Northern Explorer: Scenic Train Auckland - Wellington

Bring food, download movies and podcasts, and get comfy. Glad I did the journey but probably wouldn't again. The North Island just isn't that interesting with mostly farmland. Still snapped a few pictures though from the windowless car at the front.

I did the journey from Auckland to Wellington, and I'm sorry to say that this train really didn't live up to expectations. The two stars are for the friendly bar staff & the panoramic windows, but after that, it's a lengthy series of minuses. The train was fully booked and a tad overcrowded; narrow 2x2 seating with a very stingy seat pitch is not comfortable when you're 190 cms tall. That led to the scenic car behind the loco being busy most of the time too. Our audio commentary worked intermittently, as did the air conditioning. The train arrived 45 minutes late, which works out to an average speed of 59 km/h for the journey from Auckland. To add insult to injury, the baggage guys managed to break my bag (the shoulder strap) at Wellington station, so I really can't say that I was too impressed by the overall product. As with so many things in New Zealand, it promises much, costs a fortune ($219 NZ, €129, $137 USD) & delivers remarkably little. It is most definitely not a luxury travel experience!!

The best journey ever. 11hours on a train traveling from Auckland to Wellington.During travelling, I can say that I never get bored to stay on a train because of the perfect scenery. It's a scenic route that you can see New Zealand's life.Recommend to you all. If you have a plan to traveling to New Zealand please try to take a train on the route Northern Explore""

The Northern Explorer is an unforgettable experience either for the tourist or resident. You are in flat Hamilton and next minute you are in gorgeous middle earth on the Central Plateau. Staff are really friendly but you shouldn't need them much since you will always be looking out the window. I've done some photography on the Northern Explorer and she looks beautiful as ever from the outside. From the observation car you have no windows and the wind blowing in your hair, feeling the temperature change as you climb to National Park, and back down again past Ohakune. The Kapiti Coast is amazing too, it is the only part where you can see the ocean, but blame what the most efficient route to build a rail line in the early 20th century on. Some points of interest include: the Rauriumu Spiral, Horopito, Makatote Viaduct, Hapuawhenua Viaduct, Mangaweka, and the Kapiti Coast. This is a once in a lifetime journey and you should definitely consider it one time.

What a fabulous trip. The crew on both routes were amazing and fabulous with the kids. A definite recommended trip for those who want to relax and see some of the north islands best scenery on offer

Loved doing the Northern Explorer rail from Auckland to Wellington. The views are amazing, the seats are comfortable and the staff are very accomodating. Makes travelling for 7 hours feels shorter and fun.

Lovely trip. Vocal guide with personal headset is available the ride between Auckland and wellington takes almost 10 hours but you will never get board and feel like dosing off as its very exciting telling the story of building the railway with all the challenges and changes taking place. There is a cafe on board, bathroom and a photo deck at the front of the train.

The train experience was quite good. It's bumpy in some places, but overall the 11.5 hour train ride wasn't too bad. The day we went on the train, the train was full so the cabins got quite warm and humid which was uncomfortable as it was already a hot day but there is an outdoor carriage that helped a bit with the hear but overall happy with our trip.

The food was horrible and overpriced so definitely be prepared to pack your own food for the journey.The journey was painfully long and boring and I probably wouldn’t do it again, but it was a good experience to do at least once in your life.There’s no wifi on board so be sure prepared to buy data and bring things to keep you occupied.Overall the experience was okay but not amazing.The best thing about the train is the open carriage but that’s about it!

it is about 3-4 hours longer than you would want ... lots of bored kids playing Pop-It (currently going on 25 min non-stop) and TV without headphones.adults too.it is a slow train thru terrain that is very green and very much same same same. some pretty. but same.I should have rented a car.