Tours and Tickets
Northern Explorer Train Journey from Auckland to Wellington
4.5

Northern Explorer Train Journey from Auckland to Wellington

By Northern Explorer Train
Recommended by 90% of travelers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
About
from
$126.19
per adult

Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation

Ages 0-99, max of 15 per group
Duration: 11h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Chinese, English


  • One Way Rail Journey
  • GPS triggered audio commentary
  • All taxes, fees and handling charges
What's not included
  • Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
  • Food and Drinks (available to purchase)
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Excess luggage charges (where applicable)


Departure details
  • Auckland Strand, Parnell, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
  • Other:
  • Auckland Strand, Parnell, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Return details
  • Wellington Station, Bunny Street, Pipitea, Wellington 6011, New Zealand

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants must sit on laps
  • Stroller accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Transportation is wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 59907P1

  • Wheelchair accessible, please advise at time of booking if travelling with a wheelchair.
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Please arrive at least 20 minutes prior to scheduled departure and check in at the station to receive your boarding pass
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

  • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

A note from Northern Explorer Train Journey from Auckland to Wellington
  • The safety and wellbeing of our passengers and staff is always a top priority. Aligning with expert advice, we have increased the focus on hygiene. Our trains are cleaned everyday with additional cleaning/sanitising equipment and respiratory illness response kit carried onboard.
What you can expect during your visit
  • Gear/equipment sanitized between use
  • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
  • Safety precautions are provided by the property and are not checked by Tripadvisor for accuracy.

How much is Northern Explorer Train Journey from Auckland to Wellington?
Northern Explorer Train Journey from Auckland to Wellington price starts from $128.53. Discover and book Northern Explorer Train Journey from Auckland to Wellington on Tripadvisor
What is the Northern Explorer Train Journey from Auckland to Wellington cancellation policy?
Northern Explorer Train Journey from Auckland to Wellington cancellation policy: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Discover and book Northern Explorer Train Journey from Auckland to Wellington on Tripadvisor
Which company provides Northern Explorer Train Journey from Auckland to Wellington?
Northern Explorer Train Journey from Auckland to Wellington is hosted by Northern Explorer Train. Read reviews, discover additonal experiences or contact Northern Explorer Train on Tripadvisor. Discover and book Northern Explorer Train Journey from Auckland to Wellington on Tripadvisor

