Experience New Zealand’s scenic beauty by travelling on one of the three long distance passenger trains.
One of the most enjoyable travel options between Auckland and Wellington is the Overlander train service that runs daily between the two cities. Big screen scenery rolls past through your panoramic windows aboard one of New Zealand’s spectacular Tranzscenic Rail Journeys. Enjoy a passing pageantry framed by the Kaikoura Mountains and the winding east coast aboard the Tranzcoastal from Picton to Christchurch.
Whilst the onward journey to Greymouth aboard the Tranzalpine delivers a scenic feast of pastoral plains, snow capped mountains, dramatic gorges and the South Island’s rugged West coast.
Tranz Scenic Rail Journeys
The Overlander: Auckland > Wellington
The journey between Auckland and Wellington with stops at Otorohanga (Waitomo Caves). In just one day the train travels through fertile rolling farmland, lush forests, the volcanic plateau of the central North Island, stunning river gorges, sprawling plains and a host of small, out-of-the way rural settlements.
Auckland to Wellington: $108
Auckland to Waitomo Caves: $68
Auckland to National Park: $68
Southbound
Depart Auckland: 7:25 am
Arrive Wellingon: 7:25 pm
Northbound
Depart Wellington: 7:25 am
Arrive Auckland: 7:20 pm
The TranzAlpine: Christchurch > Arthurs Pass > Greymouth
The Great NZ rail adventure! Journey by train, with daily departures from Christchurch to Greymouth crossing from one side of New Zealand to the other. Travel through the patch-work of the Canterbury Plains, on through the spectacular Southern Alps, finally descending into the West Coast rainforests.
Adult - one way: $134
Adult - same day return: $196
Child 2-14yrs - one way: $94
Child - same day return: $137
Westbound
Depart Christchurch: 8:15 am
Arrive Greymouth: 12:45 pm
Eastbound
Depart Greymouth: 1:45 pm
Arrive Christchurch: 6:05 pm
The TranzCoastal: Christchurch > Kaikoura > Picton
The spectacular daily coastal rail journey between Christchurch and Picton. Travel through some of New Zealand’s most magnificent and dramatic scenery as the train winds its way up the coast. Consider breaking your journey at Kaikoura to go whale watching. The train also meets the Kaitaki Ferry.
Christchurch to Picton: $98
Christchurch to Kaikoura: $57
Kaikoura to Picton: $56
Christchurch/Kaikoura/Christchurch Day Trip: $74
Wellington to Christchurch – Rail/Ferry Combo: $123
Southbound
Depart Picton 1:00pm
Arrive Christchurch 6:21pm
Northbound
Depart Christchurch 7:00am
Arrive Picton 12:13pm