The Best Scenic Train Journeys in New Zealand

Janine
Dec 10, 2025
6 min read

There’s something magical about scenic train journeys in New Zealand. The way the tracks wind through misty mountains. How you roll past sparkling coastlines and glide across valleys that seem painted in every shade of green. These aren’t just train rides that you read about in western novels. They’re slow, soulful experiences that let you witness the country’s natural beauty unfold from the comfort of a panoramic window.

For travelers seeking adventure without the rush, New Zealand scenic trains offer a front-row seat to some of the most dramatic landscapes in the world. From alpine passes to coastal cliffs, these routes prove that the best way to see the Land of the Long White Cloud isn’t by car or plane. It’s by rail.

As an expert travel advisor, I’ll walk you through the best scenic train journeys in New Zealand. I’ll share when to ride them. How to connect them with road trips and cruises. And I won’t forget to give you a few insider tips, so you can make the most of your experience.

The Best Scenic Train Journeys in New Zealand

What Are the Best Scenic Train Journeys in New Zealand?

There are three main scenic train routes in New Zealand. The TranzAlpine, Coastal Pacific, and Northern Explorer. These train routes are operated by KiwiRail’s Great Journeys of New Zealand. They cover both islands and can be linked together for an epic cross-country adventure

Beyond these, New Zealand also offers heritage and regional train experiences that transport you to another era. In Dunedin, the Taieri Gorge Railway winds through historic viaducts and rugged canyons. And the Glenbrook Vintage Railway near Auckland offers a taste of steam-era nostalgia.

The TranzAlpine: Christchurch to Greymouth

Arguably the most famous of all New Zealand train journeys, the TranzAlpine crosses the Southern Alps. This train journey allows you to connect the fertile Canterbury Plains with the wild West Coast.

In just five hours, you’ll pass through 16 tunnels, over four viaducts, and alongside the turquoise Waimakariri River. The open-air viewing carriage gives photographers a clear shot of snow-dusted peaks. And in winter, the mountains sparkle like they’ve been dusted with sugar.

Pro tip: Sit on the left side when departing Christchurch for the best views.

The Coastal Pacific: Picton to Christchurch

If you crave ocean views, the Coastal Pacific is your dream ride. This route hugs the shoreline between Picton and Christchurch. It weaves past the Kaikōura Ranges and the deep blue Pacific Ocean.

You might even spot dusky dolphins or seals lounging on the rocks.

This train also glides through Marlborough’s wine country. So, you can pair the views with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc before reaching Christchurch.

The Northern Explorer: Auckland to Wellington

The North Island’s great rail journey, the Northern Explorer, travels between Auckland and Wellington. The train will weave through lush farmland, the Raurimu Spiral, and the volcanic heartland of Tongariro National Park.

I recommend keeping your camera ready for views of Mount Ruapehu. It is an active volcano that looks breathtakingly peaceful from your train window.

Each of these train routes is a masterpiece of engineering and natural beauty. Together, they form the heart of New Zealand rail travel. A network designed not for speed, but for savoring the journey.

Which Is the Most Famous Scenic Train in New Zealand?

Without a doubt, the TranzAlpine holds the crown as the most iconic of all scenic train journeys New Zealand has to offer. Often ranked among the top train rides in the world, this route captures the very essence of the country’s geography.

You will be in awe, as you see the stark contrast between the flat farmlands of Canterbury and the dramatic peaks of the Southern Alps.

Along the way, passengers pass through Arthur’s Pass National Park. This national park is a wonderland of alpine flora and waterfalls. The journey feels cinematic, from the moment you leave the plains until you reach Greymouth, a coastal town that feels like a gateway to adventure.

Whether blanketed in snow or bathed in summer sun, the TranzAlpine proves why New Zealand scenic trains are in a league of their own.

When Is the Best Time to Ride Scenic Trains in New Zealand?

The beauty of New Zealand rail travel is that every season offers a completely different view. And no season is considered wrong for traveling via train in New Zealand.