If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 59907P1

Reserve your spot

Similar experiences

About the operator
Northern Explorer Train
649
Wellington, New Zealand
  • Explore05160952691
    Explore05160952691
    0
    0
    Delays ruined the trip for us!
    Unfortunately the train was delayed for 30 mins by the freight train ahead of us. This meant we had to get off the train early and left us stranded in freezing conditions in ohakune with 2 small children. Ensure you have at least an hour in-between linking travel. The bus we were connecting with was then 2 hours late, making us wait outside in the cold for over 4 hours, the worse experience in NZ so far. Such a huge amount of money to travel in NZ and it's such a huge disappointment. Could of brought flights to Aus with the same amount of money!
  • 649kaiap
    649kaiap
    0
    0
    Terrible.. no space, dirty seats/tray tables
    The train itself is nice and you would think everyone would get seating with a table and space however this is not true. Tables are priority given to groups of 3 or more although everyone pays the same price. If you don’t have a table you are stuck in economy airline style rows of seats with no space whatsoever and they certainly are not clean. There is a small ‘dining’ area with about 8 seats and some tables which is surely not enough for the entire train? but again I think it is wrong that everyone pays the same price to not get the luxury of space and comfort like others get..? Staff on the other hand were rude, told us we will have to leave the dining table as we had “sat there too long” when we were clearly still eating and no one else was sitting in the area. Bad experience and not good enough to sit on this train for 11 hours
  • emnm96
    emnm96
    0
    0
    A fine train if you like being slow and unconnected
    Kiwirail stubbornly refuses to offer wifi and three pin plugs on their long distance trains, for reasons of ????????. Eleven hours on the Northern Explorer is a long long time and you can't just spend that staring out of the window. Having ridden the Northern Explorer more than most people - seven times at time of writing - the trip gets SUPER DULL around the three or four hour mark. I understand that you're trying to sell this journey to tourists, but plenty of locals use these trains for commuting as well, and it's regressive and pointless to sit stuck in the past and stubbornly refuse to bring your service into the 21st century. I've gone through upwards of 5gb worth of data hotspotting in the Northern Explorer in my last two trips. Make an effort to cater to locals, not just chasing the tourist dollar. Onboard staff are lovely, food is fine, seats are not very wide. Best part of the trip is the Ruapehu section.
  • vickimY8941LB
    vickimY8941LB
    0
    0
    Shocking communication
    We arrived at the train station in Palmerstonnorth to be told 30 mins before we were travelling that the train was cancelled and we were going to be bused ,disgusting communication we were not informed of this via email or ph and very rude staff who couldnt care less was very disappointing 😔
  • moochNZ
    moochNZ
    0
    0
    Relaxing and informative
    Scenery, the train condition, staff.......all great, made our day for us. If you have the time and do not need to fly then this trip is highly recommended.
  • JohnandRobynL
    JohnandRobynL
    0
    0
    Amazing scenery
    Was a bit worried about the duration of the trip, however, due to the comfort of the train, the wonderful staff, the great cafe car and the excellent scenery the hours literally flew by. A great way to see the North Island in all its spectacular beauty.
  • P4065YCbarbaral
    P4065YCbarbaral
    0
    0
    Lack of information that the trip was cancelled
    We could not take the trip due cyclone and nobody let us know. We checkout from the hotel at 7 am, went to the station then found out that the trip was cancelled. Not a good experience.
  • richarda850
    richarda850
    0
    0
    A very scenic rail trip
    I enjoyed the scenic trip with ever changing scenery. It is long at 11 hours and was quite slow getting into Auckland. The carriage was spacious and the high windows great for gazing out. The look out car was perfect for photos if a bit cold and windy but that didn’t stop lots of people from using it.
  • Jan A
    Jan A
    0
    0
    Nice one time experience
    Relaxing trip to Tongariro National Park. Left Auckland and arrived at the National Park on time. Nice variety of food offered. Be aware - NO transportation at National Park train station and the cafe there is closed. Make arrangements with a shuttle service to pick you up.
  • Trip16354264406
    Trip16354264406
    0
    0
    Weekend away
    A very relaxing journey down to Wellington, The views were amazing coverd with a good commentary regarding the historyof the area. Thcarriages were nice and clean and comfortable. The food though was just ok, i feel a little more thought needs to go into the menu.
  • lynet2017
    lynet2017
    0
    0
    DON'T BOTHER
    You say NO PRE-BOOKED seats.... so how come, when I was 3rd in line this morning EVERY SINGLE FORWARD FACING SEAT WAS ALREADY BOOKED?? Way to ruin an expensive trip. Hope the others in the carriage enjoy me throwing up for 12 hours. What a disgusting service. EITHER SLOW PRE-BOOKING OR DON'T. But this is appalling
  • Kioskof_the60s
    Kioskof_the60s
    0
    0
    Great way to see New Zealand's North Island.
    This is one of the great train journeys. Great scenery, great open-air observation car to photograph the great scenery, great cafe, optional commentary via headphones to explain the great scenery. It is a long trip (11 hours) but you can break your journey at no extra cost - National Park station is a good halfway point with 3 volcanos to see on a clear day - the train runs alternate days in each direction so you make a minimum 2 night stop. Our journeys were punctual and well-managed with friendly and helpful staff. Your luggage is stowed away in a separate baggage coach so you only have to manage the hand luggage that you choose to take on board. If you want to get there quickly, then take the plane: if you want to see New Zealand, then take the Northern Explorer.
  • pc479
    pc479
    0
    0
    Once in a lifetime train journey!
    Amazing experience if you're coming to New Zealand, I recommend you take this journey at least one way as the views are exceptional. You have to get a window seat to make sure you see everything, and make sure you have plenty of free space on your camera for photos.
  • J1324UMrobertb
    J1324UMrobertb
    0
    0
    Not Worth the Time
    Over hyped. The sights were not all that scenic. The trip was long and slow. The dining car offered good coffee but the food was prepackaged and much like airline food. The train had minimal staffing and announcements were not understandable. Definitely a disappointment.
  • CarpediemRhiwlas
    CarpediemRhiwlas
    0
    0
    Uncomfortable
    The lack of pre information is shocking. As we’d endured a previous journey from Christchurch to Picton the day before we knew that no wheeled luggage is allowed on the train … so don’t pack anything you need in a wheeled flight bag. All the luggage has to be checked in to the baggage car. But the biggest bug bear….11 hours on basically a short hop commuter train with rock hard seats and no leg room. Awful. We were pretty much crippled by the time we very gratefully got off Don’t do it. Fly!
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions

