Northern Explorer Scenic Plus experience
Auckland Wellington
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.
Scenic vs Scenic Plus
Explore the flavours of our land
Imagine travelling aboard the Northern Explorer, starting your day a warm garden vegetable frittata alongside streaky bacon and breakfast beans.
Or, as the magnificent Rangitikei viaduct passes by, savour a fresh NZ quinoa mixed grain salad with rosemary garlic sliced lamb and creamy tzatziki.
Later, enjoy a delightful platter of local Kapiti cheeses, complemented by a glass of Wairarapa Pinot Noir, as the breathtaking Kāpiti coast unfolds.
For dessert, indulge in a Whittaker’s dark chocolate and Wellington coffee mousse, topped with buttercream.
Every dish aboard this extraordinary journey celebrates the finest New Zealand produce and flavours.
*menu is subject to seasonal change. Dishes served on the Northern Explorer Scenic Plus journey may differ from images shown. Please advise if you have any dietary requirements at the time of the booking.
Northern Explorer train timetable
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.
Booking your Scenic Plus experience
Choose the Scenic Plus fare when booking online, or contact our team to upgrade an existing Scenic booking (subject to availability).
While you can board or disembark at intermediate stations, the full Scenic Plus fare applies. For the best experience, we recommend travelling the full journey to enjoy the complete dining experience from start to finish.
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:
Ready to book?
Book your TranzAlpine Scenic Plus train tickets online now or over the phone.
Call us now
0800 872 467
Monday to Friday: 9am - 5pm