The best way to see New Zealand is by taking a scenic rail tour, where you can experience remote landscapes in comfort while everything is organised for you.
Can you explore New Zealand without driving?
Yes, one of the most relaxing and scenic ways to experience Aotearoa New Zealand is by rail and guided tour, where the journey unfolds gently around you and the landscapes come to your seat.
Settle in as coastlines, mountains and wide open plains drift past, each view accompanied by stories that connect you to the land, its people and its spirit.
A more effortless way to see New Zealand
Experiencing all of Aotearoa New Zealand often comes with a challenge: long drives, unfamiliar roads, and the need to constantly focus on getting from one place to the next.
Our guided rail tours offer a different approach.
Instead of navigating, you can sit back and watch the landscape unfold around you, comfortably, seamlessly, and without distraction.
What landscapes can you see by train in New Zealand?
Travelling by rail gives you access to some of the country’s most iconic and remote scenery, including:
• The Southern Alps, with dramatic alpine peaks and braided river gorges
• The Kaikōura coastline, where mountains meet the Pacific Ocean
• The volcanic landscapes of the North Island
• Expansive plains, valleys, and native bush
Many of these views are difficult, or impossible, to fully experience by road. Rail routes often pass through areas that vehicles simply can’t reach, offering a unique perspective on the country.
Why rail travel is one of the best ways to explore New Zealand
1. You can truly relax and take it in
With no driving required, your focus shifts from the road to the scenery. Large panoramic windows and open-air viewing carriages are designed to immerse you in the landscape.
2. The journey becomes part of the experience
Rather than rushing between destinations, rail travel allows you to experience the transition between places, watching landscapes change gradually along the way.
3. It’s a slower, more meaningful way to travel
Train journeys in New Zealand are designed to be scenic and unhurried, giving you time to appreciate each moment rather than simply arriving at the next stop.
How Great Journeys New Zealand tours work
Great Journeys New Zealand combines scenic rail travel with guided touring, creating a seamless way to explore the country.
• Iconic train journeys are built into each itinerary
• Accommodation, transport, and key experiences are organised
• Guided support is available throughout the journey
This means you can experience more of New Zealand’s landscapes without the effort of planning every detail yourself.
See more, without doing more
For many travellers, the idea of exploring New Zealand is exciting - but the logistics can feel overwhelming.
Rail tours offer a simpler alternative.
Instead of focusing on directions, timing, and coordination, you can focus on what really matters:
• The changing landscapes outside your window
• The stories and places you encounter along the way
• The overall experience of the journey
A different perspective on New Zealand
Seeing New Zealand by rail isn’t just about convenience, it’s about perspective.
It’s about watching mountains rise in the distance, following coastlines that stretch for miles, and travelling through landscapes that feel untouched and expansive.
All without ever needing to take the wheel.