Escape to WOW® ex Auckland
Departing Auckland, climb aboard the Northern Explorer on a journey like no other, to the 2021 World of WearableArt® Awards Show
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Northern Explorer winter tales from $89
Explore frosty fields to frozen volcanoes, watch the winter transformation from the cosy warmth of our Northern Explorer train
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Northern Explorer
Experience the extremes of New Zealand’s scenery, from the fertile farmlands of Waikato to the volcanic peaks of the Central Plateau and the sparkling Kapiti coast.
The Journey
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.
Northern Explorer
Timetable
Package | Auckland City Break
Departing Wellington, our 3-night Auckland City Break takes you on a full Northern Explorer journey to experience the magnificent City of Sails
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Package | Chateau Tongariro Experience (departs Auckland)
Departing Auckland, venture south into the heart of the North Island, staying in the historic Chateau Tongariro beneath New Zealand's famous volcanoes
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Package | Explore Timeless Tongariro (departs Wellington)
Departing Wellington, explore the mighty volcanic peaks of the Central Plateau whilst enjoying the 1930s grandiosity of the Chateau Tongariro
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The Northern Explorer Journey
From rolling green farmland to spectacular volcanic mountains, take a breath-taking journey through the heart of the North Island.
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Shop online for souvenirs
Been there, done that, got the t-shirt? If not, visit our store and get souvenirs shipped directly to your home!
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On Board Our Trains
From open air viewing carriages, to guided audio commentary. Find out more about what to expect on board our trains.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I reserve a seat?
We automatically reserve your seat(s) when you complete your booking. Your seat number(s) will be on your Boarding Pass, which we print the day before travel ready for your arrival.
See our Seat selection page to find out more about the allocation process.
Which seats are better?
All our seats are the same. They are large, they are comfy, they are reclined - and they all have amazing views!
To cater for everyone's needs, we have two arrangements:
- Paired seating: this is rotated prior to travel so that all seats face the direction of travel. The paired seating provides a huge amount of legroom and a large flip-down tray-table for your personal use.
- Table seating: this allows you to enjoy travelling as a group, playing games and sharing food & drink together. However, two people will be sitting against the direction of travel and the legroom is shared.
All seats have New Zealand 3-pin power sockets and a headphone socket for listening to the onboard commentary (headphones are supplied).
Please see the Onboard our trains section to explore our carriages, facilities and seating arrangements.
Is there long term parking at the Station?
To find out information about you departure and arrival station, including long and short term parking, please see our Stations pages.
Can I take my luggage on board?
We have plenty of room in our secure luggage carriage for all your wheelie bags, backpacks, suitcases, golf clubs, bikes and sport equipment.
However, we only have room for small day bags and handbags on-board. This is because the overhead shelves are made from glass to allow the views to flow into the carriage - so its nice not to obscure them with large bags.
For more information about checking in you larger bags and your luggage allowance, please see our page on Luggage.
Should I bring food and drink?
We have a fully licensed café on board that sells nibbles and snacks, hot and cold food, teas and coffees, soft and alcoholic drinks. View our menu online now to see what's in store.
You will find that our sandwiches and snacks are similarly priced to New Zealand supermarkets - and it saves you the bother of nipping into the shops on your way to the station!
However, bringing your own snacks and non-alcoholic drinks is allowed, although we do ask that you respect other passengers by not bringing anything with a strong odour.
You are not allowed to bring alcoholic drinks on board due to our license.