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| Northern Explorer ready to depart |
After an inspiring few days at MEETINGS 2025 in Auckland, I was eager for a different kind of journey — one that connected me not through conference rooms, but across mountains, plains, and ancient landscapes. Boarding the Northern Explorer at Auckland’s Strand Station for the 7:45 a.m. departure, I set off on one of New Zealand’s most spectacular rail adventures: a 681-kilometre voyage that winds through the very heart of the North Island all the way to Wellington. This journey carried me deep into the rural soul of Aotearoa, passing timeless scenery, snow-capped volcanoes, and some of the most stunning landscapes the North Island has to offer.
Comfort Onboard: Relaxing Seats and a Well-Equipped Café Car
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| Boarding the Northern Explorer |
One of the first things I noticed after settling into my seat was just how spacious and comfortable it was. With wide reclining seats, plenty of legroom, and massive windows framing every view, the journey already felt relaxed and unrushed. A few hours in, I wandered down to the café car — a lively, social hub of the train. I ordered a flat white and couldn’t resist one of the hot pies on offer, made with locally sourced ingredients. The café had a great selection of drinks too, including New Zealand wines and craft beers, as well as snacks and sweet treats. I also appreciated that the train offered free WiFi, so I was able to stay connected and share some of the stunning views in real time. I ended up returning to the café car a few times, not just for the food, but for the chance to stretch my legs, chat with fellow travellers, and enjoy the ever-changing scenery drifting by outside. It was the perfect complement to the scenic experience.
An Open-Air Window to the Wild
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| Open-air viewing carriage |
One of the highlights of the Northern Explorer experience is the open-air viewing carriage — a rare feature on modern trains. With no windows and no glass barriers, this carriage offers an unfiltered connection to the landscape. As the train winds through remote valleys, past waterfalls, viaducts, and volcanic peaks, passengers can step outside to feel the wind on their face and hear the rhythmic hum of the rails below. It’s an exhilarating way to absorb the ever-changing scenery — from snow-dusted volcanoes to windswept coastlines — and a photographer’s dream for capturing New Zealand in its raw, untamed beauty.
Through Auckland’s Suburbs to the Waikato Plains
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| Sunrise as leaving Auckland |
As train eased out of Auckland, it left behind the city's iconic Sky Tower and the shimmering waters of the Waitematā Harbour. We glided past the peaceful Orakei Basin, a dormant volcanic crater now filled with water and ringed by native bush. As the urban skyline faded, the landscape opened into the sweeping Waikato Plains. Soon, Hamilton came into view — a city celebrated for its lush gardens and its closeness to the enchanting world of Hobbiton.
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| Rural scenery |
From here, the landscape began to undulate, with gentle hills rolling around us as we journeyed into the historic and culturally rich region of King Country. The train wove through this peaceful rural heartland, passing pockets of farmland and native bush, before arriving in Otorohanga — a charming town known for its famous kiwi house and as the gateway to the glowworm-lit wonder of the Waitomo Caves, one of New Zealand’s most magical underground experiences.
Ascending the Heart of the Island
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| Near Raurimu Spiral |
By early afternoon, the terrain shifted dramatically. The flat plains transformed into rugged uplands, with forested ridges climbing skyward. This was the edge of the volcanic plateau, and one of the railway’s greatest engineering achievements lay ahead — the Raurimu Spiral.
This ingenious piece of 19th-century engineering allows the train to gain elevation without a steep gradient, looping and curving back on itself in a dizzying dance of track. Looking out the window, I watched the carriages twist beneath and above me, the train briefly appearing to chase its own tail.
Snow-Capped Volcanoes of Tongariro National Park
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| Mount Ngauruhoe |
Then came the view I had been hoping for. As we emerged onto the plateau, Tongariro National Park spread out in spectacular form. In winter, this landscape is nothing short of magical. I watched in quiet awe as thick blankets of snow draped the slopes of Mount Ruapehu, Aotearoa’s tallest North Island peak and an active volcano.
To the east stood Mount Ngauruhoe, its symmetrical cone instantly recognisable as Mount Doom from the Lord of the Rings films. The entire region shimmered beneath a crisp blue sky, the air clear, the light sharp. There’s something ancient about this place — silent, sacred, and unforgettable in winter’s grip.
Soaring Over Historic Viaducts
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| View from Viaduct |
One of the most impressive features of the Northern Explorer journey is the series of towering viaducts that carry the train high above deep valleys and river gorges. These remarkable structures, many built over a century ago, are testaments to the ingenuity and determination of the engineers who carved a path through some of New Zealand’s most challenging terrain. As the train glides across these elevated bridges — including the dramatic Makatote Viaduct near Mount Ruapehu — the views stretch endlessly in all directions. It’s a thrilling moment each time the ground falls away beneath you, revealing sweeping vistas of forested hills, rushing streams, and the rugged beauty of the central North Island.
Rolling Through Manawatu and Down to the Coast
Leaving the volcanic plateau behind, the train began its descent, stopping briefly at Ohakune — a quiet ski town known for its carrots and winter sports, and a gateway to the Turoa ski field. From there, the journey continued south through lush farmland, winding rivers, and small rural settlements where life moves at a gentle pace.
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| Sunset over Tasman Sea |
Palmerston North came into view next — a vibrant university city with a proud history — before the train rolled on through expansive farmlands stretching toward the coast. Soon, we were tracing the edge of the dramatic Kapiti Coast, where fleeting glimpses of the Tasman Sea appeared between windswept trees and rugged cliffs. As the sun dipped lower, the sky lit up in hues of gold and rose, casting a breathtaking sunset across the water. It was a stunning finale to a day immersed in the heart of New Zealand’s natural beauty. As we travelled further south, the distant silhouette of Wellington slowly came into view, rising against the fading light. It signalled not just the end of the line, but the closing chapter of an unforgettable rail adventure.
Arriving in Aotearoa’s Capital
By 6:25 p.m., the Northern Explorer rolled smoothly into Wellington Railway Station. After a full day aboard, I stepped onto the platform with a quiet sense of wonder — not just from the breathtaking landscapes I’d witnessed, but from the journey itself. This wasn’t simply a mode of transport; it was a moving experience through the very heart of New Zealand — rich in history, culture, and natural beauty at every turn.
Booking and Information
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| Mount Ruapehu |
The Northern Explorer is more than a way to get from Auckland to Wellington — it’s a 10 hour 40 minute journey into the very soul of New Zealand. This is not just a train ride. It’s a front-row seat to the heart, history, and ever-changing beauty of the North Island — from volcanic peaks to coastal cliffs, rolling farmland to ancient forests. For schedules, bookings, and more details on the Northern Explorer experience, visit:
https://www.greatjourneysnz.comFor more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine"
https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/
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