Northern Explorer Train Journey from Wellington to Auckland

From NZD 232.5

4.16

495 reviews

Check availability

Overview

Available languages

Chinese (Taiwan)

Chinese

English

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

Operated by Great Journeys New Zealand

Reviews

4.16

495 reviews

261

131

Train journey from Wellington to Auckland
Stephen F,
Mar 12, 2025
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
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
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!
Long
Marie G,
Feb 25, 2025
3.00
The ride was LONG. I wanted to experience the scenery. Although scenic it isn't worth the time to spend. Flight is probably a savings.
Great train journey
tinakelly,
Feb 21, 2025
5.00
Lovely train journey , large windows got great views , good size open platform - good buffet on board if not dining package