subject: Train Travel In New Zealand [print this page] Train travel in New Zealand tends to be scenic, slow and serene -- which is quite perfect. For a long time, there have been few infrastructure upgrades and, although things are starting to look up, there is still a long way to go. For a tourist (rather than a commuter) there are three train vacations to try: the Transalpine, the Overlander and the TransCoastal. The cost of travel in New Zealand is relatively high, but the price of train travel is considered quite fair.
The Overlander is the only one located in the North Island and runs between Auckland and Wellington. To fly this distance takes less than 2 hours, to drive around 8 ... but the Overland will take a mammoth twelve hours to cover the same distance. The advantages of train travel are the beautiful views and relaxing journey.
Thinking of scenic, the last part of the train carriage is a viewing lounge of sorts with a semicircular seating area and large windows. There are also exterior viewing areas: everything is designed to make it easy to photograph. This, I think, betrays the function of train travel in New Zealand. While it's too slow for business commuters it's perfect for tourists, sightseers and people on their vacation.
There is food and drink available on all New Zealand trains and you can also make use of stops to jump out, stay overnight for a real meal and bed, then rejoin the train on the next day. While the Overlander stops in several towns and some smaller communities, the routes off the main line are extremely limited.
You should not imagine a fast and smooth journey when you travel by train in New Zealand. You can expect an easy journey through beautiful countryside with friendly passengers and helpful railway staff.
