Is it possible to travel between New Zealand towns and cities by train?

Question

When abroad, I always like to use rail as much as I can because train lines offer an opportunity to see scenery you otherwise wouldn't see because often train lines are more remote than roads; not to mention more comfortable than driving or travelling by bus.

Is it practical to travel via rail in New Zealand, how frequent are services? I would imagine there is better rail infrastructure on the North Island, how is it on the South Island?

Also, what sort of cost as I looking at, and how fast are trains in New Zealand, are speeds comparable to road travel?

Thanks

Answer 1

Most of the longer answers here are right.  Basically.

North Island - Auckland-Hamilton-Palmerston North-Wellington and Wellington-Masterton (long distance commute) are the only routes outside local ones in Auckland and Wellington.

South Island - Picton-Christchurch and Christchurch-Greymouth.

You need to bus or rent a car to see most of the country, but the three main long distance routes are scenic and worth a once off.  The Picton-Christchurch and Christchurch-Greymouth ones operate once daily, Auckland-Wellington several times a week.  The infrastructure is fine for freight, the system has been freight oriented since the 1950s, but frankly NZ's low population and low population density made rail unviable for most passenger movements when road transport became cheap and effective.  

Trains are at best comparable to buses, sometimes a little slower, and always slower than driving.  Prices vary, but are akin to buses, sometimes slightly more ( but then flying can be cheap too).

Answer 2

No it is not practical if you want to really see New Zealand.

Apart from commuter services in Auckland and Wellington (and also the Masterton and Palmerston Trains which go to Wellington), the Overlander is the only train which travels between Auckland and Wellington. It does not go every day and it takes 12 hours. In fact, I generally get the train (commuter) home around the time it is supposed to get into Wellington and I haven't seen it arrive on time in over a month.

In saying that, the trip goes through some lovely scenery and it is really quite pretty. If you aren't completely set on the idea of getting a train all the way, what about perhaps getting one to or from National Park or Ohakune which is about half way along the trip.

The other problem is that the train does *not* link all the little towns. You would have much better luck going by bus to these areas. Basically, the train runs up and down the central North Island. It goes from Auckland, through, Hamilton, Fielding, Levin, Marton, Middlemore (Auckland), National Park, Ohakune, Otorohonga, Palmerston North, Papakura (also Auckland), Paraparaumu (about 1hr north of Wellington), Pukekohe (further South than Papakura), Taumaranui, Te Kuiti, and then arriving in Wellington.

This ignores big chunks such as the Bay of Islands (anything north of Auckland's station in fact), New Plymouth, Napier, Gisborne, Rotorua etc etc.

However, as a possible compromise you can buy a 'scenic rail pass' which would allow you to make your own trip. Potentially you could travel by train and then get a bus from various locations so you can get to places such as Rotorua and Napier.

Costs: Currently, I did a quick search and there is a train trip from Auckland to Wellington for $49 however this is the first time I have ever seen it at this price. Generally it is around $100. As a comparison, if you book in advance you can find an air ticket for around this price.

Speed: Well, it takes 12 hours at least on the overlander. If you were to drive from Auckland to Wellington without stopping for anything more than a rest break it would take nearly 8 hours (ok, my father used to drive it in 6 hours...). I personally think it is a long trip when all you see is scenery - ie you don't get to see the towns you stop in, which you would if going by bus or car (though even this could be limited if you dont stop).

In summary, i would say use the train in the North Island but don't use it as your only form of transport unless your sole reason for travel is the train.

I am less familiar with the South Island's rail network so won't comment too much other than to say that the main train line is the TranzCoastal from Picton to Christchurch or the TranzAlpine from Christchurch to Greymouth (which a lot of people do simply as an excursion in itself).

All information can be found on the tranzscenic site below. There are a few areas which have more 'boutique' train trips but these aren't really for travelling from A - B so much as simply a little trip around a region (eg the Kingston Flyer in Queenstown).

Answer 3

Travelling by rail in New Zealand is more for scenic and not practical purposes. They got rid of most of the lines but there are lots of tracks left, sometimes used in part for sporty activities such as mountain biking trails or hiking trails.

3 rail lines left in NZ:

Overlander (Auckland-Wellington, north island)

TranzCoastal (Picton-Christchurch, south island)

TranzAlpine (Greymouth-Christchurch, south island)

http://www.railnewzealand.com/

I took the TranzAlpine just for the scenic view and it wasn't that great. It felt like being in 1800s California in a way. In fact, most of the country felt like being in 1800s California! (I'm from California) I felt the TranzAlpine would have been beautiful in the winter with snow but I rode it in the fall.

Depending on your length of stay and places you want to see, I'd recommend using the buses, renting a car, or buying a used car and reselling at the end of your trip. There are 2 buses that go around the country aimed at young backpackers and if your age is close, it's not so bad as it's very economical, you can see most of the country, and they stop at major hostels as well as other points of interest and have discounts for activities at most stops. I lived in a couple cities on working holiday and inbetween took one of those buses. I also rented a car to see a portion the bus didn't cover.

