NZ’s epic railway journey | The Northern Explorer | Auckland to Wellington
Hop aboard one of the world's great railway journeys – the Northern Explorer from Auckland to Wellington. This is an epic, all-day journey through spectacular scenery. Find out why the Northern Explorer has been described as New Zealand’s hidden gem, in this video travel guide.
In this video, we'll explore the specially designed Scenic Class carriages, which feature panoramic windows and skylights, and experience the open-air viewing car.
The Northern Explorer climbs the world famous Raurimu Spiral and crosses deep ravines and towering viaducts as it traverses the Central Plateau including the volcanoes of Tongariro National Park. The journey also includes includes one of the best stretches of coastal railway in New Zealand – the Kapiti Coast and Porirua Harbour.
Northern Explorer bookings, fares and timetable:
Route guide by the Man in Seat 61:
???? Train: The Northern Explorer
???? Operator: Great Journeys of New Zealand (parent company: KiwiRail)
???? Locomotive: New Zealand DF class (DFB 7213)
???? Seat: Car A, Seat 03D (window)
???? Route: Auckland Strand - Wellington
???? Distance: 681km
???? Travel time: 10 hours 40 minutes (scheduled)
???? Class: Scenic class
???? Travel date: 27 October 2022
EQUIPMENT:
???? Cameras: GoPro Hero 10, GoPro Hero 8, iPhone 12 Pro Max, Panasonic HC-VX1
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction
00:47 - The Strand station and check in
02:18 - Train consist and seat tour
03:57 - Departing Auckland and crew announcement
06:28 - Cafe car and breakfast
07:55 - Viewing car and North Island Main Trunk line
09:49 - Route and Huntly
10:54 - Hamilton to King Country
13:09 - Otorohanga and first viaducts
15:07 - Bathroom tour and Taumarunui
17:02 - Raurimu Spiral
20:27 - Tongariro National Park and lunch
21:53 - Makatote Viaduct and the last spike
23:06 - Hapuawhenua Viaduct
23:49 - Okahune and the Tangiwai disaster
25:52 - Mount Ruapehu and wine time
26:42 - Turangarere Horseshoe
27:34 - Rangitīkei River and viaducts
29:56 - Accesible features of the cafe car
30:37 - Makohine Viaduct, Marton and travel times
32:46 - Electric locos and Palmerston North
34:23 - Levin to Waikanae
36:12 - Kapiti Coast
37:49 - Fares
38:44 - Plimmerton and Porirua Harbour
40:12 - Tawa Flat deviation to Wellington
41:39 - Arriving Wellington
42:55 - Final thoughts and next trip
Music
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Credits and sources:
OpenRailwayMap:
Wikipedia
King Country
Viaducts
Population stats:
Photos and videos
Joerg Mueller, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
North Island rail map:
Meet the Locals: Lahar video
Department of Conservation (NZ)
Pictorial Parade No. 81 (1958) video
Archives New Zealand
Tangiwai rail disaster photos
Archives New Zealand
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
By Манько Марко
Waiteti railway Viaduct
By Johnragla
Northern Explorer at National Park
Northern Explorer heads south from National Park
Explorer
Raurimu Railway Spiral from Helicopter
Duane Wilkins
'Final spike - North Island main trunk line'
Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1909, D-2
Crater Lake
Michal Klajban via Wikimedia Commons
Capital Connection
DB Thats-Me
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#greatjourneysnz #KiwiRail #trainreview
NZ's best kept secret | The Coastal Pacific train | Picton to Christchurch
Discover one of world's great railway journeys – the Coastal Pacific from Picton, at the top of New Zealand's South Island, to Christchurch. This little known train is an incredible, half-day adventure along the spectacular east coast of New Zealand's South Island.
In this video, we’ll check out the Scenic Class carriages, try the on board food and drink, and take in the incredible views, from pink lakes and beautiful beaches to snow-capped mountains and rolling plains. We’ll also learn a bit about the destructive forces that closed this line for almost two years. Come along on what just might be, one of the best railway journeys in the world.
