New Zealand by Train
Trains - Tickets - ToursA 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.
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.
Copyright: RAILWAYHERO
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
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
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
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
Guidebooks For New Zealand
Travel with a guidebook ease your journey to find best sights and things to do. Buy it on Amazon.
Travel Insurance
We highly recommend not to travel without insurance. Don't fret! World Nomads offers many different travel insurance coverage plans to suit your trip best. > BUY HERE
