the Glenbrook Vintage Steam Railway.

NZ Rail and Cruise Discovery

Departing: Summer & Spring 25/26
Departure From: Christchurch
19 Days | NZ$12,595 - Includes $1,200pp Saving
Tour Type: Escorted Tour

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.

Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer

Departing: Throughout 2025 & 2026
Departure From: Christhchurch
13 Days | NZ$8,495 - FREE Cable Car Ride*
Tour Type: Escorted Tour

Inspired by one of the most iconic adventurers of our time, this is an epic journey by heritage steam train and luxury coach. FREE Wellington Cable Car trip when you book with LOCO Journeys.

Sir Edmund Hillary Winter Explorer

Departing: June-September 2025
Departure From: Christchurch
12 Days | from NZ$6,995
Tour Type: Escorted

Inspired by one of the greatest and most iconic adventurers of our time, this Winter Edition offers NZ’s best with snow on top!

South Island Rail Encounters

Departing: 21 March 2026
Departure From: Auckland
8 Days | from NZ$6,490 - Includes $500pp Saving*
Tour Type: Escorted

All aboard for an unforgettable South Island rail encounter, where stunning landscapes and exclusive rail experiences await!

South Island Rail Tour

Departing: 13 November 2025
Departure From: Auckland
13 Days | NZ$6,795
Tour Type: Escorted

The Spring South Island Rail Tour provides a stunning panorama of magnificent southern mountain scenery, meandering rivers and coastal plains.

South Island Rail-Fan Highlights

Departing: 24 September 2025
Departure From: Auckland
7 Days | from NZ$5,570
Tour Type: Escorted Tour

A great tour for rail-fans and all train lovers. This top of the South Island rail tour offers stunning train journeys throughout the unique landscapes of NZ’s stunning South Island.

Southern Alps in Winter Glory

Departing: 10 August 2025
Departure From: Auckland
5 Days | FROM $2,585 NZD
Tour Type: Escorted

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.

Southern Rail Highlights from Wellington

Departing: Monthly Departures
Departure From: Wellington
11 Days | from NZ$7,199
Tour Type: Escorted Tour

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.

Spectacular South; Wellington to Queenstown

Departing: Monthly Departures
Departure From: Wellington
11 Days | from NZ$9,499
Tour Type: Escorted Tour

Explore the Spectacular South on this signature rail tour. Glide through the mighty Southern Alps and along the Pacific coastline to Queenstown and Milford Sound

Top of the South Island Train Tour

Departing: Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday*
Departure From: Christchurch
7 Days | from NZ$1,469
Tour Type: Independent Tour - Fully Flexible

Enjoy the Top of the South Island train tour on this succinct 7 day independent journey that includes TranzAlpine and Coastal Explorer rail journeys.

TranzAlpine Train, Glaciers & Fiords

Departing: Flexible Dates
Departure From: Christchurch
8 Days | from NZ$2,745
Tour Type: Independent Tour - Fully Flexible

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.

TranzAlpine Winter Wonderland

Departing: Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday*
Departure From: Christchurch
7 Days | from NZ $1,399
Tour Type: Independent Tour - Fully Flexible

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.

Wellington Railways & Beyond

Departing: 15 May 2025
Departure From: Auckland or Hamilton
6 Days | $3,990
Tour Type: Escorted Tours

Join us on a captivating exploration tailored for train enthusiasts! Whether you’re captivated by locomotives, or simply drawn to the romance of the rails, this journey promises an unforgettable experience.

Wellington to Christchurch; Coastal Highlights

Departing: Monthly Departures
Departure From: Wellington
6 Days | from NZ $3,399
Tour Type: Escorted Tour

Join us on this guided scenic Wellington to Christchurch rail tour across the Cook Strait, past coastal beaches and through mountain valleys.

Off the Beaten Track by Train

Let the train take you beyond the well-trodden tourist path and deliver you to some truly stunning experiences.

Forgotten World Escape from Auckland to Wellington

Departing: Monday, Thursday and Saturdays until early 2024
Departure From: Auckland
3 Days | from $1,839
Tour Type: Independent Tour

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.

Forgotten World Escape from Wellington to Auckland

Departing: Departs Wellington on Wens, Fri & Sun, October-May
Departure From: Wellington
3 Days | from NZ$1,839
Tour Type: Independent Tour

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.

Martinborough Getaway by Train – Two night package

Departing: Daily Departures
Departure From: Wellington
3 Days | from NZ$1015
Tour Type: Independent Tour - Fully Flexible

This relaxing short break is the perfect weekend away for wine lovers. Enjoy a luxury 2 course wine matching lunch, chauffeur and more.

TranzAlpine Moana Magic Escape

Departing: Flexible Dates
Departure From: Christchurch
3 Days | from NZ$879
Tour Type: Independent Tour - Fully Flexible

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.

TranzAlpine West Coast Cycle Trail Escape

Departing: Flexible Dates
Departure From: Christchurch
4 Days | from NZ$2,195
Tour Type: Independent Tour - Fully Flexible

The TranzAlpine West Coast Cycle Trail Escape offers a unique off the beaten track getaway featuring some of New Zealand’s iconic highlights.

TranzAlpine Wilderness Lodge Escape

Departing: Flexible Dates
Departure From: Christchurch
4 Days | from NZ $2,259
Tour Type: Independent Tour - Fully Flexible

The Wilderness Lodge Escape is designed to let you relax, unwind, and enjoy a very special off the beaten track experience.

Short Rail Breaks

A couple of nights away by train without having to drive is as good as any holiday. Enjoy your destination and the journey.

3 Great Journeys by LOCO

Departing: Flexible Dates
Departure From: Auckland or Christchurch.
from 3 Days | from NZ$1,869 - Save 15%*
Tour Type: Independent Tour - Fully Flexible

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.

