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Great New Zealand train rides

Take in the sights by rail!

By Bookabach staff

The TranzCoastal crossing the Waimakariri River. Photo: Tranz Scenic

Posted:
25-Feb-2011
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Categories:
Train Trips
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Auckland
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Canterbury
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Northland
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Otago
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Wellington
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There’s no more romantic way of travelling than by train. And while you can’t cross the length and breadth of New Zealand by rail, you can still see a fair bit of the country, and some of the world’s best scenery, from a train carriage.

Here’s a rundown of the main train trips run by Kiwi Rail through Tranz Scenic, plus some vintage train trips run by rail enthusiasts who dedicate enormous amounts of time and energy to ensuring things like steam trains aren’t relegated to history.

The Overlander

Auckland to Wellington

The Overlander’s 12-hour trip takes you through the lovely mountain country of the Central Plateau, stopping at Ohakune and National Park. It also stops at Middlemore, Papakura, Hamilton, Otorohanga, Te Kuiti, Taumaranui, Taihape, Marton, Feilding, Palmerston North, Levin, Paraparaumu and Porirua. Cross river gorges, journey through native forests and lush farmland, and experience the famous Raurimu Spiral.

The Overlander service operates an off peak and peak timetable to accommodate summer travellers and the New Zealand school holidays. Dates of this service are as follows:

7 days from Friday 2 September 2011 to Sunday 29 April 2012
3 days from Friday 4 May 2012 to Sunday 24 June 2012
7 days from Friday 29 June 2012 to Sunday 15 July 2012
3 days from Friday 20 July 2012 to Sunday 23 September 2012
7 days from Friday 28 September 2012 to Sunday 28 April 2013

Where to stay

Auckland | Wellington

The Coastal Pacific

Christchurch to Picton

Ride the Coastal Pacific up the east coast of the South Island and you’ll be treated to views of the mountains on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other, at Kaikoura. The train stops at Kaikoura and Blenheim, and connects with the interisland ferries at Picton.

Where to stay

Christchurch | Picton

The TranzAlpine Train

Christchurch to Greymouth

The TranzAlpine’s four-and-a-half hour trip travels through the patchwork farmland of the Canterbury Plains, follow the Waimakariri River via spectacular viaducts into the Southern Alps. Stop at Arthur’s Pass, then descend through rainforest past Lake Brunner, before arriving at Greymouth on the West Coast. It leaves from Christchurch and Greymouth daily.

Where to stay

Christchurch | West Coast

Steam train rides

Taieri Gorge - leaves from Dunedin Railway Station daily and travels through the spectacular Taieri River Gorge over wrought iron viaducts and through tunnels carved by hand more than 100 years ago.
With on-board commentary, refreshments and photographic stops.

Where to stay

Dunedin

Bay of Islands Vintage Railway - runs from Kawakawa to Taumarere, but will eventually connect with Opua, when the line is complete. It runs four times a day on school and public holidays, and weekends. The round trip takes around an hour, and you can stop off at Taumarere and take a later train back to Kawakawa if you wish.

Gabriel the Steam Engine runs Friday to Monday in the school holidays and at weekends during the rest of the year. Fredrick the Diesel Engine is in service Tuesday to Thursday in the school holidays, and every Friday outside of holidays.
Timetable: Kawakawa to Taumarere

School Holidays & Public Holidays - everyday: 10.45am, 12noon, 1.15pm, 2.30pm

Rest of the Year: Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 10.45am, 12noon, 1.15pm, 2.30pm

Where to stay

Bay of Islands

Glenbrook Vintage Railway - trains operate from Glenbrook Station, south of Auckland, on special occasions. This month, there’s Summer Serenade - Friday 24 February 2012. Travel by coach from downtown Auckland to the GVR for rides aboard a special chartered steam train plus dinner in Waiuku