Summer’s great journey
Make this holiday season a wonderful celebration of Aotearoa, and create new memories on one of three scenic train lines – Picton to Christchurch on The Coastal Pacific, to the West Coast on the TranzAlpine, or Auckland to Wellington on the Northern Explorer. The time for travel has returned, and what better way to do it than by train?
ESCAPE BY RAIL
The scenic rail’s short breaks and packages make life as easy as it can be. Great Journeys New Zealand can organise everything for you, so all you have to do is arrive at the station with your suitcase packed. With various options that include accommodation, scenic train rides, and activities, you’ll find there’s something suitable for a variety of customers and tastes.
AN OPEN-AIR EXPERIENCE
Your short break begins the moment you step aboard the train. Reinvigorate your mind and refresh your body on a great escape by rail. The open-air carriages are your chance to experience all the sights, sounds, and smells of the seaside while travelling along the coast. If you are looking to capture the best of the South Island on camera, this is how to do it. It’s a great spot to make conversations with your fellow travellers.
51 YOUR WINDOW TO THE COAST
At the heart of all the carriages’ designs are spacious reclined seats, panoramic windows, glass shelves, and skylights. These details bathe the carriages in light and deliver an incredible view of New Zealand’s epic landscapes. They’ve even sacrificed seat numbers to create spaciousness and extra-wide viewing angles. Sink back in your reclined seat and soak up the scenery.
‘TIS THE SEASON
Fun and frivolity abound aboard the trains this December. Addington’s station will be merry and bright, and there will be all-around merriment taking place on board. There are discounted fares for seniors and children, so this one is perfect for introducing the grandkids to the magic of the train ride. Keep an eye out for Santa; he’s often spotted overhead.
FOLLOW THE STORIES OF OUR LAND
Connect with local histories, legends, and myths by tuning into the supplied audio commentary system. Each journey is packed with a seamless stream of stories, narratives, and facts about the places outside your window, which playback as you pass by them. Step off the train with an intimate knowledge of our land, our history, and our culture, and do it at a pace which suits you.
A FRESH FOCUS
The warmer months have meant Great Journeys New Zealand has reinvigorated the food offerings on all three lines, with a fresher food selection and a focus on regional products. A fully licensed bar means you can sit back and enjoy a world-famous New Zealand wine or a local beer. Our tip: make sure you try the braised beef cheek or the Moroccan spiced vegetable salad.