By rail · NEW ZEALAND TRAIN TOURS
Good new zealand train tours sell the seats before the fares, and the best ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Use a one-day ticket on Christchurch’s restored vintage trams, boarding at 18 central-city stops. Hear live commentary as you pass Cathedral Square, the Avon River, Riverside Market, Canterbury Museum, Hagley Park, New Regent Street, and the Botanic Gardens. Collect your tram ticket at Cathedral Junction.
“Great little way to get around town, great food at the Riverside Market and some good shops about as well”
Use one day to ride Christchurch’s antique tram with live commentary and hop on or off at 18 city stops, then take the Gondola up Mount Cavendish. The $46 combo includes both attractions, the Discovery ride, café, and summit paths, but transport between the city and Gondola costs extra.
“The trams came frequently and I was able to use it all day. Due to the windy conditions the gondola ride was closed but I could use it 2 days later. All transfers worked well and the gondola ride was perfect.”
Use a one-day pass to ride Christchurch’s heritage trams around 18 city-centre stops. Start with a 50-minute circuit, then hop off at the Botanic Gardens, Riverside Market, Canterbury Museum, and Cathedral Junction while drivers such as Barry and Sam add local stories and humor.
“the tram drivers were great as was the ticket sales team.. a wonderful experience”
Combine Christchurch’s hop-on hop-off vintage tram, a 30-minute guided punt beside the Botanic Gardens, and a Christchurch Gondola ride to Port Hills. Guides provide live commentary, while the tram reaches 18 stops. Reserve your punt time in advance, and budget extra for transport to the Gondola.
“Value for money and great combination of things to do and see.”
Travel from Wellington to Auckland on the Northern Explorer, passing the Kapiti Coast, Tongariro National Park, the Raurimu Spiral, and Waikato farmland. You get comfortable seating, GPS audio commentary, open-air viewing decks, and a licensed café. The 7:55 am departure makes this a full day on the rails.
“Some aqueducts and the volcano. Too long and less variety than expected. Not clear that we would stop near Auckland so ended up going through to CBD”
Travel from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass by TranzAlpine train, then return by minibus through Arthur’s Pass National Park and Castle Hill. Guides such as AJ and Anuj provide commentary, snacks, water, and weather gear. Expect about three hours on the train, short walks, scenic stops, and free time for lunch.
“This was a great tour - amazing sites and scenery, good mix of activities and a great tour guide. Everything well organised and flowed easily. Lots of options given for the activities.”
Ride the Coastal Pacific from Picton to Christchurch in about 5 hours 40 minutes. Your reserved rail journey follows 98 kilometers of Pacific coastline, with Kaikoura views, seals, mountains, vineyards, and Canterbury Plains. Panoramic windows, an open-air carriage, GPS audio, and a licensed café are included.
“A very well organized activity. The station ticket seller gave all the solo travelers single seats which were really appreciated. The route (100Km of coastline) and rural landscapes were photographic perfection! The train staff were very professional and kind.”
Take the 8:15 am TranzAlpine from Christchurch to Greymouth for a 4-hour-50-minute ride across Canterbury farmland, the Waimakariri River gorges, Arthur’s Pass, and West Coast beech forest. You get allocated seating, GPS-triggered commentary, an open viewing deck, and a café carriage.
“Very beautiful scenery and very nice train. The staff was exceptionally helpful and friendly. Reserve in advance because every seat was taken.”
Start in historic Clyde, get fitted with a Merida bike, helmet, pannier, map, and drink bottle, then transfer to Auripo. Ride at your own pace through Poolburn Gorge, Omakau, Ophir, and Chatto Creek, with pickup at 2:30 pm or the option to continue to Clyde.
“No better way to see and experience the Central Otago region - the team at BikeItNow were brilliant, the bikes were all set up perfectly and ready to go. Couldn’t ask for a better day. Thanks to Lisa and all the crew.”
Ride the TranzAlpine from Christchurch across the Canterbury Plains and Waimakariri Gorge, then meet a local guide at Arthur’s Pass. Expect short walks, Otira Gorge, Cave Stream, Castle Hill, lunch, and a return drive in a small-group minivan. Guides may include Jock, Sue, Stu, Peter, or Fiona.
“The trip was super ! The train ride was amazing as expected but what made the trip super was our guide from Canterbury Trails - Fiona ! Fiona guide us through Arthur’s pass , stopped at multiple locations as she drove us to Christchurch making it an immensely memorable trip. She was super comfortable having to deal with small kids and was kind and caring and very knowledgable. Even though it was raining she had multiple options ready which were all spectacular !! Thank you Fiona !”
Take the TranzAlpine from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass, then return by small-group minibus with stops at waterfalls, Lake Pearson, Otira Viaduct lookout, and Castle Hill. Guides such as Anuj and Anush provide commentary, snacks, water, and help with the walking options.
“Tour guide Anuj was so helpful and kind he was so supportive of everything for all the guests on the bus. Highly recommended”
Spend about 11 hours aboard the Northern Explorer from Auckland to Wellington. Enjoy comfortable seats, GPS-triggered commentary, a café carriage, and an open-air viewing deck as the train crosses Waikato farmland, Tongariro National Park, the Raurimu Spiral, and the Kapiti Coast.
“The weather will play a major role in this experience, which is nothing that can be controlled or plan ahead for. The train itself was very comfortable, windows clean and clear for viewing, staff helpful and pleasant. Dining car well stocked with basic food during the 10+ hour trip. Be sure to bring a jacket or sweater since the air system is variable. Only complaint was the reliability of the internet and the lack of pre trip information to set up connections.”
Take the TranzAlpine from Christchurch across the Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps to Arthur’s Pass. With guides such as Jude, Graham, Terry, Pete, and Carmen, you’ll stop for walks, mountain views, lunch, and a working sheep farm with sheepdogs, shearing, and afternoon tea.
“Simply, a must see and take day trip! One of the best nature trip I’ve taken. Stunning scenery, lively and informative guide, and a good non-rushed schedule.”
Travel 4 hours 50 minutes from Greymouth to Christchurch through beech forest, Arthur’s Pass, alpine valleys, and Canterbury farmland. Your reserved seat comes with GPS-triggered audio commentary, access to open-air viewing decks, and a licensed café carriage. Bring warm layers and arrive 20 minutes early.
“Comfortable train journey through the very beautiful New Zealand alps. The last carriage in the train is open for viewing and taking photos. Great service from the friendly. Some choices from the cafe unavailable on the journey from Greymouth to Christchurch. The train travels quite slowly with a few stops so the journey took five hours.”
Use a full-day Christchurch tram ticket to explore 18 stops, from Cathedral Junction and New Regent Street to Hagley Park and the Botanic Garden. Add a reserved 30-minute Avon River punt with an Edwardian-costumed guide, blankets, and hot water bottles in cold weather.
“Tram Captain was energetic and entertaining; that made the whole experience very enjoyable.”
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