Passenger Train Services

- Christchurch-Wellington Ferry/Train
- Auckland-Wellington train
- Christchurch-Greymouth train
- Greymouth-Christchurch train

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The Wellington to Auckland train service is a scenic rail journey on the Northern Explorer train through the heart of the North Island, travelling between Wellington - New Zealand’s arts and culture capital,  through the central heartland of the North Island to Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city - home of the Sky Tower. 

From Wellington, you journey north along Wellington's harbour to rocky sea scapes and farming landscapes of the lower North Island, ascending through stunning river gorges to the volcanic plateau of the central North Island, passing the majestic volcanoes of Mt Tongariro, Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Ruapehu - the home of the North Island Skifields before descending down the world famous Raurimu Spiral, to rugged bush landscapes  and  farmland of the upper North Island to Auckland – all from large panoramic windows and the open air viewing deck of the Northern Explorer train.

The Northern Explorer carriages have advanced air bag suspension system for quieter and smoother travel, un-tinted, non-reflective, panoramic side and roof windows to capture the dramatic coastal and mountain views of the magnificent North Island, GPS triggered journey commentary in five languages at your seat via headphones, plus information displays and overhead HD video and are centrally heated/air conditioned for passenger comfort.

Each carriage has onboard washroom/toilet facilities, with '2 Seat-Aisle-2 Seat' seating either as reclining  forward facing seats with head and foot rests or 'Table Group' (4 people around a table) seating allowing to experience the amazing views of the magnificent North Island, through panoramic side and roof windows, while enjoying the company of other passengers.

The Northern Explorer train has a café carriage offering a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, snacks and light meals and a viewing platform.

For mobility-impaired passengers, wheelchair hoists provide access to the café carriage from track level, with spaces for wheel chair users and a disabled public toilet. For hearing-impaired passengers a hearing loop covers all of the saloon and café serving area of the carriage.

The Northern Explorer train is a reserved seating 'One Class'  non-smoking service.

The Northern Explorer train operates -

*  Wellington to Auckland - Tuesday, Friday and Sunday

The Northern Explorer  train does not operate on Christmas Day - 25 December.

There are connecting bus and coach services to Rotorua and Tauranga from Hamilton and from Auckland and Palmerston North to other North Island destinations.

You can travel from Kaikoura and Christchurch on the Coastal Connection train and ferry service.

You can travel on the Northern Explorer train on RailBus New Zealand's Queenstown to Auckland scenic travel service.

From Auckland you can explore the beautiful Bay of Islands or the thermal wonderland of Rotorua with a range of suggested 'Hop On/Hop Off' bus pass travel options. or choose from a range of sightseeing touring options.

So, sit back and enjoy a genuine kiwi rail experience travelling on the Northern Explorer train through the North Island's unique scenic beauty.

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