There’s something timeless about train travel. It’s not about rushing from point A to point B. It’s about leaning back, watching the landscapes shift, and letting the rhythm of the rails carry you deeper into the heart of a country. In New Zealand, a land of dramatic coastlines, snow-capped peaks, and rolling green hills, traveling by train isn’t just a way to get around—it’s an experience in itself.
The TranzAlpine: My Own Journey Across the Southern Alps
I had the chance to experience the famous TranzAlpine journey, often called one of the world’s greatest train journeys. Boarding in Christchurch, I settled in with wide-eyed anticipation.
We were lucky enough to be booked with the ‘Scenic Plus Dining Experience‘. Our journey included a table for us to sit at where we had a full dining experience. There were wonderful local New Zealand dishes to experience and the staff provided outstanding customer service.
As the train pulled out of the city and headed westward, the landscape began to change. Flat Canterbury Plains soon gave way to foothills, and before long, the Southern Alps rose dramatically ahead of us. Snow dusted the peaks, and rivers tumbled below as the train snaked through Arthur’s Pass.
One of my favorite moments was stepping into the open-air viewing carriage, the crisp alpine air biting at my cheeks while the scenery swept past—glaciers, gorges, and forests unfolding with every turn. It’s the kind of journey where you don’t just see the land, you feel it.
I took dozens of photos, but none truly captured the sheer scale and beauty of what lay outside the window. The TranzAlpine is more than just a train ride—it’s an immersion into New Zealand’s wild heart.
The Onboard Experience
As you can see from my photo’s there is an audio guide available. This is provided by the team onboard. I loved how as the train moved along at certain places I heard a history of that section of the journey, whether that was the story about how the town or section of the train came to be, or about the landscape itself.
As the staff when you are onboard, to have your own experience.
We traveled in May and as you can see from the photos the colors and landscape changed many times along the entire trip. I would highly recommend taking this train journey from Christchurch to Greymouth and spending a night or two in Greymouth before returning. That’s of course, if you aren’t going to further explore the South Islands west coast.
Northern Explorer: A Journey Through the North Island’s Heart
If the South Island has its alpine majesty, the North Island offers a landscape of fire and earth. The Northern Explorer travels between Auckland and Wellington, winding through rolling farmland before climbing into the volcanic plateau.
The highlight? Passing through Tongariro National Park, where you’ll see three dramatic volcanic peaks: Ruapehu, Tongariro, and Ngauruhoe (recognizable to movie fans as “Mount Doom”). Engineering marvels like the Raurimu Spiral add to the sense of wonder, as the train cleverly navigates steep terrain.
It’s a journey that combines culture, geology, and history—all viewed from the comfort of your seat.
Coastal Pacific: Sea, Sky, and Vineyards
Running between Picton and Christchurch, the Coastal Pacific hugs New Zealand’s eastern shoreline. On one side, waves crash against the rugged Pacific coast; on the other, the Kaikōura ranges rise steeply from the land.
The route passes through Marlborough’s renowned wine country, offering a glimpse of the vineyards that produce some of the world’s best Sauvignon Blanc. Keep your eyes peeled near Kaikōura—you might spot dolphins, seabirds, or even whales from the train window.
This is rail travel at its most serene, blending sea, sky, and mountains in a single, unforgettable view.
Dunedin Railways: A Heritage Ride Into the Taieri Gorge
In the far south, Dunedin offers a more nostalgic kind of train travel. The Taieri Gorge Railway winds inland through dramatic gorges, across historic viaducts, and past sheer cliffs. It feels like stepping back in time—a connection to New Zealand’s pioneering history and the rugged land those early settlers had to cross.
Why Travel New Zealand by Rail?
Traveling by rail in New Zealand means you don’t have to worry about driving on winding roads or missing the scenery because your eyes are glued to the map. Instead, you can relax, sip a glass of local wine, chat with fellow travelers, and soak in landscapes that often can’t be seen any other way.
The large panoramic windows make every seat a front-row view, and with stops in key destinations, these rail journeys can be seamlessly built into a wider itinerary of adventures.
Insider Tips from My Journey
- Best time to ride the TranzAlpine: Late spring to early autumn (October to April) gives you both clear views and varied scenery, from snow on the peaks to lush valleys below.
- Bring a camera (and spare battery): You’ll want to capture it all, especially from the outdoor viewing carriage.
- Dress in layers: Weather shifts quickly in the mountains, and you’ll want to step outside for those fresh-air moments.
Your Journey Awaits
Whether it’s the alpine majesty of the South, the volcanic drama of the North, or the soothing rhythm of the coast, New Zealand’s rail journeys invite you to slow down and savor the ride.
If you’d love to include one of these iconic train experiences in your New Zealand adventure, I can help you craft a custom itinerary that ensures your time on the rails is as memorable as the destinations themselves.
All aboard—the journey of a lifetime is waiting.
Scenic rail is one of several ways to experience New Zealand’s landscapes. For a full breakdown of getting to and around New Zealand — including driving, domestic flights, and guided tours — see our New Zealand vacation planning guide.