Stops include Blenheim, Kaikōura and Rangiora. The Coastal Pacific uses the Main North Line, sometimes called the South Island Main Trunk railway.
Coastal Pacific bookings, fares and timetable:
???? Train: The Coastal Pacific
???? Operator: Great Journeys of New Zealand (parent company: KiwiRail)
???? Locomotive: New Zealand DX class (DXB 5137)
???? Seat: Car C, Seat 5A (window)
???? Route: Picton - Christchurch (Main North Line)
???? Distance: 347.5 km
???? Travel time: 5 hours 50 minutes (scheduled)
???? Class: Scenic Class
???? Travel date: 4 November 2022
EQUIPMENT:
???? Cameras: GoPro Hero 10, GoPro Hero 8, iPhone 12 Pro Max, Panasonic HC-VX1
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction
01:09 - Picton Railway Station and check in
02:11 - Train arrival and boarding
03:28 - Scenic Class seating, departure and crew announcements
06:21 - Route overview and lunch option
08:05 - Para Wetlands and Marlborough wine region
09:47 - Blenheim
11:13 - Redwood Pass and Awatere River
13:41 - Lake Grassmere Saltworks
15:50 - Reaching the Pacific Ocean
17:32 - Cafe car and afternoon tea
19:01 - Seal spotting at Ohau Point
20:16 - Mangamaunu Bay and the Kaikōura Ranges
22:14 - Kaikōura
25:24 - Tunnels and coastline
26:24 - 2016 Kaikōura earthquake
28:06 - Beautiful coastal views
31:00 - Okarahia Viaduct and final coastal views
32:57 - The Conway River and wine time
35:38 - The Canterbury Plains
39:15 - Rangiora
40:17 - Train fare and overall thoughts
42:08 - Arrival into Christchurch
44:11 - Canterbury Railway Station and final thoughts
45:06 - TranzAlpine preview
Coastal Pacific video by Doc7Austin:
Route guide by the Man in Seat 61:
Music
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Credits and sources:
Pronunciations:
Te Aka Māori-English Dictionary:
KiwiRail map
Kaikoura Ranges
Video and photo credits:
The Great Journeys of New Zealand
Reopening New Zealand’s Main North Line by KiwiRail
Railing against time - facts and figures about rebuilding the Main North Line:
Awatare River rail bridge
Blenheim Railway Station
Schwede66 via Wikimedia Commons
Christchurch Railway Station 1960
Source: Christchurch City Libraries
Old Christchurch Railway Station demolition 58
Maps of the New Zealand faults:
Papatea Fault at Waipapa Bay, courtesy GNS Science
Papatea Fault at Waipapa Bay, 1 week after earthquake, courtesy GNS Science
Canterbury Plains map
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The Northern Explorer - New Zealand’s spectacular North Island train journey [Comprehensive Review]
Join me as I hop on board the Northern Explorer train which is quintessentially the most iconic train journey that you can do on New Zealand’s North Island . Linking New Zealand’s largest city of Auckland with its capital of Wellington, the Northern Explorer train service operated by Great Journeys of New Zealand is by far the lengthiest passenger railway service in the whole country. Taking up very close to the entirety of the North Island’s Main Trunk Line Corridor this epic all day journey coming in at close to 11 hours covers a distance 648km and provides for an grand showcase of all the best the North Island’s has scenery wise!
For the purpose of the journey I begin the epic full day journey in the city of Hamilton which is the country’s fourth largest city and located just 120km of Auckland. In this comprehensive review I will endeavour to provide a comprehensive overview of the whole journey itself including about the service, the train and railway itself. Meanwhile i will give an comprehensive overview of the ‘Scenic Class’ service from the comfortable panoramic on-board seating and everything else that comes along with it such amenities, food and beverage and other features of the train such as the magnificent outdoor viewing carriage.
