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Northern Explorer

 

Embark on the epic Northern Explorer journey from Auckland to Wellington, showcasing the diverse landscapes of New Zealand's North Island. Marvel at the fertile farmlands of Waikato, the volcanic peaks of the Central Plateau, and the stunning Kapiti coast. Experience historic engineering marvels like the Raurimu Spiral and the Makatote Viaduct, and choose between Scenic Class or the elevated Scenic Plus Classes onboard. Enjoy open-air viewing carriages to get closer to nature and indulge in locally sourced food and drink from the onboard Café.

Northern-Explorer-Beneath-Ruapehu
Northern Explorer Train scenic class-north-of-Taihape

An Epic Engineering Feat

This journey closely follows the path of the historic North Island Main Trunk railway. In the early 20th century, it took tremendous vision and perseverance to connect these two cities. Founded by Julius Vogel, the railway achieved what sailing never could - reducing the multi-day journey to less than one day travelled. However, constructing the line through demanding terrain proved extremely difficult and costly. It was an epic engineering feat that required nearly three decades to complete.  Onboard, choose between Scenic Class and the elevated Scenic Plus Classes of travel.  Get close to nature from the Open-air viewing carriages, and enjoy delicious, locally sourced food and drink from the onboard Café.

Northern Explorer Train scenic class

Scenic Class

At the heart of our carriages' design are our spacious reclined seats, panoramic windows, glass shelves and skylights. These details bathe our carriages in light and deliver an incredible view of New Zealand's epic landscapes. We even sacrificed seat numbers to create spaciousness and extra-wide viewing angles.

Northern-Explorer-Beneath-Ruapehu

Open Air Carriage

Step into the outdoors by visiting the Northern Explorer Open-air Carriage. This incredible experience provides a unique way to explore New Zealand's great outdoors. Breathe in the mountain air and the scents of pine forest, get tanned in the sun, and get wet in the rain! The Open-air Carriages also provide uninterrupted views of New Zealand's epic scenery, making them the perfect place to snap away and take home some amazing photos.

What Travelers are Saying About Railbookers

“The team has provided a well-curated plan — the hotels were lovely, and the live music over breakfast in Vienna added a special touch. The hop-on/hop-off arrangement worked smoothly, and the concert in Vienna was a real highlight. We'd recommend Railbookers.”

— Phuong
Vienna

“I love Railbookers for the experienced and professional agents that assist with every facet of the booking; rail, hotel, and excursions!”

— Aisha
Norway in a Nutshell®

“Railbookers was amazing! They gave us confidence that the trip we were booking was going to be amazing.”

— Michael
Lake Como and the Bernina Express

“Railbookers responded to my request so quickly, and had such a thorough grasp on what I was looking for and what I needed, as well as the level of urgency.” 

— Anika
Brussels and Paris from Munich

“This has been the easiest booking experience I’ve ever experienced. Everything was done within 24 hours, and only two calls and all the details were taken and actioned on. Strongly recommend.”

— Maija
Iconic Europe: Rome to Paris

“It is because of Railbookers' great customer service that I booked with you and will most certainly recommend you to anyone I talk about my adventure with.”

— Morgan
Venice via the Alps

“Every detail was expertly organized. All of the hotels were within walking distance from the train stations. Each hotel was unique to its city or town. Everyone was helpful and welcoming. Railbookers were always patient and reassuring.”

— Joan
Venice and the Bernina Express

“The flawless rail travel network in Switzerland, the great organization of the trip by Railbookers, and how smooth rail travel was.”

— Elke
Classic Glacier and Bernina Express

“It was different from other vacations, we could see more of the country. Do it, it is a great way of having a vacation!”

— Alan
Dublin, Cork, Killarney, and Galway

“Railbookers makes the process of train travel and international accommodations so much easier and stress-free than doing all the planning on my own. I love how they will customize a plan based on our needs and budget.”

— Cheryl
Brussels, Amsterdam, Berlin and Zurich

“Use Railbookers! Things change overnight. Railbookers dealt with those changes quickly and with little trouble for me. Had I booked it all independently, I'd be out of pocket by a lot.”

— Mark
Spain and Portugal Essential Tour

“Railbookers was very pleasant to talk with and to confirm our plans and book our trip. They listened to what we wanted and found accommodations for us that fit with our
plans and timeline”

— Priya
The Bernina Express and Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to Venice

“I felt like Railbookers was fully invested in making sure our itinerary was what we wanted to experience versus a 'tour'.”

— Vincent
London, Paris, and Rome

“Railbookers made my first rail and tour booking experience a breeze. The phone call I had been putting off was by far easier than trying to DIY the booking online.”

— Joan
Paris, Lausanne, St Moritz, and Milan

“Fast, efficient, and great attention to detail. If you need trains, hotels, transfers, etc. I highly recommend Railbookers.”

— Howard
Lake Como and the Bernina Express

“This is the second time l've used Railbookers and would use them again. They're knowledgeable, positive, and patient. Thank you, Railbookers, for this wonderful vacation!”

— Chris
Canadian Rockies and Lake Louise Explorer

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