Train travel in New Zealand is limited to three long-distance trains, three regional trains, commuter rail services in Wellington and Auckland and tourist railways. In addition there are some miniature railways in New Zealand. Railway network is approximately 4,000 km long and built to 1,067 mm gauge. This gauge was chosen due to the need to cross mountainous terrain and the lower cost of construction.
In Dunedin, there is one of the most beautiful railway stations in the world. In Dunedin starts Taieri Gorge Railway – a world-famous scenic railway.
The first railway in New Zealand was opened in 1863 between Christchurch and Ferrymead Wharf. The railway was 9 km long and built to 1600 mm gauge. Four years later 5 km extension to the new port of Lyttelton was constructed.
Last updated: 04.04.2024
Train travel in New Zealand – Kiwi Rail
KiwiRail is a globally recognized railway carrier that operates long-distance trains on several routes in New Zealand. Thanks to an intensive advertising campaign, these trains regularly appear in rankings of the most luxurious trains, and the railway lines operated by Kiwi Rail are considered to be some of the most beautiful in the world.
Currently, KiwiRail operates the following trains:
Northern Explorer – in my opinion, the most interesting connection, as the train from Auckland to Wellington traverses almost the entire North Island. Due to the stunning landscapes. Train is very popular among tourists, journalists and tourist agencies. The journey takes about 11 hours.
Coastal Pacific – a train on the South Island from Christchurch to Picton. For much of the route, the tracks run along the coast. Train runs once daily, with the journey between Christchurch and Picton taking 5 hours. From Picton to Wellington, the Interislander ferry operated by KiwiRail runs. The Christchurch to Picton train service runs northbound in the morning, while the returning Picton to Christchurch train runs southbound in the afternoon. There is a winter break in timetable.
TranzAlpine – a connection on the South Island famous for its breathtaking mountain scenery. The TranzAlpine train runs from Christchurch to Greymouth. The 223-kilometer journey takes about 5 hours.
KiwiRail trains are comprised of air-conditioned carriages purchased several years ago. Seats are available in both row and aisle configurations, and each train have a buffet car. There are also open-air viewing carriages.
Tickets for the trains are relatively expensive.
Due to damage caused by natural disasters, the Northern Explorer and Coastal Pacific trains in the past were temporarily out of service for a long time. This could happen again in the future.
Kiwi Rail – official website
Train travel in New Zealand – regional trains
In addition to suburban trains in New Zealand, there are three regional connections resembling semi-fast or fast trains in some European countries. Regional trains in New Zealand are comprised of air-conditioned carriages with wide windows, adapted for transporting passengers with disabilities.
The Capital Connection – a train running once daily from Monday to Friday between Palmerston North and Wellington stations. The 136-kilometer route is covered in two hours. The connection is operated by KiwiRail.
Wairarapa Connection – a train from Masterton station to Wellington, running 5-6 times daily (Monday-Friday) and twice daily on weekends and holidays. The 96-kilometer journey takes one hour and 45 minutes.
Te Huia – a connection established in 2021. The train between Frankton and Auckland runs twice daily from Monday to Friday and once daily on Saturdays. There is a café onboard, 147 seating places, and the total capacity of the carriages is 500 passengers. The distance between the stations is 138.37 km, and the train takes 2 hours and 25 minutes to cover it. It may be temporarily suspended.
Seat reservation is not required on all trains.
Te Huia – official website
Wellington Cable Car
Wellington has an inordinately high number of personal cable cars, funicular railways or incline lifts – more than 150.
The most important and well-known is the Wellington Cable Car, despite its name it is a funicular railway. The railway connects the main shopping street with the Kelburn district situated on the hill.
The length of the track is 612 meters, with a height difference of 120 meters between the starting and ending stations. The railway was opened in 1902. It is a single-track line with a passing loop in the middle. The maximum gradient is 17.84%, with a gauge of 1000 mm. The fleet consists of two carriages, which transport about a million passengers annually. The one-way journey time is 5 minutes.