Best of Wellington by Northern Explorer

Departing: Monday, Thursday and Saturdays.
Departure From: Auckland
4 Days | from NZ$1,459
Tour Type: Independent Tour

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.

Blenheim Rail Break; Wine & Wings

Departing: Daily from mid December to early May.
Departure From: Christchurch
2 Days | from NZ$1,139
Tour Type: Independent Tour

Departing from Christchurch, this delightful journey takes you along remote beaches, between mountains and sea to the Marlborough wine region.

Coastal Pacific Train Wildlife Encounter

Departing: Daily from mid December to early May
Departure From: Christchurch
2 Days | from NZ$749
Tour Type: Independent Tour

See the majestic seabirds or get up close to dolphins or whales and discover the spectacular wildlife of Kaikōura on the Coastal Pacific Train.

Forgotten World Escape from Auckland to Wellington

Departing: Monday, Thursday and Saturdays until early 2024
Departure From: Auckland
3 Days | from $1,839
Tour Type: Independent Tour

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.

Forgotten World Escape from Wellington to Auckland

Departing: Departs Wellington on Wens, Fri & Sun, October-May
Departure From: Wellington
3 Days | from NZ$1,839
Tour Type: Independent Tour

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.

Kaikoura Experience from Wellington

Departing: Weekends in Summer
Departure From: Wellington
2 Days | from NZ$655
Tour Type: Independent Tour - Fully Flexible

Travel by ferry and scenic train from Wellington to Christchurch, and enjoy a wonderous Kaikoura experience including the natural wonders of this marine paradise.

Martinborough Getaway by Train – Two night package

Departing: Daily Departures
Departure From: Wellington
3 Days | from NZ$1015
Tour Type: Independent Tour - Fully Flexible

This relaxing short break is the perfect weekend away for wine lovers. Enjoy a luxury 2 course wine matching lunch, chauffeur and more.

Martinborough Overnight by Train – One night package

Departing: Daily Departures
Departure From: Wellington
2 Days | from NZ$669
Tour Type: Independent Tour - Fully Flexible

Enjoy a change of scenery with this overnight vineyard package that takes you from the city lights of Wellington.

Northern Explorer & The Tongariro Crossing

Departing: Flexible Dates
Departure From: Wellington or Auckland
4 Days | from NZ$1075
Tour Type: Independent Tour - Fully Flexible

Explore Te Ika-a-Māui on our memorable Northern Explorer tour and walk one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

Premium TranzAlpine Glacier Experience

Departing: Flexible Dates
Departure From: Christchurch
4 Days | from NZ$3,899
Tour Type: Independent Tour

Enjoy a heavenly escape into a world filled with fascination and grandeur on this premium TranzAlpine Glacier Experience including 5-star accommodation.

TranzAlpine – Explore Hokitika

Departing: Flexible Dates
Departure From: Christchurch
3 Days | from NZ$1099
Tour Type: Independent Tour - Fully Flexible

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.

TranzAlpine – Taste of the West Coast

Departing: Flexible Dates
Departure From: Christchurch
2 Days | from NZ$845
Tour Type: Independent Tour - Fully Flexible

The TranzAlpine is a scenic rail trip running from the East Coast to the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand.

TranzAlpine & West Coast Glaciers to Queenstown

Departing: Flexible Dates
Departure From: Christchurch
2 Days | from NZ$665
Tour Type: Independent Tour - Fully Flexible

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.

TranzAlpine Glacier Experience

Departing: Flexbile Dates
Departure From: Christchurch
4 Days | from NZ$1,999
Tour Type: Independent Tour

Be amazed at this exploration of the West Coast on the stunning TranzAlpine Glacier Experience. Discover the ancient world of Glacier Country and its natural wonders, where ice rivers carve through mountains and rainforests thrive.

TranzAlpine Overnight

Departing: Flexible Dates
Departure From: Christchurch
2 Days | from NZ$899
Tour Type: Independent Tour

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.

TranzAlpine West Coast Explorer

Departing: Flexible Dates
Departure From: Christchurch
4 Days | from NZ$1949
Tour Type: Independent Tour

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.

Day Trips by Train

Book yourself a day to remember and experience one or more of New Zealand's world-class rail journeys.

Martinborough Wine Tour by Train

Departing: Most Days. Contact us for details.
Departure From: Wellington
1 Day | from NZ$365
Tour Type: Day Tour

Our Martinborough wine tour by rail is a wonderful getaway that takes you from Wellington to Martinborough in the heart…

Taieri Gorge Railway

Departing: Sept-April; Thurs-Mon, Most weekends in winter.
Departure From: Dunedin
5 Hours | from $149 per person
Tour Type: Day Tour

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.

The Coastal Pacific

Departing: Daily from mid December to early May.
Departure From: Christchurch or Picton
1 Day | from NZ$219 One-Way
Tour Type: Day Tour

Join the Coastal Pacific and explore the stunning Kaikōura coastline, through the idyllic Canterbury Plains to the Garden City of Christchurch.

The Northern Explorer

Departing: Departs Auckland on Mon, Thurs & Sat / Departs Wellington on Wens, Fri & Sun
Departure From: Wellington or Auckland
1 Day | from NZ$219 One-Way
Tour Type: Day Tour

The Northern Explorer, New Zealand’s longest running passenger rail service, is waiting for your booking. Explore New Zealand’s North Island.

The TranzAlpine Train

Departing: Daily in Summer. Friday-Monday in Winter
Departure From: Christchurch or Greymouth
1 Day | from NZ$219 One-Way
Tour Type: Day Tour

Take in the South Island’s stunning mountains and the vast Canterbury Plains aboard the TranzAlpine. NZ’s finest inland rail journey.