4.5
42 reviews
Excellent
25
Very good
13
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
2

Sarah S
New Zealand4 contributions
Travelled today with my son for his 18th birthday as he's wanted to do this trip for years. Really enjoyed it. We both listened to lots of the commentry over the headsets which was interesting and informative. Just nice to see the country from a different perspective and see some of the small towns you don't pass through in a car, Un fortunately weather wasn't great so we didn't get the best views. Something to bear in mind if you're traveling at this time of year. Also it was dark by the time we got down Paraparaumu. Would also be good to do this earlier in the year. Prices for on board food were reasonable and it was quite tasty for pre prepared food. The young man who served us was very friendly and welcoming. He was perfect in a customer service role
Written May 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen_GJNZ
Kia Ora Sarah, Thank you for taking the time to leave your wonderful review! We are so pleased you had a great journey with us celebrating such an important birthday! It is such a great way to sit back and relax whilst enjoying views of New Zealand you can't always see when driving. So pleased to hear you were also well looked after by our friendly and professional staff. We hope to welcome you back perhaps during another season sometime! Best Wishes, Karen | The Great Journeys of New Zealand
Written May 14, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Shane C
3 contributions
Jul 2023
Everything about the trip was great, the views were outstanding (doing it in late July, mid winter, as I did, helps as the snow on the mountains was spectacular). The ride was really smooth, the seats comfortable with outstanding commentary about the history of the service, the region through which you were passing and even specific landforms and buildings. The commentary is through headphones supplied for the trip so you don’t have to listen if you don’t want to. The food was excellent, and to my surprise not exorbitantly priced. The staff were also efficient pleasant and helpful.
Written July 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sarah H
Adelaide, Australia29 contributions
Nov 2022
A very comfortable trip and a great way to see New Zealand's countryside. The train passes through rugged farmlands, around the lower slopes of Mount Ruapehu and over some spectacular gorges. Tip - take some cash for the onboard cafe as they are out of range and EFTPOS is unavailable for much of the time.
Written November 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

homegrown123
Hawke's Bay Region, New Zealand213 contributions
Jun 2021
We booked well ahead and unfortunately we hit the weekend where a weather bomb hit the north island. It rained quite heavily the whole way so we didn't see very much until the last couple of hours. However, we still enjoyed it very much. The service was excellent (do wish though that Scenic Plus was open). The staff were friendly and were visible and there to help throughout the trip. We played cards, relaxed, had a couple of gins and enjoyed the food for lunch. The commentary is clear and very interesting. We are glad we went even though we didn't see much scenery.
Written June 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen_GJNZ
Kia Ora, Thanks for taking the time to provide your feedback. We are so pleased to hear you still thoroughly enjoyed your journey with us. Unfortunate to hear about the weather bomb! But glad you managed to relax and enjoy some games, food and drinks. Thank you for travelling with us and we do hope to welcome you onboard again soon. Best Wishes, Karen | The Great Journeys of New Zealand
Written July 5, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Robert M
9 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
We took this very full train during the Women's World Cup, so it was filled with visiting soccer fans from mostly the US. Beyond the control of the train, obviously, was the weather which didn't cooperate for us. It was foggy and rainy pretty much until the final few hours of the trip, so the views weren't all that great. What we were able to see, however, was quite beautiful. Lush fields, rolling hills, occasional waterfalls, inspiring viaducts over rivers and gorges, and so, so, so many sheep! If the weather had been more cooperative (which I expect it is during other parts of the year), it would have been so much more enjoyable. Additionally, taking the train during the winter necessarily means that it is dark for the last hour or so, leaving you unable to see the waters as you approach Wellington. Go during the summer months and around then. Also, consider that this is an all-day event. It is a great way to see the countryside (if the weather cooperates), but it does take an entire day from your trip. I do recommend doing it once, though. Just hope for better weather!
Written August 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jade Amber
Brisbane, Australia122 contributions
Loved this train ride and my 13 year old daughter was amazed. She lived every bit of the trip. Coming out of Auckland is not much to see but once you get to Hamilton and onwards is really beautiful.
You can take your own food onboard which is great. We ordered from the cafe which was very close to us. Although expensive it was convenient and we didn't mind paying as it was part of the experience. I wish they did have more selection but considering it just started up again and is not very big it's prob better to bring your own snacks onboard.
We sat in a 4 seater with a table which was great only concern being the 2 of us we didn't know who was sitting across from us. That could either make or break your trip but I was happy with who was surrounded by us during our 10 hour trip to Wellington.
Train itself is clean and spacious. Toilets were also clean and was easy to use.
Views were amazing and there is a viewing deck you can stand outside and get some fresh air.
The viaducts were amazing many opportunity's to get photos as there were many of them and this was so amazing to see.
Would absolutely recommend the northern explorer train.. can't wait to go again with my husband..
Written November 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

