Explore the unique flavours and culture of New Zealand's North Island with our delectable Northern Explorer Scenic Plus dining experience.
Ease back and enjoy endless North Island scenery gliding by your window while we serve you a seasonal menu filled with freshly picked ingredients from the paddocks you pass.
Our Northern Explorer Scenic Plus experience gives you a true taste of the Waikato, Central Plateau, Manawatu and Wellington regions.
If you are looking for a truly immersive New Zealand travel experience, then feast your eyes upon this.
Book your Scenic Plus experience
Our Scenic Plus experience joins the Northern Explorer train in 2024.
While you can board and disembark at intermediate stations, we highly recommend booking a full journey to enjoy the dining experience from start to finish.
What's included:
◉ = Included in Scenic Plus fare
| Inclusive drinks and dining service throughout the journey | ◉ |
| Exclusive kitchen carriage preparing hot & cold meals | ◉ |
| Paddock to Plate regionally inspired food menu | ◉ |
| Paired drinks menu | ◉ |
| Specialist Table Service & Storytelling | ◉ |
| Specialist barista coffee service | ◉ |
| Exclusive Scenic Plus carriage | ◉ |
| Panoramic windows, spacious carriage, and comfy table or paired seating | ◉ |
| Open-air Viewing Carriage | ◉ |
| Priority Check in & Boarding | ◉ |
| Luggage Check In & Drop off | ◉ |
| Personal service | ◉ |
Explore the flavours of our land
Imagine rolling through the Waikato Plains aboard the Northern Explorer, enjoying a breakfast of Eggs Benedict on potato-herb rosti and free-range bacon?
Or watching Mount Ruapehu glide by your window while savouring braised local lamb and Ohakune carrots with a glass of Waiheke Island Syrah?
Perhaps cruising along the Kapiti coast with a selection of local cheeses and a Wairarapa Pinot Noir?
Well, these are just a few of the delicious dishes we could be serving aboard this extraordinary journey.
Experience the great outdoors
Step outside and breathe in the mountain atmosphere from the Northern Explorer Open-air viewing carriage.
Whether you are looking to capture the ultimate photo without obstructions or reflections or simply want to experience the great outdoors whilst cruising through the Volcanic Plateau, you'll have a breathtaking viewing carriage to enjoy!
Northern Explorer train timetable
Our Northern Explorer Scenic Plus dining experience will be available aboard all Northern Explorer train services in 2024.
Northern Explorer Auckland to Wellington trains depart southbound on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday.
Northern Explorer Wellington to Auckland trains depart northbound on Friday, Sunday, and Wednesday.
Find our Northern Explorer railway stations
View our Northern Explorer station page to find out more about each of our stations.
Get directions, parking information, and check-in requirements for each of our Northern Explorer Railway Stations, from Auckland to Wellington.
Explore more flavours of New Zealand
Get an extended taste of New Zealand by travelling on our other Scenic Plus services:
Discover more on an immersive rail tour
Our Northern Explorer Scenic Plus dining experience will be included with the following tours and packages:
Ready to book?
Book your Northern Explorer Scenic Plus train tickets online now or over the phone.
0800 872 467
Monday to Sunday: 8am - 5pm