Then within major cities there are various public transportation such as bus and rail. Sometimes also a small scenic rail ride or all day trolley that could be worth it depending on what you want to see/do.

Answer 4

It is possible to travel by passenger rail on the North Island, but unfortunately most of the passenger services on the South were phased out some years ago so there are only a couple of services north of Christchurch.

To see the scenic sights of the South Island, you'll have to drive

Answer 5

I was the same way, came here and tried to do it. NZ rail service SUCKS. Buses are often faster.

You're thinking Europe, USA. No, cars are the only expedient way to travel by land in NZ. I have no idea how we will cope when gas is $10 a litre.

Answer 6

You can get New Zealand travel and accommodation tips at http://www.nzaccommodation.net/

Answer 7

Yea there is a train that goes from Auckland to Wellington, and stops at plenty of little towns on the way. I think there is one day service and one night service.

Then there is a train that goes from Picton to Christchurch. Also one from Christchurch to Greymouth, and there might also be one that goes further south. Not sure of the frequency though.

The problem is that they are very slow trains, and also expensive. Its much cheaper and faster to drive. Also, the trains are old and dirty and very uncomfortable. They also do not run frequently. Honestly, in NZ this is not the way to travel!!

Answer 8

I worked aboard the Silver Fern Railcar between 1991 and 2001 and I was based in Tauranga. I travelled between Tauranga - Auckland and Rotorua. Unfortunately those services were subsequently cancelled. As far as other long distance passenger trains are concerned then I can only advise you on three. The Overlander the daytime service between Auckland and Wellington - The Tranz Coastal daytime service between Picton and Christchurch and The TranzAlpine which traverses the South Island of New Zealand from Christchurch to Greymouth.

The Overlander is a 'long haul mission' be prepared for at least 11 hours plus! Best time to travel this train is summer as you leave in the daytime and arrive in the daytime or mid winter and travel through the snow covered central plateau of the North Island.  The Overlander certainly takes you through a host of small towns and larger ones as you make your way to the capital. The Overlander is also an 'opposing' train service meaning that a north bound service starts off in Wellington each day heading for Auckland. Both trains meet around National Park in the Central North Island where crews change over.

The Tranz Coastal (formerly The Coastal Pacific) travels from Picton through to Christchurch. You can schedule a trip across Cook Strait via Nga Waka or "The InterIslander" ferries and arrive into Picton in time for the journey south. It is truly a magnificent train journey and the seascapes are totally awesome.

The jewel in the crown has to be the Tranz Alpine. Regarded among world rail enthusiasts as one of seven great train journeys of the world. The TranzAlpine traverses the Southern Alps in spectacular style and you are taken from the checker board fields of the Canterbury Plains to the wild and rugged west coast of the South Island. Truly a remarkable and scnery filled journey you may want to do twice!

You are quite right about where trains go and the scenery is totally different from the comfort of a passenger train. Our rolling stock is not what you would call 'modern' in fact they are quite old and in need of replacing. When I worked at Tranz Scenic I think I saw a refurbishment on a refurbishment several times over and although we had excellent maintainance staff you can only do so much before they will just finally give up!

I have been away from the rails now for nearly 7 years but I will always remember the scenery, the towns and cities, backyards, factories, farms, mountains, rivers and everything in between.

Whatever you decide to do I hope you enjoy our country as much as I did showing it off to thousands of tourists every year!

Answer 9

There are train lines going in between every major centre on the North Island that all offer great views of the North. As for the South Island there are services..scenic ones too. Not too sure on the frequency of the services on either island..and not sure on the coverage in the South Island. Your best bit is to go to http://www.tranzscenic.co.nz/ to find out more info or http://www.railnewzealand.com/  they are the two main rail companies in the country :) enjoy your travels...NZ is a beautiful country

Answer 10

Actually, despite what Doris says the train that runs from Christchurch to Greymouth (the Tranz alpine) is a world renowned train trip and is considered an amazing experience!

I found the train to be very comfortable and you could purchase amazing food on there too! (devonshire tea, pancakes and maple syrup, big breakfasts etc).

I would say for Scenic purposes both the Tranz alpine and the Tranz Scenic (Christchurch to Picton, via Kaikoura) are a great way to travel in NZ (Haven't been on the Overlander from Wellington to Auckland before)

Also if you are tarvelling on your own this is a MUCH cheaper option than driving. Petrol is over $2.00 a litre now

This sight says it all http://tranzscenic.co.nz/

will give you an idea of prices etc.

In terms of speed, driving would be faster - but thats in large part due to the fact that a train has many more stops. I think they travel at around 90km per hour, speed limit on the open road is 100km per hour, but often when stuck behind trucks, campervans etc you get stuck going 85-80km per hour anyway.

I definetly highly recommend at least doing the tranz Alpine, its amazing and most of the scenery throughout it canNOT be seen from the road by driving