Northern Explorer (From Auckland to Wellington)

From the sparkling skyline of Auckland to the charming capital of Wellington, the Northern Explorer train journey takes you across the expansive plains of Waikato and Manawatu, through picturesque river valleys and rugged coastlines. You'll soar over magnificent viaducts and ascend historic feats of engineering, traveling deep into the volcanic heart of New Zealand’s North Island.

Following the historic North Island Main Trunk railway (NIMT), which was completed in 1908, the journey is a tribute to Julius Vogel’s vision of connecting New Zealand’s interior with the rest of the country. Before roads were established, the voyage between Auckland and Wellington was a multi-day, perilous sail around the coast. The creation of the NIMT reduced the journey to less than a day, though the challenging terrain made it a complex and costly project that took nearly 30 years to finish.

Today, this iconic journey is a true marvel of engineering, offering travelers an unforgettable experience through the full spectrum of New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes and rich charm.