Step aboard and taste the stories of Aotearoa New Zealand. Our onboard menus are shaped by local growers, regional flavours and the landscapes outside your window.
Each dish is prepared with care, celebrating manaakitanga and the simple joy of sharing good food on the journey.
Whether you are travelling with Scenic Plus or enjoying the Scenic Café, every bite connects you to the land, the seasons and the people who call this place home.
Scenic Plus dining
Paddock to plate (farm to table)
- Fresh ingredients from trusted growers
- Seasonal dishes inspired by the land we travel through
- Warm hospitality at your seat
- All included in your Scenic Plus experience
Locally crafted dishes
Our chefs bring together vibrant flavours, rich textures and regional stories. Expect dishes shaped by each region’s produce, from coastal kaimoana (seafood) to high country lamb, beef and South Island greens.
Seasonal moments
Scenic Plus menus change with the seasons so each journey feels fresh and connected. From crisp spring vegetables to hearty winter slow braises, every plate reflects the time of year.
Beverages in Scenic Plus
Every sip reflects the flavours of Aotearoa. Enjoy a curated selection of New Zealand wines from the wine regions you pass through, craft beers and premium non-alcoholic choices, all served at your seat by our attentive hosts.
From crisp sauvignon blanc, lush pinot noir to smooth local brews and freshly made coffee, each beverage is chosen to complement the regional landscapes outside your window and elevate your travel experience.
Effortless comfort
Your table is set at your seat.
Your meals arrive warm and beautifully presented.
Just fill out your dietaries when booking.
All you need to do is relax into the rhythm of the rails.
*Tc and Cs apply
Scenic Plus seasonal menus
Scenic Café
A relaxed onboard experience with classic Kiwi flavours. You can pre-order to ensure your meal is available if you wish or grab and go on board.
Everyday favourites
Our Scenic Café brings you a curated mix of sweet, savoury and wholesome options. All dishes are designed to enjoy at your pace as the world rolls by.
Typical items include:
- Hot breakfasts
- Seasonal salads
- Croissants and toasties
- Pies and slices
- Muffins, scones and soft treats
- Fresh fruit and compotes
- Hearty mains such as beef cheek, roast chicken or vegetable lasagna
- Sandwiches made fresh each morning
Local drinks
Sip something refreshing from our selection of:
- New Zealand teas and coffees (you are welcome to use your own travel cup)
- Juice and soft drinks
- Craft beer, cider and lager
- New Zealand wines and sparkling options
- Mulled wine in the cooler months
Simple pleasures
Choose what you love.
Enjoy it when it suits you.
Settle in with something warm, sweet or savoury as the journey unfolds.
Scenic Café menus
Scenic vs Scenic Plus
Our award-winning Scenic carriages are purpose-built for New Zealand rail, featuring panoramic windows, glass viewing shelves and skylights that bring the landscapes right to your seat.
Scenic Plus elevates the journey even further. Enjoy a full-sensory experience that blends uninterrupted scenic viewing with live storytelling and an inclusive dining menu paired with local wines.
Our dedicated Scenic Plus Hosts take care of every detail, from a warm welcome and a refreshing hot towel to engaging kōrero (chat) and rich local knowledge of the lands you travel through.
Travelling with us is a social and relaxed experience. You may share a table with fellow guests or be seated exclusively as a pair, depending on your booking and the day’s arrangements.
Please note: Priority boarding and check-in are available only for departures from Christchurch Railway Station. On some services, access to the open-air carriage may be shared with Scenic Class customers.
|
Scenic Plus
|
Scenic
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Panoramic windows, spacious carriage, and comfy table seating | ◉ | ◉ |
| Storytelling and commentary | ◉ | ◉ |
| Licensed Scenic Café | ◉ | ◉ |
| Exclusive kitchen carriage | ◉ | ◉ |
| Inclusive drinks and dining service throughout the journey | ◉ | ◉ |
| Paddock to plate regionally inspired food menu | ◉ | ◉ |
| Paired drinks menu | ◉ | ◉ |
| Specialist table service | ◉ | ◉ |
| Priority check-in & boarding - Christchurch departures only | ◉ | ◉ |
| Luggage check-in & drop-off | ◉ | ◉ |
| Included = ◉ Not included = ◉ |
||
Regional flavours
Each journey carries its own taste of Aotearoa.
Coastal Pacific | Ōtautahi Christchurch to Waitohi Picton
Fresh, bright flavours shaped by coastal air and Marlborough vineyards. Think crisp salads, light bites and aromatic wines.
TranzAlpine | Ōtautahi Christchurch to Māwhera Greymouth
Hearty dishes made for alpine vistas. Slow braises, warm pastries, rich coffees and comforting treats.
Northern Explorer | Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland to Wellington Te Whanganui-a-Tara
A blend of North Island flavours, bringing fresh produce, smooth craft brews and bold, fruity wines.
Accessibility support
Everyone is welcome on board.
Our crew are trained to offer respectful, thoughtful support to all travellers.
Inclusive experience
We offer:
- Comfortable seating options
- Onboard guidance for blind and low-vision travellers
- Assistance for wheelchair users
- Priority boarding when needed
- Clear and simple menu layouts
- Dietary notes including GF, DF, V and VG options
Easy ordering
If you need help selecting or ordering food, our crew will guide you with care and discretion. They can describe dishes, read menus aloud or help you find options that suit your needs.
Sustainable choices
Caring for the land
We work with local growers and producers who share our values.
We minimise packaging, reduce food waste and choose ingredients that honour the mauri of the land.
Thoughtful sourcing
Where possible we use:
- Regional produce
- Seasonal ingredients
- Responsible suppliers
- New Zealand-made beverages
Connected to place
Your meal is part of the journey.
Every ingredient has a story.
Every flavour connects you to the whenua we pass through.
Begin your journey
Step aboard, settle in and taste the essence of Aotearoa.
Just fill our any dietaries when booking.
Your table is waiting.