11 hour(s)
English
Included
Travel through stunning landscapes, from Auckland’s skyline to Wellington’s charm
Experience the historic North Island Main Trunk railway, completed in 1908
Marvel at engineering feats like viaducts and spiraling ascents to volcanic terrains
Cross through the great plains of Waikato and Manawatu’s expansive farmlands
Discover the legacy of Julius Vogel’s dream to connect New Zealand’s interior
Free cancellation and unlimited rescheduling leads to total flexibility while you plan your travels
Lowest Price Guarantee — no other provider offers this tour for less
From the sparkling skyline of Auckland to the charming capital of Wellington, the Northern Explorer train journey takes you across the expansive plains of Waikato and Manawatu, through picturesque river valleys and rugged coastlines. You'll soar over magnificent viaducts and ascend historic feats of engineering, traveling deep into the volcanic heart of New Zealand’s North Island.
Following the historic North Island Main Trunk railway (NIMT), which was completed in 1908, the journey is a tribute to Julius Vogel’s vision of connecting New Zealand’s interior with the rest of the country. Before roads were established, the voyage between Auckland and Wellington was a multi-day, perilous sail around the coast. The creation of the NIMT reduced the journey to less than a day, though the challenging terrain made it a complex and costly project that took nearly 30 years to finish.
Today, this iconic journey is a true marvel of engineering, offering travelers an unforgettable experience through the full spectrum of New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes and rich charm.
Railway Pass only
Hotel Pick up or drop off service
Personal expenses
Meals
Simple snack or simple eatery
Camera
Rail pass only; hotel transfer not included, request separately or use Uber
Confirmation emailed once booking is approved
Casual snack or quick eatery
Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Type in your hotel/accommodation to see how far the attraction or departure point is.
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