There’s something timeless and captivating about seeing New Zealand by rail — especially when it’s from the comfort of the Northern Explorer Scenic Plus service. My journey from Wellington to Auckland offered not just a change in scenery, but a renewed appreciation for the country’s landscapes, cultural heritage and its people. This was not just travel; it was a true experience, one that unfolded slowly, beautifully, and memorably.
This was my return journey from Wellington to Auckland. Two days earlier, I had travelled in the opposite direction from Auckland to Wellington aboard the same train, but in a standard carriage. While that journey was enjoyable in its own right, experiencing the Scenic Plus service on the return added an entirely new dimension to the trip. It turned the journey into a destination in itself. (See
Departure from Wellington: The Adventure Begins
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| Scenic Plus carriage view of harbour |
Leaving Wellington Station at 7.55am, I was welcomed into the Scenic Plus carriage with warm hospitality and a sense of anticipation. The seating was spacious and comfortable, with panoramic windows that invited the landscape in. Soon after departure, the onboard host introduced the journey’s highlights and began the first round of meal service — a thoughtfully curated menu showcasing New Zealand ingredients and flavours.
As we pulled away from the capital, I watched the cityscape give way to the rugged Kapiti Coastline. Waves crashed against rocky shores while sheep dotted distant hillsides. It was a moving postcard that no plane window could ever match.
Volcanic Landscapes and Timeless Towns
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| Hapuawhenua Viaduct |
The most dramatic part of the journey was the Central Plateau, where the train glided past ancient lava fields and towering volcanoes. Mount Ruapehu loomed in the distance, crowned in snow as winter crept into the valleys. This stretch of the ride offered a truly cinematic view of New Zealand’s raw geological power.
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| Mount Ruapehu - Ohakune |
We passed through small rural stations such as Ohakune and National Park from the comfort and warmth of the Scenic Plus cabin, where the attentive staff continued to share stories and provide thoughtful service. The seating was spacious and comfortable, with a versatile table that could be adjusted between a compact and full-size setting to suit the moment.
A True Taste of New Zealand Onboard
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| Dining in he Scenic Plus Carriage |
One of the defining features of the Scenic Plus experience is the onboard dining. Throughout the journey, regional dishes were served with locally sourced wines and beverages, each introduced with a touch of storytelling.
Scenic Plus is more than just a class of service — it’s a full sensory experience. Throughout the day, we were treated to seasonal dishes prepared with care, inspired by the regions we passed through. Paired with local wines and presented with storytelling touches by the friendly staff, each meal added a new layer to the journey.
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| Breakfast |
The culinary journey began shortly after departure with a freshly baked feijoa loaf, served warm with butter and a comforting cup of tea — a simple but delightful welcome to the day, both fragrant and satisfying. At 10am, a generous hot breakfast was served: a light and fluffy vegetable frittata accompanied by crispy streaky bacon, potato and a vibrant tomato concasse, paired beautifully with a glass of chilled Oyster Bay sparkling brut.
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| Lunch |
Lunch was served promptly at noon and featured tender grilled Manawatu chicken skewers, perfectly seasoned and arranged on a bed of delicate orzo salad, garnished with fresh herbs and drizzled with a light, tangy sriracha aioli that added just the right hint of spice. This vibrant and well-balanced dish was complemented by the crisp, aromatic notes of Esk Valley Pinot Gris, whose subtle citrus and floral tones elevated the meal beautifully.
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| Cheese Platter |
At 2pm, the sweet treat of the day arrived — a rich orangecello and dark chocolate mousse, paired with Melton Estate Summer Love, a refreshing and slightly fruity wine that balanced the dessert perfectly. I also had a lemon, lime and bitters. Not long after, an afternoon platter was presented, showcasing three varieties of Kapiti cheese, creamy hummus, crisp crackers, and tangy pickles, served with a glass of Church Road Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon.
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| Dinner |
Dinner service began at 4:30pm and featured a tender seared Angus Hereford fillet, served with roast potatoes, seasoned greens, and a velvety Pinot Noir jus. This hearty dish was accompanied by a glass of Kairanga Pinot Noir, a perfect match for the rich flavours of the meal. To end the meal, dessert featured a traditional sticky date pudding with butterscotch sauce and a scoop of locally made vanilla ice cream, paired with the tropical brightness of Tohu Sauvignon Blanc.
Throughout the journey, a steady flow of refreshments added to the comfort. I enjoyed expertly prepared cappuccinos, hot chocolates, a range of teas, as well as cold drinks including water, juices, and soft drinks, all offered with warm hospitality and attention to detail.
Crossing Giants: The Breathtaking Viaducts of the Rangitikei Valley
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| Waterfall and sheep |
Between courses, I wandered into the open-air viewing carriage — a unique and exhilarating feature of the Northern Explorer that brings passengers even closer to New Zealand’s dramatic landscapes. As the train followed the winding Rangitikei River through the rugged valley, it traversed a series of five towering viaducts that span deep sandstone canyons — including the South Rangitikei, North Rangitikei, Kaiwhatau, Mangaweka, and Toi Toi viaducts. Collectively, these are often referred to as the Rangitikei Viaducts and represent some of the most striking engineering feats along the route.
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| Above a Viaduct |
As we approached one of the highest of these bridges, I felt the sudden rush of wind against my face and a wave of awe at the sheer scale of the structure beneath us. The train slowed slightly, as if inviting us to absorb the full sweep of the gorge and the winding river far below. Cameras clicked all around, but for a moment, a quiet reverence settled over the carriage — the kind of silence that only truly breathtaking scenery can inspire. The viaduct soon disappeared behind us, but its impression lingered, etched into memory as one of the journey’s most unforgettable moments.
Arrival in Auckland: A Journey Concludes, A Story Begins
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| Scenic Plus Carriage |
After a relaxing eleven hours and nearly 680 kilometres, the train eased into Auckland’s Strand Station at 6,45pm. The city skyline, with its iconic Sky Tower, greeted us as dusk began to fall. My journey had taken me through coastal plains, farmland, native forest, and volcanic terrain — all from the comfort of a seat on one of New Zealand’s most iconic rail lines.
The Northern Explorer Scenic Plus journey was not just about getting from point A to B. It was about connection — to the land, to fellow travellers, and to the enduring rhythm of slow travel. For anyone wanting to truly see New Zealand, this is the way to go.
For schedules, bookings, and more information about the Northern Explorer Scenic Plus, visit:
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