Whilst I’m at it the video seeks to showcase the spectacular scenery and varying landscapes to be encountered along the journey as the train ascends the world famous railway engineering feat that is the Raurimu Spiral, all whilst crossing numerous towering viaducts and deep ravines as it makes the crossing from the north to the southern tip of the North Island. Whether it be the lush green countryside, valleys and rolling hills of the North Island’s ‘Middle Earth’, through to the dramatic landscapes of Tongariro National Park and the Central Plateau, stunning views of Mount Ruapehu and spectacular rugged coastlines of the Kapiti Coast and Porirua Harbour this journey provides for the ultimate New Zealand sightseeing experience!
In this video you'll see
00:00 Introduction and Hamilton Frankton Railway Station information
01:30 Check in and Hamilton Station facilities
02:30 Further Hamilton station and route information
05:30 Arrival of train and train information
07:00 Boarding
07:30 First thoughts and departure from Hamilton
09:00 Train confgiruation, Seating, menu and amenities in Scenic Class
12:00 Introduction to outdoor viewing carriage
14:30 Cafe car review
15:25 Arrival into Otorohanga Station (and con't of menu review)
17:00 North Island Main Trunk Railway line information and scenic views between
Otorohanga and Taumaruni
21:00 Arrival into Taumaruni Station
22:00 Spectacular views of Tongariro National Park enroute to National Park Station
25:50 Stunning views of snow capped peaks of Tongariro National Park
26:45 Arrival at National Park Station, New Zealand's highest settlement!
27:45 Spectacular scenery and views of Mount Ruapehu enroute to Ohakune
32:50 Arrival into Ohakune
35:00 Afternoon refreshments
36:15 More beautiful scenery, spectacular viaduct crossings and amazing valleys enroute to Fielding
43:20 Pass by the town of Fielding
44:00 Arrival into Palmerston North
45:00 Another 'late afternoon refreshment and thoughts on journey enroute to Paraparaumu
47:00 Arrival into Paraparaumu Station
48:50 Stunning sunset views of the Kapiti Coast
51:40 Pass by of the scenic Porirua Harbour
53:00 Arrival into Wellington and final thoughts and verdict on the journey
55:30 Disembarkation at Wellington Railway station and final thoughts
57:50 Conclusion and closing remarks
If you would like to see a written review of this journey please check out my website here!
If you enjoyed this review please don't forget to check out my full portfolio of flight, train, ferry and bus reviews here!
Upcoming confirmed flight reviews:
Qantas Singapore-Perth Economy Class
Virgin Australia Queenstown- Sydney Economy X
Air New Zealand Wellington to Dunedin
Virgin Australia Sydney to Perth (economy class)
Intercity Tauranga to Hamilton (bus review)
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Scenic Highlights of the Northern Explorer train
New Zealand's longest-running passenger service, the Northern Explorer is a long-distance scenic train service running between Auckland and Wellington, stopping at Palmerston North, Ohakune, National Park and Hamilton.
The journey through Tongariro National Park, with its three spectacular volcanic mountains – Tongariro, Ngāuruhoe 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.
Find out more at
Follow us on Facebook at GreatJourneysof NZ or Instagram, @greatjourneysofnz
Northern Explorer Train New Zealand
This travel video gives a review of the Northern Explorer Train in New Zealand. A pretty popular route is from Auckland to Wellington, but the train has a frequent schedule that makes it less scenic and more for transportation.
Although we didn't think it was as epic as the train on the south island, the TranzAlpine train, it was still worth the money and something we'd recommend, especially if you are traveling across the northern island.
We hope the vlog is useful to you!
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New Zealand's Scenic Railway: Northern Explorer from Auckland to Wellington
Join me on a captivating railway journey in New Zealand – the Northern Explorer, traveling from Auckland to Wellington. Experience this unforgettable all-day adventure through awe-inspiring landscapes, revealing New Zealand's natural splendor.
