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Train Travel in New Zealand

KiwiRail Scenic Introduction

Discover New Zealand with the true beauty of train travel in New Zealand on KiwiRail Scenic's unique train journeys.

KiwiRail Scenic, New Zealand's only passenger rail company, combines world famous scenic train rides with quality facilities and comfort.

Re-discover New Zealand and the romance of travel by railway or as our American visitors say, travel on the railroad.

TranzAlpine Train

The TranzAlpine scenic train ride travels between Christchurch and Greymouth, from one coast of New Zealand to the other.

See the stunning scenery of New Zealand from coast to coast from the comfort of your carriage.

Starting on the East Coast of New Zealand, travel through the Canterbury Plains and farmland, followed by the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. Your scenic train ride then climbs into the Southern Alps before descending through lush beech rain forest to the West Coast town of Greymouth.

All carriages include both one way seating and tabled group seating allowing you to experience the amazing views of our beautiful country, while also enjoying the company of other passengers.

An open air viewing carriage is available to allow you to get even closer to the stunning scenery and preserve its beauty in time with photography.

The scenic train trip is 223.8 kilometres long and takes just four and a half hours. There are 16 tunnels, and five viaducts, the highest being the Staircase standing at 73 metres.

Coastal Pacific Train

The Coastal Pacific scenic train travels between Picton, at the top of the South Island of New Zealand, and Christchurch.

Travel through the stunning Kaikoura mountain ranges and the rugged Pacific Ocean coastline.

Along the way you pass though the village of Kaikoura, where, if you're touring New Zealand, you can break your journey to take in the whale watching or swim with the dolphins.

The Coastal Pacific scenic train ride is one of the world's most scenic train journeys. Your train travels through 22 tunnels and crosses 175 bridges, one of them being New Zealand's only road-rail bridge.

Also includes an open air viewing carriage.

Overlander Train

The Overlander is a journey through the heart of the North Island, travelling between Auckland—New Zealand's largest city and home of the Sky Tower, to Wellington—New Zealand's arts and culture capital.

Along the way you pass the Central North Island ski towns of National Park and Ohakune, popular with young and old alike. You also see fantastic views of New Zealand farmland, the volcanic plateau, Mount Ruapehu, the world famous Raurimu Spiral, and stunning river gorges—all from our panoramic windows or open air viewing decks allowing you the best possible views.

For further information about our scenic train rides in New Zealand, please contact us or visit our train travel in New Zealand Web site.

About New Zealand

New Zealand's spectacularly beautiful landscape includes vast mountain chains, steaming volcanoes, sweeping coastlines, deeply indented fiords and lush rainforests.

New Zealand is comparable in size to Great Britain, Colorado or Japan, yet we have a population of only 4.1 million, making it one of the world's least crowded countries. It is a haven for those seeking peace, rejuvenation and relaxation as well as a playground for thrill seekers and adventurers.

New Zealand has a temperate climate with relatively small seasonal variation making it an ideal year-round holiday destination.

New Zealanders have a unique and dynamic culture, with European, Maori, Pacific and Asian influences. It's a culture that celebrates the many different lifestyles we live, and the stories we have to tell.

While New Zealand is a relatively young country, it has a rich and fascinating history, reflecting both our Maori and European heritage. Amazing Maori historic sites and taonga (treasures), some dating back almost a thousand years, are a contrast to many beautiful colonial buildings. A walk around any New Zealand city today shows what a culturally diverse and fascinating country we have become.

For further information about our scenic train rides in New Zealand, please contact us or visit our train travel in New Zealand Web site.

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