Train bookings for July 2025 to June 2026 season

For train bookings beyond June 2025 to June 2026, contact us at info@newzealandtravelteam.com.

 

Infotainment App

An Immersive Rail Experience

 

We have some exciting news for your upcoming journey, we have made changes to our onboard audio commentary which is now available via our new infotainment app.

The infotainment app allows all audio commentary and stories to be available at a touch of a button via your phone.

Our commentary has been upgraded and revised and we are excited to have it available for our passengers.

The app is easy to use, and if you have any issues, please talk to the staff on the train, they will help you to troubleshoot any issues.

Please make sure you bring your own device, USB charger and headphones to enjoy the audio commentary.

We recommend you download the free “Great Journeys New Zealand” app in advance.

Some sections of the app won’t be available until you are on the train, but once connected to the Wifi on the train you’ll will be able to see the full content.

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3 DAY SUGGESTED ITINERARY – AUCKLAND TO CHRISTCHURCH

3 DAY SUGGESTED ITINERARY – AUCKLAND TO CHRISTCHURCH

Travel Day 1:  Auckland to Wellington
Depart: 7.45am - Arrive: 6.25pm
This morning you board the Northern Explorer train at Auckland and head south passing through the farming landscape of the Waikato region to the rugged bush country ascending to the Volcanic Plateau via the famous Raurimu Spiral, passing the Volcano's of Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Tongariro for a stop at Tongariro National Park. From Tongariro National Park you pass Mt Ruapehu the home of the North Island skifields of Whakapapa and Turoa, the ski town of Ohakune before descending through stunning river gorges to the rolling farming landscape of the Palmerston North region to Wellington - The Harbour Capital for 1 or more nights stay in New Zealand's capital city.

This service operates Monday, Thursday and Saturday only.

Travel Day 2:  Wellington to Christchurch
Depart: 9.00am - Arrive 8.30pm
From Wellington you board an Interislander ferry for a daytime sailing from Wellington, with it's picturesque harbour, crossing Cook Strait before entering the magnificent Marlborough Sounds. The 3 hour (92 kilometers) ferry journey is aboard a modern ship with a range of on board facilities from eateries, a shop, movie theatre, a games arcade, a large bar with live entertainment, numerous passenger lounges, open air decks and a friendly on board crew to assist you. Your Interislander journey ends at Picton located in a sheltered marine harbour where you will have time to experience this charming small town. From Picton you board the Coastal Pacific train travelling South along the eastern coast of the South Island, passing through the local Marlborough vineyards, Lake Grassmere Salt Ponds and stopping at Kaikoura - famous for viewing whales and dolphins. From Kaikoura you travel south, following stunning coastline to the northern Canterbury Plains and onto the garden city of Christchurch for 1 or more nights stay.

Travel Day 3:  Christchurch to Greymouth Day Excursion
Depart: 8.15am - Return: 6.31pm
Today travel between Christchurch and Greymouth, from one coast of New Zealand to the other and return. From your carriage you'll see the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland, followed by the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River, as you ascend through the Southern Alps to the alpine village of Arthurs Pass. From Arthurs you descending through the Otira tunnel to the lush beech rain forests of the West Coast through to Greymouth. After a hour stopover in Greymouth, The TranzAlpine train departs Greymouth heading east heading east to the Southern Alps ascending up through the Otira tunnel to the alpine village of Arthurs Pass slowly descending through river valleys of the Waimakariri River, crossing the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch for 1 or more nights stay.

Or

Christchurch to Greymouth
Depart: 8.15am - Arrive: 1.05pm
Today travel between Christchurch and Greymouth, from one coast of New Zealand to the other and return. From your carriage you'll see the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland, followed by the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River, as you ascend through the Southern Alps to the alpine village of Arthurs Pass. From Arthurs you descending through the Otira tunnel to the lush beech rain forests of the West Coast through to Greymouth. This is a great base for visits to Punakaiki and the always popular glaciers. From Greymouth you can head south to the the Glaciers for 1 or 2 night stopover in the townships of Franz Josef or Fox Glacier and onto Wanaka and Queenstown or north to Westport through the Buller Gorge to Nelson.

Please note:  You must purchase a New Zealand Travel Team Rail Pass before you can make any travel sector reservations.
Itineraries are a guide only and times / schedules are subject to change. Accommodation is additional and not included with your pass.

Fare Type Adult Child Pass Validity Action
Rail Pass NZ$925.00 NZ$628.00 25 Sep 2022 to 30 Jun 2025