Summer (December–February): Expect long days, brilliant blue skies, and lively onboard energy. Perfect for combining your train journey with wine tastings or coastal stops.
Autumn (March–May): The landscapes glow in golden hues, especially on the TranzAlpine route through the Southern Alps.
Winter (June–August): Snow-capped peaks create jaw-dropping vistas. The TranzAlpine is at its most dramatic during this time of the year.
Spring (September–November): Rolling hills burst with wildflowers, and rivers run high from melting snow.

If you’re traveling during peak summer, book early. Especially for New Zealand train tours that combine rail and hotel packages.

Shoulder seasons (March–May and September–November) offer fewer crowds and just as much beauty.

Combining Scenic Train Journeys with Road Trips and Cruises in New Zealand

Here’s the best part about vacationing in New Zealand. You don’t have to choose just one way to explore. Many travelers combine scenic train journeys in New Zealand with road trips and cruises for a truly immersive adventure.

Rail and Road: The Ultimate Freedom

After your TranzAlpine ride to Greymouth, pick up a rental car right at the station and drive along the West Coast Highway. This is one of the most beautiful drives in the world.

Stop at Punakaiki’s Pancake Rocks. Explore the Franz Josef Glacier. And continue to Wanaka or Queenstown.

On the North Island, take the Northern Explorer from Auckland to Wellington. Then cross to the South Island by ferry. Once you reach the South Island, you can continue with the Coastal Pacific. Or you can rent a car to explore Marlborough’s wine country or the Kaikōura Peninsula.

Rail and Cruise: See the Coast from Both Sides

If you’re arriving in New Zealand by cruise, or adding one after your land trip, you’re in luck. Major ports like Auckland, Wellington, Picton, and Lyttelton (Christchurch) make it easy to step off your ship and hop aboard a scenic train.

Imagine disembarking in Picton, then boarding the Coastal Pacific for a post-cruise ride along the Pacific coast. Dolphins and seals often make cameo appearances in the water along this coastline.

It’s the perfect “land extension” for cruise travelers who want to go beyond the harbor.

Your Travel Advisor’s Dream Combo

My dream itinerary for a vacation in New Zealand? Cruise into New Zealand, take the Northern Explorer south, cross by ferry, board the Coastal Pacific, and finish with the TranzAlpine before picking up a car to explore Queenstown or Fiordland National Park.

With a bit of planning (and a travel advisor like me who knows all the logistics), you can experience the best train rides in New Zealand, the most scenic drives, and the most breathtaking coastal cruises. All in one seamless trip.

Tips for Traveling on Scenic Trains in New Zealand

A little insider knowledge makes your New Zealand scenic train journey even smoother:

Book Early: Scenic trains are popular, especially during holidays and summer months.
Pick Your Side: On the TranzAlpine, sit on the left departing Christchurch. On the Coastal Pacific, the right side gets the ocean views.
Layer Up: Temperatures can shift dramatically, especially in alpine regions.
Don’t Miss the Open-Air Carriage: It’s the best place for unobstructed photos and fresh mountain air.
Bring Snacks & Water: There’s a café car onboard, but local treats never hurt.
Upgrade for Comfort: Premium seats offer more legroom and panoramic windows. These seats are perfect for photography lovers.
Pause and Explore: Consider overnight stops between routes. Kaikōura for whale watching or Greymouth for a West Coast brewery tour are two favorites.

When you plan with an expert, I’ll ensure your itinerary flows smoothly, from rail tickets and hotel stays to car rentals and optional excursions.

Why Scenic Train Journeys in New Zealand Should Be on Every Traveler’s Bucket List

There’s a special kind of peace that comes from letting the train do the driving. As the rhythmic hum of the tracks fills your ears and mountain peaks drift by your window, you realize that this isn’t just travel. It’s transformation.

Scenic train journeys in New Zealand give you the luxury of slowing down and savoring the view. Whether it’s the Alpine glow at sunset or the sight of seals lounging on the coast, each mile is a reminder of why New Zealand remains one of the most beautiful countries in the world.

If you’ve ever dreamed of a trip that combines comfort, beauty, and adventure… This is it.

So, are you ready to plan your own unforgettable rail, road, and/or cruise journey through New Zealand? Let me design a trip that brings your travel dreams to life. Every scenic mile of it.