Earlybird 20% Off Selected New Zealand Rail Tours Book by 31 January for departures September 2026 to April 2027.

The Northern Explorer Train Tours and Packages

Experience New Zealand’s ultimate North Island rail adventure aboard the Northern Explorer.

The Northern Explorer (formerly the “Overlander”) is New Zealand’s iconic long-distance passenger train, covering 680 km of breathtaking North Island scenery. Travelling between Wellington and Auckland, this journey showcases spectacular landscapes including the Kapiti Coast, the volcanic peaks of Tongariro National Park, and majestic Mount Ruapehu. With our flexible Northern Explorer train tours and packages, you can explore at your own pace, choose independent or escorted options, and enjoy a variety of short breaks or multi-day adventures. Each package is designed to combine the comfort of scenic rail travel with carefully curated experiences that highlight the North Island’s unique natural and cultural attractions.

Enquire now to start planning your New Zealand rail adventure.
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Signature Tour

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.

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15 Day New Zealand Rail Highlights

Departing: Weekly 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.

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Auckland to Christchurch Rail Tour; Cities & Coastal Highlights

Departing: Weekly 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.

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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.

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Forgotten World Adventure from Wellington Return

Departing: Departs Wellington on Wens, Fri & Sun, October-May
Departure From: Wellington
5 Days  |  from NZ$2,299
Tour Type: Independent Tour

Take the ultimate scenic rail journey through New Zealand to the historic location of Taumarunui and enjoy a forgotten world…

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Forgotten World Escape from Auckland to Wellington

Departing: Monday, Thursday and Saturdays
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.

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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.

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Signature Tour

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.

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Signature Tour

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.

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NZ’s Northern Rail Highlights Tour

Departing: Weekly 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.

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Premium 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 premium, luxury Auckland to Christchurch rail tour. It doesn’t get much better.

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Premium Auckland to Wellington North Island Train Tour

Departing: Monthly Departures
Departure From: Auckland
8 Days  |  from NZ$6,799
Tour Type: Escorted Tour

Embark on a remarkable rail journey from travelling through volcanic peaks and New Zealand’s most idyllic natural landscapes.

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Premium New Zealand Rail Tour – Auckland to Queenstown

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

Indulge in luxury New Zealand rail as you journey through iconic landscapes and vibrant cities on three world-famous trains from Auckland to Queenstown.

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Premium Wellington to Christchurch Train Tour

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.

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The ‘Ultimate’ New Zealand Train Journey

Departing: 30 April 2026
Departure From: Auckland
13 Days  |  NZ $7,695
Tour Type: Escorted Tour

Join us for a rail tour that can easily boast to be the Ultimate New Zealand Train Journey. Including all of NZ’s scenic rail trips and a private charter, it doesn’t get better than this. Travel overland from Auckland to Christchurch through deepest reaches of NZ.

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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.

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Signature Tour

Three Great Rail Journeys – Luxury Rail Tour New Zealand

Departing: Flexible Dates
Departure From: Auckland or Christchurch
from 3 Days  |  from NZ$4,889
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.

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