Travelled from Christchurch to Greymouth, hired a car, spent two nights in Kumara and returned by train. All stages of the train journey were easy - booking, parking, managing luggage and the journey itself. The staff were friendly, helpful and engaged both on train and at each end. The train was comfortable and clean - including the toilets - and there was a good range of drinks and food to choose from (veggie as well as meat). We travelled in a family group with a toddler and again it was made easy. The views were amazing in both sunshine and rain and we saw far more than we would have done travelling by car. The available commentary was interesting and informative. I would strongly recommend this trip either as part of a longer journey or staying a couple of days before returning.

I planned my trip on the NE three years ago, and it was cancelled (and we all know why….). Finally, a week ago, I got to go, from Wellington to Auckland. The scenery is spectacular. My seat was very comfortable. The train’s were excellent, from check in to the end. The food available was really nice, surprisingly so. The big viewing windows at my seat were great. And the Viewing car, at the back of the train, gave a great experience. Sheep, cows, a few people, mountains, Volvanoes, rivers, viaducts, small towns, and some cities,….you get it all on the Northern Explorer.

A Christmas gift to my 90 year old mother...the two of us were greeted warmly at the station by wonderfully attentive and helpful staff, who immediately offered to change our seating if the walk to the front carriage was too far for my mother (with walker). We had comfortable, spacious seats with huge crystal clear windows and found the whole journey so smooth and comfortable. The food and beverage selection was so much more than I would have ever expected, and staff continuously attentive. The continual commentary was the highlight, enabling us to fully learn so much about the scenery and terrain we were passing through. I would so highly recommend this coast to coast rail journey for all ages.

Transalpine trip spectacular, especially from the open air observation car at the end of the train. While this is standing-only, the seats in the rest of the train are comfortable, with tables. Highly recommended - even though part of the trip was a bit rainty (typical of Western New Zealand in November)

The train trip to Arthurs Pass has spectacular scenery and the train experience was highly enjoyable. Staff were very helpful and friendly. Pack a picnic if stopping at Arthurs Pass as food, service and facilities are abysmal. Plan on doing some walking to fill in time.

We enjoyed our train trip. Was a nice relaxing day to enjoy getting from Wellington to Auckland. Some nice scenery. Not a lot but some. Food on board is expensive. We brought most of our food on and only bought some sandwiches.

Unforgettable train journey - great scenery, saw Dusky Dolphins and lots of wildlife and birds. Staff were exemplary, train was clean and food good. Observation car is a must.

Ask for a booth with table when booking in. We did and were able to spread out comfortably. Relax back and enjoy the scenery. If you are able, stop over on the coast, hire a car and tour for a few days then return on the Tranzalpine.

We booked this train trip as part of our overall NZ 6 week tour, and found it to be a comfortable & enjoyable way to traverse from Auckland to Wellington. Thankfully we booked the Northern Explorer train and Interislander ferry as part of the same trip so the only change we had was a slightly earlier departure from Wellington which they took care of and communicated to us. We found the whole experience to be worthwhile and so much less stressful than dealing with airports. Very nice staff on the train working a long day to keep everyone happy and safe. Train was very full which meant the observation car was packed at times, but not a big deal. The windows in the carriages are huge. Would highly recommend this way of travel.

Excellent and relaxing way to travel and see the scenery. The carriages are well designed for maximum view and you can get up and walk around. Baggage loading and unloading was easy. Staff are friendly and helpful and the commentary was excellent. Children might get a bit bored.