Peter Harrison

New Zealand by Rail & Ferry

Sit Back and Soak in the Scenery

Tour Overview

Explore the breathtaking beauty of New Zealand on a rail and ferry tour that seamlessly connects its most iconic cities — Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch — without the need for buses or self-drive.

Begin your adventure in Auckland, the "City of Sails," where you can explore its vibrant waterfront, climb Mount Eden for panoramic views, and discover the nearby islands of the Hauraki Gulf.
From there, board the scenic Northern Explorer train for a spectacular journey through rolling farmlands, volcanic landscapes, and dramatic gorges en route to Wellington. In the nation’s capital, enjoy the charm of its compact city centre, ride the historic cable car, and visit the world-class Te Papa Museum.
Cross the stunning Cook Strait by ferry to the South Island, where you’ll travel by train through the breathtaking Kaikōura coastline to Christchurch. Here, stroll through the revitalized city, admire its botanical gardens, and soak up the serene Avon River.
This tour is the perfect way to experience New Zealand’s diverse landscapes and vibrant cities while travelling sustainably and comfortably.

Travel Tips

KiwiRail operates 3 key tourist train routes, linking Auckland and Wellington, Picton and Christchurch and Christchurch and Greymouth. These services run regularly, but not daily.
KiwiRail’s comfortable trains feature panoramic windows – perfect for viewing the country’s stunning scenery. Services onboard include a well-stocked licensed café and an open-air viewing carriage – the best place for photographers!
KiwiRail also now offer an upgraded service onboard – ScenicPlus offers locally inspired, seasonal dishes served at your seat, dedicated hosts and an exclusive viewing carriage.
Passenger lines are limited in New Zealand, with several now being freight only, but it is possible to travel from Auckland to Hamilton and from Wellington to both Palmerston North and Masterton. The line to Masterton is the only one which doesn’t overlap with a KiwiRail service though.
There is an excellent inter-island ferry service, with two companies operating ferries from Wellington to Picton. The journey takes around 3 hours and offers stunning views of the Marlborough Sounds and the Cook Strait.
Kaikoura, a stop between Picton and Christchurch, is one of the world’s top whale-watching locations, with tour companies boasting a 95% success rate for whale spotting. Whales can be spotted all year round, but December-March is the best time to spot Orcas.
Places to visit include Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.