Kiwi Train Travel – the Overlander

Train travel in New Zealand tends to be scenic, slow and serene — which is quite perfect. For a long time, there have been few infrastructure upgrades and, although things are starting to look up, there is still a long way to go. For a tourist (rather than a commuter) there are three train vacations to try: the Transalpine, the Overlander and the TransCoastal. The cost of travel in New Zealand is relatively high, but the price of train travel is considered quite fair.

The Overlander is the only one located in the North Island and runs between Auckland and Wellington. To fly this distance takes less than 2 hours, to drive around 8 … but the Overland will take a mammoth twelve hours to cover the same distance. The advantages of train travel are the beautiful views and relaxing journey.

Thinking of scenic, the last part of the train carriage is a viewing lounge of sorts with a semicircular seating area and large windows. There are also exterior viewing areas: everything is designed to make it easy to photograph. This, I think, betrays the function of train travel in New Zealand. While it’s too slow for business commuters it’s perfect for tourists, sightseers and people on their vacation.

While both food and drink are available on all long-haul kiwi trains, you can also book your ticket in such a way to make use of stops (and real restaurants and hotels) along the way. The Overlander stops in small and interesting towns between Auckland and Wellington and, with a little forsight, can provide a great stop-over experience.

When you travel by train in New Zealand, you can expect to see amazing views and encounter generally friendly staff and fellow passengers. Certainly don’t expect a fast service, but one that allows you to travel through beautiful scenery with ease.

Pick up a free online travel magazine, to help you pass the time on your Overlander train trip.