Scenic trains in NZ: TranzAlpine, Northern Explorer and Coastal Pacific

New Zealand does not have a big passenger rail network, but what it has is spectacular. Three long-distance scenic trains, run by Great Journeys New Zealand, take you across the Southern Alps, down the length of the North Island and along the Kaikōura coast. They are slow on purpose, with big windows and a cafe on board.

This guide covers each train, its timetable, prices and the booking details that matter. Information is from Great Journeys New Zealand, Tourism New Zealand and ChristchurchNZ, as at November 2026.

Quick answer

Important for November 2026: until 30 November, the TranzAlpine runs from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass only, with a bus connection to Greymouth, while track damage is repaired. If you are booked, Great Journeys says it has options available.

If you only take one, make it the TranzAlpine. If you are travelling between the islands, the Northern Explorer and Coastal Pacific link up neatly with the Cook Strait ferry.

TranzAlpine

The TranzAlpine runs between Christchurch (Ōtautahi) and Greymouth (Māwhera) on the West Coast, crossing the Southern Alps in a single day. Great Journeys lists stops including Rolleston, Darfield, Springfield, Arthur’s Pass, Otira and Moana on Lake Brunner, and you can ride the full journey or just a section.

The scenery. From Christchurch the train crosses the Canterbury Plains, which Great Journeys says measure 200 km north to south and 70 km across. It then climbs into the mountains, following the aqua-blue Waimakariri River gorge. The climb from Kowai to the high plains of Craigieburn needed 15 short tunnels and four viaducts. The most dramatic is the Staircase Viaduct, which stands 73 metres above the stream below. After Arthur’s Pass the line drops through the mountains to the bush and lakes of the West Coast.

Timetable. Great Journeys says the TranzAlpine runs daily, but not on Christmas Day or around Labour Weekend 2026. In 2027 it will not run at:

• Easter, 26 to 29 March
• 22 to 28 May
• 25 to 28 September
• Labour Weekend, 23 to 26 October
• Christmas Day

Prices. Tourism New Zealand lists a one-way fare of $239 for adults and $167.30 for children aged 14 and under. Christchurch station is about 20 minutes from the airport.

Many people do it as a day return from Christchurch. Others ride one way and continue up the West Coast. Our West Coast road trip guide covers what to see once you get off the train.

Northern Explorer

The Northern Explorer runs between Auckland and Wellington, covering 648 km of the North Island Main Trunk line in a day. Stops include Hamilton, Ōtorohanga, National Park, Ohakune, Palmerston North and Paraparaumu, and you can get on or off for a section.

The scenery. South of Hamilton the train passes through the King Country, stopping at Ōtorohanga, the town nearest the Waitomo Caves. It then climbs onto the Central Plateau on the Raurimu Spiral, designed in 1898 to make a 139 metre ascent possible. Great Journeys describes the train travelling beneath itself as it loops around. Through Tongariro National Park, you see the volcanic cone of Ngāuruhoe and the bulk of Ruapehu. The National Park stop is handy for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

Timetable. Southbound trains from Auckland run on Monday, Thursday and Saturday. Northbound trains from Wellington run on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. There is no service from 25 December 2026 to 11 January 2027.

Prices. Tourism New Zealand lists $249 for adults and $174.30 for children one way.

Coastal Pacific

The Coastal Pacific runs between Christchurch and Picton, through North Canterbury, the Kaikōura coast and Marlborough’s wine country. ChristchurchNZ says the journey takes just over 5 hours each way.

The scenery. Great Journeys describes the line with “the Pacific Ocean almost lapping at its wheels” and the Kaikōura ranges above. Look out for seals, dolphins and, occasionally, a whale. The line was badly damaged in the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake and took more than two years to rebuild. At Picton you can connect with the Interislander ferry to Wellington.

Timetable. The Coastal Pacific is a daily seasonal service from 1 September to 30 April. It does not run on Christmas Day. Northbound trains leave Christchurch in the morning, and southbound trains leave Picton in the afternoon.

Prices. ChristchurchNZ lists $275 for adults and $192.50 for children one way.

If you want to stop for whales on the way, our Kaikōura guide has the options.

Which train to choose

Each train suits a different kind of trip:

• Short on time and want mountains? Take the TranzAlpine. It is a full day out from Christchurch and the alpine section is the highlight of New Zealand rail.
• Travelling the length of the North Island? The Northern Explorer replaces a long drive or a flight, and the volcanic plateau is a bonus. It suits people heading to Tongariro or Ohakune too.
• Crossing between the islands in summer? The Coastal Pacific and the Interislander together make a relaxed way to reach Wellington from Christchurch, or the other way round.
• Visiting in winter? The TranzAlpine is at its most dramatic with snow on the peaks, and the Northern Explorer keeps running outside its Christmas and early January break. The Coastal Pacific does not run from May to August.

All three are day trains with no sleeper option, so plan where you will stay at each end.

Prices

These are the standard fares listed by Tourism New Zealand and ChristchurchNZ as at November 2026. Great Journeys also offers a Scenic Plus upgrade with a seasonal menu inspired by the regions, and it is available on every TranzAlpine service. Fares can vary by date, so check the Great Journeys site for your day.

Great Journeys notes that oversized luggage may cost extra, so travel light if you can.

Booking tips

• Book ahead. Great Journeys says bookings should be made in advance. The trains are seating only and once full, no walk-on passengers can be taken.
• Check the latest TranzAlpine status. If you are travelling in late November 2026, confirm whether your train is going to Greymouth or Arthur’s Pass.
• Pick your side. On the Coastal Pacific, the sea is on the east side of the train. On the TranzAlpine, the views change sides as the line twists through the gorge, so it pays to move about.
• Allow for delays. Great Journeys recommends allowing for minor delays because the railways cross rugged terrain with unpredictable weather. Do not book a tight connection to a flight.
• Plan around the Northern Explorer days. With only three services each way a week, fix your train first and build the rest of the trip around it.
• Combine with a ferry. The Northern Explorer to Wellington, the Interislander to Picton and the Coastal Pacific to Christchurch makes a classic overland route between Auckland and Christchurch, in the months the Coastal Pacific runs.

Insider tip: ride the TranzAlpine from Christchurch in the morning and pick up a car on the West Coast, rather than doing a day return. You see the best of the Alps from the train, then have the freedom to explore the glaciers and coast at your own pace.

If you would rather mix trains with coaches, our bus guide explains the InterCity FlexiPass.