In this video, i'll explore the Scenic Class carriages, featuring panoramic windows and skylights, and enjoy the fresh air in the open-air viewing car.
The Northern Explorer traverses the iconic Raurimu Spiral, passing through dramatic ravines and soaring viaducts as it makes its way across the Central Plateau and the majestic volcanoes of Tongariro National Park. Discover one of New Zealand's most picturesque coastal stretches, the Kapiti Coast, and the stunning Porirua Harbour in this must-watch railway journey video.
New Zealand by Rail - part 4: Northern Explorer Scenic Train Wellington - Auckland by KiwiRail
Part Four of our New Zealand by Rail series;
We are travelling on the TranzAlpine, Coastal Pacific and Northern Explorer Trains all the way from Greymouth on the South Island to Auckland on the North Island;
KiwiRail Train: Northern Explorer
Formerly known as: The Overlander
From: Wellington Railway Station
To: Auckland Strand Station
Region: North Island
Country: New Zealand
Route via North Island Main Trunk Railway (NIMP): Paraparaumu, Palmerston North, National Park (Tongariro / Mount Ruapehu), Hamilton
Engineering buildings: Hapuawhenua Viaduct, Raurimu Spiral
Car No: C
Travel Class: Economy Class
Seating Car Model: New Zealand AK class (built by Hillside Workshops in Dunedin)
Price: NZD 123 (approx. EUR 71)
Scheduled travel time: 10 hours and 40 min
Departure: 07:55
Arrival: 18:35
Distance: 682 km
Travel season: November 2010
Train operator: The Great Journeys of New Zealand (KiwiRail)
Diesel Locomotive Wellington - Auckland: KiwiRail General Motors DFCclass (DFB 7186)
Part 1 (TranzAlpine Train Greymouth - Christchurch):
youtu.be/lI2F9uBIbAc
Part 2 (Coastal Pacific Train Christchurch - Picton):
youtu.be/MZXXv_gA77U
Part 3 (Interislander Ferry Picton - Wellington):
youtu.be/liQoI4Nkm2Y
Part 4 (Northern Explorer Train Wellington - Auckland):
this video!
Bongo by KV
Creative Commons — Attribution 4.0 International — CC BY 4.0
2 DAYS Across NEW ZEALAND by Train
Watch this video to experience TWO of the world’s most scenic trains in New Zealand: The TranzAlpine and Coastal Pacific on New Zealand's Stunning South Island! In this New Zealand Travel Guide, we’ll explore New Zealand’s South Island by rail!
The TranzAlpine and Coastal Pacific trains traverse some of the planet’s most unbelievable landscapes. From Greymouth on the rainforested West Coast, we’ll traverse the Southern Alps to Christchurch. From there, we’ll head north toward Wine Country, while hugging the Pacific Coast, watching waves crash and spotting seals, dolphins, and other sea mammals.
The TranzAlpine and Coastal Pacific trains offer some of the most incredible rail adventures possible.
We’ll check out everything onboard, too. Including the café car and its selections of tasty snacks and meals. We’ll fully investigate the open-air observation car on both the TranzAlpine and the Coastal Pacific.
0:00 Introduction
1:24 Boarding the TranzAlpine
7:07 Arriving in Arthur’s Pass
10:48 Boarding the Coastal Pacific
15:12 Reaching the Pacific Coast
19:15 Bloopers
For more train journeys, check out this playlist:
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Music:
Sunrise Sunset (Tribute Version) (Instrumental Version) – Akerman
Sand and Salt (Instrumental Version) – Ludlow
Telekenisis – Tellsonic
Limit Experience – Marc Torch
Calming Rain – Candelion
Crushing Waves – Marc Torch
These Days – Pearce Roswell
Eyes of Yours – Edgar Hopp
Sunrise Sunset (Tribute Version) (Instrumental Version) (REPRISE) – Akerman
We’re Taking Off – Wildflowers
Still a Dreamer – Clarke Russo
Because of Forever – Briar Edwards
Summer Moon – The Big Let Down
Northern Explorer Wellington to Auckland New Zealand Trip 25 September 2022
The first trip, after Covid restrictions suspended the train in August 2021, of the Northern Explorer train from Wellington to Auckland, New Zealand on 25 September 2022.
