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.
20 Day New Zealand Rail Journey
Departure From: Auckland
20 Days | from NZ $5,199
Tour Type: Independent Tour
This 20 day New Zealand rail journey will deliver you many of the countries best scenic attractions and each of NZ’s three scenic rail experiences.
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3 Great Journeys by LOCO Journeys
Departure From: Auckland or Christchurch.
3 Days+ | from NZ$1,499
Tour Type: Independent Tour - Fully Flexible
If your ambition is to travel on each of NZ’s scenic trains, our Three Great Journeys will achieve your dream. A fully flexible independent tour, it will match your time, budget and expectations.
View TourAuckland to Christchurch; Cities & Coastal Highlights
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.
View TourBest of Wellington by Northern Explorer
Departure From: Auckland
4 Days | from NZ$1,159
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.
View TourCities and Sea; Auckland to Christchurch Rail Tour
Departure From: Auckland
12 Days | from NZ $8,999
Tour Type: Escorted Tour
Explore New Zealand’s cities and sea journey via its remote regions, travelling on this Auckland to Christchurch rail tour.
View TourForgotten World Adventure from Auckland Return
Departure From: Auckland
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 take a two-day rail cart tour, with time to add on more adventures.
View TourForgotten World Adventure from Wellington Return
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…
View TourForgotten World Escape from Auckland to Wellington
Departure From: Auckland
3 Days | $1,199
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.
View TourForgotten World Escape from Wellington to Auckland
Departure From: Wellington
3 Days | from NZ$1,199
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.
View TourInspiring North Island Train Tour
Departure From: Auckland
8 Days | from NZ$5,999
Tour Type: Escorted Tour
Join us on this signature rail journey from Auckland to Wellington exploring volcanic peaks, and NZ’s idyllic natural landscapes.
View TourNew Zealand Rail Highlights
Departure From: Auckland
15 Days | from NZ$8,549
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.
View TourNew Zealand Rail Tour – Up Close
Departure From: Auckland
17 Days | from NZ$13,999
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.
View TourNorth Island Rail Highlights
Departure From: Auckland or Wellington
5 Days | from NZ$979
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.
View TourNorthern Explorer & The Tongariro Crossing
Departure From: Wellington or Auckland
4 Days | from NZ$975
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.
View TourNorthern Rail Highlights Tour
Departure From: Auckland
6 Days | from NZ$2,999
Tour Type: Escorted Tour
Journey between Auckland and Wellington aboard the Northern Explorer train on a six day escorted adventure.
View TourNZ Rail Adventure
Departure From: Auckland
15 Days | NZ$7,395 - Includes $400pp 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.
View TourThe Northern Explorer
Departure From: Wellington or Auckland
1 Day | from NZ$199 One-Way / SAVE15%!
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.
View TourTwin Rail Journeys of New Zealand
Departure From: Queenstown
13 Days | from NZ$3,299
Tour Type: Independent Tour
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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