The Northern Explorer Train Tours and Packages

The Northern Explorer (previously known as the “Overlander”) is New Zealand’s longest-running passenger service which explores 680 km’s of the North Island in New Zealand. See vistas of popular North Island locations such as the Kapiti Coast, Tongariro Crossing, and Mount Ruapehu. Experience the ever-changing landscapes from train tours through this scenic area of New Zealand. Browse our tour and trip options below for the Northern Explorer train, departing from your choice of Wellington or Auckland.

Contact us to find out more about 2023 & 2024 departures.

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.

Auckland to Christchurch; Cities & Coastal Highlights

Departing: Monthly Departures
Departure From: Auckland
10 Days | from NZ$5,499
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.

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.

Cities and Sea; Auckland to Christchurch Rail Tour

Departing: Monthly Departures
Departure From: Auckland
10 Days | from NZ $5,499
Tour Type: Escorted Tour

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

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.

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$14,999 - Special: Save $3,040pp
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 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.

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.

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.