New Zealand's most scenic rail journey | The TranzAlpine | Christchurch to Greymouth
The TranzAlpine is New Zealand's most famous train, crossing the Southern Alps from Christchurch to the West Coast. Find out whether the train lives up to its venerable reputation.
In this video, I'll show you what the Scenic Class carriages are like, check out the food and drink options from the onboard cafe and enjoy the views from the open-air viewing car. Of course, the scenery is the main act including a spectacular river gorge, towering viaducts, high mountain plains, braided rivers and pristine mountain lakes, en route to the West Coast.
The TranzAlpine is widely considered one of the world's great train journeys, covering 230 kilometres and taking just under 5 hours.
Starting in Christchurch, the journey crosses the expansive Canterbury Plains on the South Island Main Trunk line (SIMT). At Rolleston, the TranzAlpine turns north onto the Midland Line. Following an ancient Maori trail through the mountains that was later plotted by engineer Arthur Dobson, it is the Midland Line's passage through the Southern Alps that astounds the senses. The railway line between Springfield and Arthur's Pass is considered a masterpiece of railway engineering.
The Otira Tunnel marks the transition from Canterbury to West Coast. The weather is typically wetter on the west side - and the scenery is noticeably more vibrant. The views of Lake Brunner and the heritage station at Moana are not to be missed.
TranzAlpine timetable and fares:
???? Train: The TranzAlpine
???? Operator: Great Journeys of New Zealand (parent company: KiwiRail)
???? Locomotive: New Zealand DX class (DXC 5195 and DXC 5454)
???? Seat: Car B, Seat 6D (window)
???? Route: Christchurch - Arthur's Pass - Greymouth (Midland Line)
???? Distance: 230km
???? Travel time: 4 hours 50 minutes (scheduled)
???? Class: Scenic Class
???? Travel date: 6 November 2022
EQUIPMENT:
???? Cameras: GoPro Hero 10, GoPro Hero 8, iPhone 12 Pro Max, Panasonic HC-VX1
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and overview
01:09 - Christchurch Railway Station and check in
02:33 - Boarding and seat review
04:19 - Departing Christchurch and train composition
05:14 - Route overview
06:13 - Cafe and breakfast
07:48 - Crew announcement and Waimakariri River gorge
09:32 - Patterson’s Creek Viaduct
11:02 - Staircase and Broken River viaducts
12:53 - Slovens Stream Viaduct and Mount Binser
13:48 - Open air viewing car and Lake Sarah
16:44 - Waimakariri River Rail Bridge
17:33 - Cora Lynn and mountain views
19:45 - Arthur’s Pass
21:13 - Otira Tunnel and toilet tour
23:28 - Otira
25:16 - Taramakau River and Lake Poerua
27:22 - Lake Brunner and Moana
30:30 - Lunch
32:13 - Stillwater and Brunner Mine historic area
34:00 - Fares and schedule
36:28 - Arriving in Greymouth
38:44 - Final thoughts and video preview
Music
I use Artlist for high quality, licensed audio. If you sign up using my referral link below, you will get two extra months for free.
Credits and sources:
Video attributions:
The Great Journeys of New Zealand
Photo attributions:
Assorted including thumbnail: The Great Journeys of New Zealand
Waimakariri River Bridge / Stair Case Viaduct
By Zureks
Moana Railway Station photos
Photo by itravelNZ®
By Tomiĉo via Wikimedia Commons
Wildman NZ
Map of Waimakariri River
By Grutness
The Waimakariri River with the Southern Alps in the background, Canterbury, New Zealand.
