Northern Explorer Train Journey from Wellington to Auckland

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)

What To Expect

Travel through rolling green farmland, past quaint country towns and along rocky coasts. The journey through Tongariro National Park, with its three spectacular volcanic mountains, Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu, is a highlight, a place of extremes and surprises, where snow-blanketed fields, ancient lava flows and dense beech forests can be seen side by side. Traverse stunning river gorges and wind through the Raurimu Spiral near National Park, an amazing feat of railway engineering. While on board enjoy the journey in award winning world-class carriages with specially designed seats. Awaken your senses in the open air viewing decks or sit back and enjoy the GPS triggered audio commentary available through headphones at every seat. All trains have a licensed café carriage providing snacks and light meals (at own expense)

Options

Wellington to Auckland

10.5 hour train journey from Wellington to Auckland

Reviews

4.17

500 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

265

132

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!