JanS1750
Northampton, UK158 contributions
What an amazing experience! An early check in at the Auckland terminal ready for a train journey through much of the length of N Island. The seats were comfortable, the train very clean and an excellent choice of drinks, snacks and meals throughout the day. The scenery is to die for, with a commentary where relevant. It was exciting to go in the observation car, which provided so many photo opportunities of the beautiful country. Arrival in Wellington is 10.5 hours later.
Written October 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

504coco
Melbourne, Australia4 contributions
Jan 2023
Train Cancelled 7pm previous evening. 12.1.23 Auckland to Wellington.
However email was clear that there was to be no assistance or suggestions about alternative transport. Nothing.
We scrambled to find a hire car and were left approx $900 out of pocket. ($100 petrol, $80 taxi to car hire depot and over $700 for a day’s car hire from gouging service Budget).
This was very poor customer service.
Written January 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

TherealAskapa
Hastings, New Zealand1,050 contributions
Aug 2021
Very good experience travelling the old way. Just seat and relax. The trip itself pass threw spectacular landscapes that worth the journey. I tink that if the gastronomic offer improves a bit, could be even a better experience. Also , i reckon that improving the souvenir offer would give a plus to the northern-explorer concept.
Written August 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kirsten_GJNZ
Kia Ora TherealAskapa, Thank you for your review of your recent Northern Explorer Train journey – it’s much appreciated! We are so pleased to hear you had a wonderful time on your trip – train travel is a great way to travel the country while being able to sit back and relax. Thank you for your feedback regarding the food and souvenirs – I will pass this onto the team. You can purchase souvenirs on our website too. Our main constraint with these is we do have a very limited amount of space on the train to store items, but this is something we are looking into for the future. We very much look forward to welcoming you on board again one day soon. Best Wishes, Kirsten | The Great Journeys of New Zealand
Written September 5, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Juanita B
Whangarei, New Zealand27 contributions
Apr 2021
What a fun and enjoyable trip - Auckland to Wellington with great company. We had packed some nibbles for the trip - some drinks and cheeses/crackers etc. The trip is highly recommended! The viewing deck is the best part of it - got some fantastic shots, and it was a thrill to feel the wind/elements out in the open. Great friendly staff also coming around regularly and collecting the rubbish and keeping the train in order! I'd love to do this trip again in another season and see the changes in the landscape.
Written April 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen_GJNZ
Kia Ora, Thank you for your lovely feedback on your Northern Explorer journey. We are so pleased to hear you enjoyed your scenic journey with us. The outdoor viewing deck is a great way to get some fresh air during your trip and get some photographs! Great to hear you were also well looked after by our staff! We hope to welcome you back again in the future during a different season. Best Wishes, Karen | The Great Journeys of New Zealand
Written April 15, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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Northern Explorer Train Journey from Auckland to Wellington provided by Northern Explorer Train

Product Overview: Northern Explorer Train Journey from Auckland to Wellington

Prices From

$127

Number of Reviews

40

Number of Photos

23

Duration

660 minutes