Tour Finder
  1. Home
  2. Northern Explorer Train Journey from Wellington to Auckland

Northern Explorer Train Journey from Wellington to Auckland

Image 1
Image 2
Image 3
Image 4
Image 5
Image 6
Image 7
Image 8

From NZD 232.5

1 Adult

Overview

Available languages

Chinese (Taiwan)
Chinese
English

Mobile ticket

New Zealand's longest running passenger service, the Northern Explorer is a long distance scenic train service running between Wellington and Auckland.  Experience the extremes of New Zealand's scenery, from the fertile farmlands of Waikato to the volcanic peaks of the Central Plateau and the sparkling Kapiti Coast.

Additional Info

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Wheelchair accessible, please advise at time of booking if travelling with a wheelchair.

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Please arrive at least 20 minutes prior to scheduled departure and check in at the station to receive your boarding pass. Please have your Viator Voucher ready for inspection.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

All taxes, fees and handling charges

GPS triggered audio commentary

One Way Rail Journey

Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)

Food and drinks (available to purchase)

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Excess luggage charges (where applicable)

Options

Wellington to Auckland

10.5 hour train journey from Wellington to Auckland

Reviews

4.16

500 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

264
132
51
25
28
  • A North Island memorable journey

    saul r,

    May 7, 2025

    - Viator

    5.00

    An extraordinary journey that allowed us to view the north island in complete comfort. Very attentive staff, everyone and particularly our conductor, Bruce, provided utmost hospitality and care until the very end. The dining wagon was well stocked at reasonable prices. The toilet for people with disabilities is excellent.

  • Great trip! They give you...

    carol m,

    Mar 27, 2025

    - Viator

    5.00

    Great trip! They give you easy directions at check-in. Train was comfortable and food (for purchase) was good.

  • Train journey from Wellington to Auckland

    Stephen F,

    Mar 12, 2025

    - Viator

    5.00

    What a beautiful way to see the countryside of the North Island. Everyone talks about the scenery on the South Island, but the North Island is just as beautiful. There are two options which I was not made aware of making the booking. There is the scenic tour and the scenic plus. Scenic plus gives you meals and the pleasure of using the dining car. You can still get packaged food and drinks in the scenic tour for $. I saw a lot of people bring their own food. There are restrooms on the train. You have an assigned seat, so you don’t have to plow your way on to the train. Overhead racks are at each seat for your belongings. Be patient when getting your luggage at the end of the journey, it is not very organized. Someone from the train will be out at the station to help you find a ride, Uber is my go to. They did have a few vans that would drop you off at your hotel but would make several stops. If you use a cab, make sure it is the blue dome ones. Apparently there are others that will scam you into a ride. Overall it was a good experience.

  • Lovely way to see the...

    Rosie D,

    Mar 8, 2025

    - Viator

    5.00

    Lovely way to see the landscape of NZ without the stress of driving. The seats were comfy and snacks from the dining car were good value.

  • It was a great train...

    Ann M,

    Feb 28, 2025

    - Viator

    4.00

    It was a great train ride, very comfortable, but long. The viewing carriage was good but windy and hard to hold and take photos!

From NZD 232.5

1 Adult

Related Experiences

Wellington's Original LOTR Experience - includes Weta and Lunch

Wellington's Original LOTR Experience - includes Weta and Lunch

4.82

Discover Wellington 3 hour City Tour

Discover Wellington 3 hour City Tour

4.91

Northern Explorer Train Journey from Wellington to Auckland

Northern Explorer Train Journey from Wellington to Auckland

4.16

Wellington's Original HD LOTR Experience - includes Weta Tour

Wellington's Original HD LOTR Experience - includes Weta Tour

4.55

Seal Coast Safari - Exclusive access to Wellington's secret coast

Seal Coast Safari - Exclusive access to Wellington's secret coast

4.89

InterIslander Ferry - Wellington to Picton

InterIslander Ferry - Wellington to Picton

4.00

Wētā Workshop Experiences Tour - Wellington

Wētā Workshop Experiences Tour - Wellington

4.73

Half Day Martinborough Winery Tour from Wellington

Half Day Martinborough Winery Tour from Wellington

4.80

Tahiti: Tour of the East or West Coast (Half Day)

Tahiti: Tour of the East or West Coast (Half Day)

4.25

Half Day Lord of the Rings Tour

Half Day Lord of the Rings Tour

4.67

Half Day Tour of Wellington

Half Day Tour of Wellington

4.71

Private Wellington Full Day Sightseeing Tour

Private Wellington Full Day Sightseeing Tour

4.78

Operated by Great Journeys New Zealand

A product of Trip Social Group

Australia: Pavel Australia Pty Ltd

Việt Nam: Công ty TNHH Trip Social

top-50

Winner - HO CHI MINH INNOVATIVE STARTUPS IN TOURISM 2022.

Quick links

Destinations

Contact us

  • zalo
  • whatpsapp
  • messenger
Travelling effortlessly, together

© 2025 Trip Social Group. All rights reserved.

    Accepted Payment Methods

  • visa
  • visa
  • visa