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New Zealand by Train

Trains - Tickets - Tours
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A Travel Guide For Train Travel In New Zealand.

Here you will find information for New Zealand about trains, routes, tours, connections, where to buy train tickets, and more.

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Useful Information

Population: 4.88 million

Currency: New Zealand Dollar

Language: English

Capital: Wellington

Country Code: +63

Time Zone: New Zealand Standard Time (NZST)

Train Companies

The country’s trains are operated by KiwiRail, a state-owned company. KiwiRail is also responsible for all inter-island ferries. 

New Zealand north island rail map

Copyright: RAILWAYHERO

New Zealand south island rail map

Copyright: RAILWAYHERO

Train Tickets

Buy your train tickets for New Zealand online at Rail New Zealand.

Buy your train tickets for New Zealand online at GreatJourneysofNZ.

Rail Passes

New Zealand Scenic Rail Pass

Explore the beautiful landscape of New Zealand by train. The New Zealand Scenic Rail Pass allows you to travel between Christchurch and Wellington, Auckland and Wellington, Christchurch, and Greymouth. You can travel for up to 7 days within 2 months.

TrAIN tYPES

The Northern Explorer runs on the northern part of New Zealand and connects Auckland with Wellington.

The Coastal Pacific runs along the coast from Picton to Christchurch.

The Tranzalpine Train crosses the southern part of New Zealand from Christchurch to Greymouth.

There are no international train connections in New Zealand. You can take a plane to visit other countries.

There are no sleeper trains in New Zealand.

Taieri Gorge Railway
The Seasider
Marlborough Flyer

Routes

Frequently Travelled Routes In New Zealand

National

 
From > To
Duration (h)
Changes Transport
Auckland to Hamilton 2:52 Direct Train (Northern Explorer)
Auckland to Wellington 11:12 Direct Train (Northern Explorer)
Christchurch to Greymouth 4:50 Direct Train (TranzAlpine)
Queenstown to Dunedin 4:14 Direct Bus
Christchurch to Queenstown 8:10 Direct Bus
Dunedin to Milford Sound 10:49 1 Bus
Hamilton to Rotorua 1:30 – 2:00 Direct Bus

New Zealand travel routes

New Zealand: World’s Most Scenic Rail Journey

New Zealand: World’s Most Scenic Rail Journey

Main Train Stations

  • Auckland
  • Wellington
  • Picton
  • Christchurch
  • Dunedin

Train Tours in New Zealand

Good to know

Best Time To Travel To New Zealand

New Zealand is truly a year-round destination and one that will leave you wondering how you haven’t visited this place sooner. From palm tree-lined beaches to picturesque mountains, sheep-filled fields to moving glaciers, seriously, this island country has it all. Summers run from December to February and offer higher temperatures but often still mild, winters are chillier, especially in the mountains where ski resorts are in full swing but the country is not unbearably cold.

Not only are the Kiwis lovely people, but their country also offers up plenty to do. Are you a daredevil? Head to the south island to bungy jump where it all began, zip through a canyon on a jetboat, or skydive over the Franz Josef glacier. If you’re looking for something steady on the ground, take a tour of the Lord of the Rings Hobbiton, have a smooth glass of red on the Waiheke wine island, or watch an All Blacks rugby union match (while you’re at it, maybe you could learn the Haka).

Pay a visit to a cultural village to learn more about the Maori culture, travel over a beautiful mountain pass by train, or attend the world buskers festival. You won’t be disappointed by the views, the people, or the activities, that’s for sure.

 

High Season: December to February
Low Season: June to August

 

Accommodation In New Zealand

Booking

The best place to find cheap hotels for is to book by www.booking.com. There you will find a large selection of cheap hotels, hostels, and apartments. > BOOK HERE

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Hostelworld

If you are looking for a low budget accommodation, then go on www.hostelworld.com. They have the best choice of cheap hostels for backpackers and low budget travelers. > BOOK HERE

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Guidebooks For New Zealand

Travel with a guidebook ease your journey to find best sights and things to do. Buy it on Amazon.

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