6 New Train Routes We’re Excited About

"Starting in January 2023, exploring New Zealand’s off-the-beaten-path regions by train is about to get even easier. Train operator Great Journeys New Zealand, a division of KiwiRail, will debut its new multi-day tours, allowing passengers to step off and enjoy guided experiences and a night or two in various locations. The itineraries, ranging from six to 17 days, link together three scenic train journeys including the award-winning TranzAlpine from Christchurch to Greymouth, the Northern Explorer between Auckland and Wellington, and Coastal Pacific from Picton to Christchurch. Excursions include spotting whales, dolphins, and albatrosses in Kaikōura, adventuring along the Punakaiki Rocks and Hokitika Gorge on the West Coast, and sipping world-famous Sauvignon Blanc in the Marlborough wine region. And with views of volcanic peaks and turquoise blue lakes from the train, the journey is just as spectacular as the destinations. Passengers can choose between the Classic Style Tour through New Zealand’s larger cities and heartland destinations or the Signature Style Tour, which includes higher-end hotels and extras like a farewell dinner at Walter Peak."