The stunning scenery of New Zealand is best appreciated gradually, and by rail is the easiest way to do this. The nation boasts some of the most picturesque rail trips worldwide, with its undulating hills, grand mountains, and breathtaking coasts. These train trips provide an amazing experience whether you’re on a quiet vacation or just want to enjoy the natural beauty free from the trouble of driving.
TranzAlpine: A Journey Through the Southern Alps
Considered one of the best train routes available worldwide, the TranzAlpine links Greymouth on the mountainous west coast to Christchurch on the South Island’s east coast. Over five hours, this amazing trip winds through the heart of the Southern Alps.
The train leaves Christchurch and winds across the verdant Canterbury Plains, a land filled with grazing sheep and undulating green fields. As the train rises into the Southern Alps, the landscape quickly changes to provide breathtaking views of tall mountains, deep gorges, and meandering rivers. Arthur’s Pass, a stunning mountain pass where visitors may go out and enjoy the pure alpine air, marks the trip’s high point.
The last stretch winds into the thick rainforest on the West Coast before reaching Greymouth, a portal to the amazing Franz Josef and Fox glaciers. The TranzAlpine, with panoramic windows and an open-air viewing carriage, is the ideal means of seeing New Zealand’s South Island at its best.
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Coastal Pacific: A Breathtaking Coastal Experience
Those who enjoy the sea will find the Coastal Pacific perfect. This magnificent train ride connects Christchurch to the gorgeous port town of Picton, the entry point to the Marlborough Sounds. The train wanders over the Pacific Ocean for almost six hours, providing breathtaking vistas of rocky coastlines, immaculate beaches, and great blue seas extending horizontally.
The Kaikoura coastline, well-known for its rich marine life—including whales, dolphins, and seals—is one of the highlights of the voyage. For much of the journey, the train runs parallel to the sea so that passengers may see seagulls gracefully gliding over the waves and, if lucky, catch a view of a whale breaching in the distance.
As the trip proceeds, passengers can marvel at the striking contrast between the Pacific’s blue waves and the undulating Marlborough, New Zealand’s best wine area. Arriving in Picton, visitors can either enjoy the little seaside town or continue their trip by ferry to the North Island.
Northern Explorer: The Ultimate North Island Adventure
The Northern Explorer is essential for anyone ready to discover the North Island. This long-haul train ride between Auckland and Wellington covers over 650 kilometers of varied, always-shifting scenery. The 11-hour trip is a peaceful and immersing approach to appreciating the beauty of the North Island.
From undulating farms and volcanic plateaus to deep forests and meandering rivers, the path boasts an amazing range of landscapes. A main feature is the traversing of Tongariro National Park, a UNESCO-listed area with three active volcanoes—Mount Ruapehu, Mount Ngauruhoe, and Mount Tongariro. With wide desert-like plains and rocky rock formations commanding the view, these spectacular volcanic settings offer a bizarre and otherworldly experience.
The train then follows the Raurimu Spiral, an amazing technical achievement meant to negotiate the high terrain of the middle North Island. Further south, before reaching New Zealand’s energetic capital city, travelers are treated to breathtaking vistas of the Kapiti Coast as the trip gets close to Wellington.
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A Train Ride to Remember
The picturesque train rides in New Zealand are an experience, not only a means of mobility. Every ride, from the Northern Explorer’s varied terrain to the alpine beauties of the TranzAlpine or the breathtaking coastline vistas of the Pacific coastline, presents a different and peaceful approach to appreciating the nation’s natural beauty. These train rides offer the ideal chance to slow down and enjoy the beauty of New Zealand’s landscapes, with cozy seating, big viewing windows, and the freedom to relax free from the stress of driving.
A picturesque train trip throughout New Zealand should be on the bucket list for those looking for a peaceful but visually spectacular journey.
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