What is the train system like in New Zealand?

Question

I will hopefully be in New Zealand for atleast a week next July, and I was looking at taking some of the scenic train journeys. I can get a 7 day rail pass for NZ$360, which I thought was a pretty good deal. I was wondering how comfortable trains are, and how scenic the routes really are. If anyone has traveled on them, I would love to hear of your experience.

Answer 1

The previous 2 answers are really great.  Other trips worth considering are:

North Island:  Geyserland Express to Rotorua and

Kaimai Express to Tauranga in the Bay of Plenty

South Island:  Trans Alpine, across the Alps from Christchurch to Greymouth.  Stunning scenery, especially if there's snow around.

Answer 2

You can get from Auckland to Wellington on the Overlander - this is a long trip but better than the bus and more comfortable.  After getting from Wellington to Picton on the Interislander ferry take the Coastal Pacific - this is a great trip.  If you like nature, then stop off in Kaikoura to go whale watching!!   From Christchurch I highly recommend the Tranz Alpine.  This is a scenic train to Greymouth on the West Coast of the South Island.  You can take it return or one way - it is a long day to do it return but you can break the journey by staying in Greymouth for a night or two or just going one way and then travelling down to Queenstown or somewhere like that by bus.

The other train you MUST do is the Taieri Gorge Railway which is based in Dunedin. This is a four hour return train trip and takes you through parts of New Zealand you will NEVER see by car or bus - this is real New Zealand.  It goes daily except Christmas day.

Answer 3

I took the train from Christchurch to Picton... It was such a beautiful trip.. The tracks run parallel to the ocean. I was able to take amazing pictures. They have an open air section where you can go and take pictures and whatnot. It was the most pleasant train trip I have ever taken. I would higly recommend this trip! New Zealand is such a beautiful country, and seeing it by train just makes it that much better!

Answer 4

Hello from downunder,

The long distance trains are very good and comfy enough for a day time scenic journey. The scenery is spectacular, ever changing and well worth the trip. North and South Island scenery is quite different. Both islands are BEAUTIFUL!!!!

You should also spend a few days in Auckland at the beginning, a day in Wellington and a few days in Christchurch at the end.

I would recommend you start in Auckland. Take the Overlander from Auckland to Wellington (in the North Island). Spend a day in Wellington city.

Then cross over to Picton on the Inter-Islander ferry (takes about 3 hours) and from here take the Trans Coastal train to Christchurch.

In Christchurch you can hop on the Trans Alpine train which goes across the South Island - terrific!!!!!! A really lovely trip.

Return to Christchurch and have a few more days here to wander around the city.

You will have a fantastic time in NZ.

Answer 5

the train system is suprisingly good.  scenic and comfortable.  just do not eat the hotdogs they are gross

Answer 6

The other answer is great and informative.

If you can get from Christchurch to Dunedin there is the Taieri Gorge Railway, which is a fantastic trip.

I have done it in the cab of a loco and was most impressed.

You will not be able to use your Rail Pass however.

The link below will take you to their site which has their schedules and fares.