Photograph by Greg O'Beirne
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Explore New Zealand's diverse landscapes on the Northern Explorer
Experience the extremes of lush green bush, volcanic terrain and coastal views all in one train journey withThe Northern Explorer.
Explore New Zealand's North Island with the Northern Explorer
If you're travelling solo, the Northern Explorer is a great way to see the beauty of New Zealand's North Island in a safe and comfortable environment.
Experience the extremes of lush green bush, volcanic terrain and coastal views on this amazing train journey from Auckland to Wellington or vice versa.
The Northern Explorer - discover New Zealand's North Island by train
Sit back, relax and enjoy the views as you wind through the diverse terrain of New Zealand's North Island on the Northern Explorer.
New Zealand Wonders | Northern Explorer
For more information visit:
Read below for full transcript:
Discover the buzzing city of Auckland.
Known as the city of sails with its sunny climate cosmopolitan culture and a passion for outstanding food wine and shopping, this beautiful city is centered around its picturesque Harbour.
Head north along the beautiful Hibiscus coast to Matakohe, where you’ll visit the Kauri Museum and Waipu forest to see the mighty
Tāne Mahuta tree.
Before arriving at the secret jewel of New Zealand Omapere, sitting on the shore of Hokianga harbor.
With Scenic you will visit the world renowned Bay of Islands, the Bay of Islands region has the finest maritime park in New Zealand.
With 144 islands and secluded bays the bay has an abundance of marine life including big marlin, whales, penguins dolphins, gannets and many other species.
You'll cruise the bay to Cape Brett Lighthouse and should the weather permit through the famous hole in the rock.
Rotorua sits on one of the 16 lakes in the Bay of Plenty region and is the geothermic wonder of the world.
It is known as the heartland of New Zealand Maori culture with traditions being passed down from generation to generation; expressed through song dance and traditional and contemporary arts.
You could experience an evening of ceremonial ritual, amazing reenactment, powerful cultural performance, storytelling and witness the lifting of the traditional Hāngi.
The city of Wellington, New Zealand’s capital is nestled between rolling hills and a stunning harbor.
Here Scenic guests enjoy a guided tour of Te Papa, New Zealand's national award-winning museum.
Board the inter-islander ferry for a cruise through Marlborough sounds and Queen Charlotte Sounds; an amazing stretch of 1,500 kilometers of picturesque islands and turquoise bays.
KiwiRail Northern Explorer The Heart of New Zealand
A 60 second feature of the Northern Explorer as it ventures through the Heart of New Zealand.
Enjoy ever-changing landscapes on the Northern Explorer
Experience the extremes of lush green bush, volcanic terrain and coastal views all in one train journey with The Northern Explorer.
30 minute journey on Northern Explorer
We’re bringing our scenic train journeys to you so that you can relax while you enjoy New Zealand’s beauty. #greatjourneysofnz
A message from New Zealand | Best kept secret
Family Time on the Northern Explorer
What better way to spend time with the family and see our great country than on the Northern Explorer? See lush green bush, volcanic terrain and coastal views all in one stunning train journey.
The Great Journeys of New Zealand
Explore the beauty of Aotearoa New Zealand on our scenic trains. Whether you want to experience the mighty Southern Alps or the rugged landscape of the Central Plateau, we can connect you.
The Northern Explorer runs through the heart of the North Island, from Auckland to Wellington. You can experience the extremes of Waikato farmlands to volcanic peaks of the Central Plateau.
The TranzAlpine is hailed as one of the top 10 train journeys in the world. It travels from the East Coast of the South Island, through the magnificent Southern Alps, to the native beech forest on the West Coast.
The Coastal Pacific runs for the summer season between Christchurch and Picton on the South Island. Untouched snow capped mountains on one side with vast, blue coastline on the other.
All our journeys can be booked on greatjourneysofnz.co.nz