Northern Explorer Train Journey from Auckland to Wellington | La Vacanza Travel

Northern Explorer Train Journey from Auckland to Wellington

Duration: 11 hours
Destination: New Zealand, Auckland, Auckland
from
155

Check Availability

  • 11 hours
  • Auckland
  • E-Voucher
  • Lowest Price
  • Not-Cancellable

Overview

New Zealand's longest running passenger service, the Northern Explorer is a long distance scenic train service running between Auckland and Wellington. Experience the extremes of New Zealand's scenery, from the fertile farmlands of Waikato to the volcanic peaks of the Central Plateau and the sparkling Kapiti Coast.

Travel through rolling green farmland, past quaint country towns and along rocky coasts. The journey through Tongariro National Park, with its three spectacular volcanic mountains- Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu- is a highlight, a place of extremes and surprises, where snow-blanketed fields, ancient lava flows and dense beech forests can be seen side by side. Traverse stunning river gorges and wind through the Raurimu Spiral near National Park, an amazing feat of railway engineering. 

While on board enjoy the journey in award winning world class carriages with specially designed seats. Awaken your senses in the open air viewing decks or sit back and enjoy the GPS triggered audio commentary available through headphones at every seat. All trains have a licensed café carriage providing snacks and light meals.

Inclusions
  • One Way Rail Journey
  • GPS triggered audio commentary
  • All taxes, fees and handling charges

Exclusions
  • Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
  • Food and Drinks (available to purchase)
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Excess luggage charges (where applicable)
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants must sit on laps
  • Wheelchair accessible, please advise at time of booking if travelling with a wheelchair.
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Stroller accessible
  • Please arrive at least 20 minutes prior to scheduled departure and check in at the station to receive your boarding pass
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Transportation is wheelchair accessible
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
  • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
Departure Point

Auckland Strand, Parnell, Auckland 1010, New Zealand


Departure Time

07:45 AM


Return Details

Wellington Station, Bunny Street, Pipitea, Wellington 6011, New Zealand

Voucher info

You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.

Duration

11 hours


User's Reviews

Amanda_O

24 Mar, 2024

As we only arrived in NZ the day before the rail trip we found The views magnificent . A real insight of what we had to come. The disappointment was when we arrived at the Strand there was no booking for us and the train was full. This was quite stressful and did mar the start of the day. It resulted in us sitting in the cafe car with no commentary . It seems that La Vacanza Travel had not had confirmation from great northern to say we had seats and this should have been followed up .

gap770

23 Mar, 2024

I you like to ride trains, this would be an enjoyable trip. For me, ran out of sandwiches 4 hours into 11 hour journey, nothing real spectacular on the scenery and an hour late. As I said if you’re looking for a relaxing trip on a train, this is for you. Too long and uninteresting to me.

Blueymac

19 Mar, 2024

Travelled from Auckland to Wellington. When booking as a couple ask for two seat configuration much better than sharing four seat configuration. Commentary was good. Long trip but enjoyable. Beware large taxi driver with white hair and long white beard at Wellington Train Station, make sure meter is on.

Robert_S

18 Mar, 2024

The train was on time, very comfortable and the views were awesome once we got away from Auckland. Simone was a fantastic guide that talked us through all the highlights of the scenery, the amenities on the train and safety instructions. It was a long ride but very relaxing and scenic, a great, stress free way to get to Wellington from Auckland.

Gina_C

15 Mar, 2024

We had a blast! Once you get out of the Auckland area the beauty of the country opens up. So worth it. Even though the trip is 11 hours it didn’t feel that way. Was able to take some amazing photos.

User's Picture Gallery

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Enjoyable trip

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Bad seats in a packed wagon

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Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.

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Overall, an interesting experience!

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Well worth doing.

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Great way to see the North Island

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A must do train trip through New Zealand’s North Island.

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Great way to see some of the North lsland of NZ

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Fantastic scenery

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Great journey if you are not in a hurry!

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Rainy day train friends

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Beautiful scenery

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A train journey you must do in New Zealand

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Trippy Train Travel!

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Outstanding!

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Trip to the WOW Awards

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