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Like the United States, New Zealand is a country where folks get around by car and have all but abandoned train travel altogether. The train journeys remaining are just too breathtaking to retire. One of the few passenger trains left in operation is the Northern Explorer which connects New Zealand's main centers of Auckland (the largest city) and Wellington (the capital).
The Northern Explorer is a rare long-distance passenger train in New Zealand and offers three services per week in each direction. The terminuses of the train are The Strand Station in Auckland and the Wellington Railway Station. Upon arriving in the capital, visit 'Wellywood' and see Weta Cave and where some of one's favorite movies are made (like Avatar, some Marvel movies, Lord of the Rings, and more).
Why The Northern Explorer Is Worth The Journey
Since September 2022, the Northern Explorer is operating again following a pause during the pandemic.
This is one of the great rail journeys visitors can enjoy in New Zealand. It has had to adapt to the changing times and was rebranded from the Overlander to the Northern Explorer in 2012.
At this time the train was upgraded with new carriages and some intermediate stops were eliminated. Today it is one of the most relaxing and scenic ways to explore the North Island.
- Length: 648 km (400 miles)
- Route: Auckland to Wellington
Along the way, passengers see some of the scenic wonders of Middle Earth. Get the camera ready as the train passes over the high plains of the volcanic plateau, over towering viaducts, and under the auspices of towering volcanoes.
Along the way, the train also stops at the famous Waitomo Caves (famous for caving and seeing glowworms) and the other-worldly volcanic landscapes of Tongariro National Park (one of New Zealand's top attractions). In all, passengers see five unique geographical regions of the North Island.
What To Expect On The Northern Explorer
The Northern Explorer's carriages are built for comfort and touring. They boast advanced airbag suspension (providing a quieter and smoother journey) and large panoramic and roof windows for viewing. The windows are un-tinted and non-reflective, but the train also has an open-air viewing deck.
Passengers can enjoy unobstructed views of some of the North Island's most dramatic features like the moody volcanoes Mt Tongariro, Mt Ngaururhoe, and Mt Ruapehu.
Along the way, passengers can also enjoy GPS-triggered commentary of the attractions they are passing by. The Northern Explorer has an onboard cafe carriage that offers a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, snacks, and light meals.
The Northern Explorer also caters to mobility-impaired passengers with spaces for wheelchairs and a disabled toilet.
The Northern Explorer shares the same comfort as the South Island scenic tourist trains, the Coastal Pacific Train and the TranzAlpine train. Its Scenic Class carriages provide spacious seating, an airy ambiance, plenty of legroom, and have been designed with an eye to comfort.
They have been designed for passengers to enjoy a smooth and breathing ride across New Zealand's rugged terrain.
Planning A Trip On The Northern Explorer
The Northern Explorer is one of the best ways to travel between the two main North Island centers (much more enjoyable than the bus). It also connects with various bus and coach services in Hamilton and other intermediate stops that connect with other destinations around the North Island.
- Cost: NZD $219 ($140)
The train leaves Auckland at 7.45 am and arrives in Wellington in the early evening at 6.25 am. The Wellington to Auckland journey departs at 7.55 am and arrives in Auckland at 7.00 pm.
Operating Days:
- Northbound: Wednesday, Friday, & Sunday
- Southbound: Monday, Thursday, & Saturday
At Wellington, it connects with the Interislander ferry service to the South Island.
From the ferry terminal in the port town of Picton, visitors can take the scenic heritage Coastal Pacific Train to the South Island city of Christchurch, from there, travelers can connect to the TranzAlpine train - arguably one of the most stunning alpine train journeys in the world.
While the Northern Explorer connects the two main cities of the North Island by train via the island's volcanic heartland, the most scenic train in the country is arguably the South Island's TranzAlpine train. Plan a memorable train journey through New Zealand with Rail New Zealand.