New Zealand · TRAIN EXPERIENCES

The 15 Best Train Journeys in New Zealand

26 tours  ·  from $100 a head

Two scenic lines matter: the TranzAlpine across Arthur’s Pass and the Taieri Gorge out of Dunedin. These 15 cover both as day trips and as coach-and-rail combinations, priced, with departure times that run once a day.

From Queenstown: Milford Sound Cruise and Coach Day Tour - Starting at 88 Beach Street in Queenstown
Cruises & Boat Tours, Milford Sound Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Queenstown, Train Experiences

From Queenstown: Milford Sound Cruise and Coach Day Tour

1.Milford Sound Cruise and Coach Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,681 reviews · 12 hours · from $162Our pick

Travel from Queenstown to Milford Sound in a glass-roof coach with a local English-speaking guide, stopping at Te Anau, Mirror Lakes, Monkey Creek, and other scenic points. Then take a two-hour cruise toward the Tasman Sea for waterfalls, cliffs, seals, dolphins, and possible penguins. Guides such as Paulie, Levi, Craig, and Brian are known for lively commentary.

“We had Levi as our driver on the bus. He made the long drive a pleasant experience by sharing his knowledge about the country and other stories. It was noticeable thst he really cares about making the trip special and enjoyable for the passengers! Thank you so much !”

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From Queenstown: Milford Sound Day Trip on Premium Coach - Te Anau gives you a useful pause
1-Day Tours, Milford Sound Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours in Queenstown, Train Experiences

From Queenstown: Milford Sound Day Trip on Premium Coach

2.Milford Sound Day Trip on Premium Coach

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 976 reviews · 750 minutes - 14 hours · from $170

Travel from Queenstown to Milford Sound in a premium glass-roof coach with guides such as Stan, Keith, Shale, and Junior. Stop at Te Anau, Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, and Monkey Creek before a two-hour nature cruise beneath Stirling and Bowen Falls. Tea and coffee are included, with lunch available on selected bookings.

“The driver/guide was amazing! So knowledgeable, practically the best part”

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From Te Anau: Milford Sound Coach Tour and Cruise - The Fiordland road is more than a transfer
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From Te Anau: Milford Sound Coach Tour and Cruise

3.Milford Sound Coach Tour and Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 868 reviews · 8 hours · from $110

Travel from Te Anau through Fiordland National Park by comfortable coach, stopping for short walks and photos before a scenic Milford Sound cruise. Guides such as Sebastian, Scarlett, and Brian are known for lively local commentary. A picnic lunch and hot drinks are included, making this an easy full-day option at $110.

“Incredible experience!!!!! One of the coolest thing I’ve ever seen. Was so glad we went on a rainy day - way more dramatic and beautiful”

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From Te Anau: Milford Sound Coach, Cruise, and Walks - The Milford Road is part of the experience
Cruises & Boat Tours, Milford Sound Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours in Te Anau, Train Experiences, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Te Anau

From Te Anau: Milford Sound Coach, Cruise, and Walks

4.Milford Sound Coach, Cruise, and Walks

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 845 reviews · 1 day · from $164

Travel from Te Anau to Milford Sound in a small group of up to 15 with guides such as Geoff, Olivia, Ross, and Phil. The day combines a narrated drive, short forest walks, scenic stops, a picnic lunch, and a two-hour small-boat cruise toward the Tasman Sea. Expect changing weather, waterfalls, wildlife, and a full day in Fiordland.

“From the first minute to the last everything was excellent. Olivia was a fountain of knowledge and very informative. The added stops to and from Milford Sound were a real bonus. If you are going to visit the sound use this company in Te Anau, and don't be tempted to travel all the way from Queenstown. Trips and tramps thank you for a day we will never forget.”

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Milford Sound Coach and Cruise tour from Queenstown - Lake Wakatipu and the Devil’s Staircase
Cruises & Boat Tours, Milford Sound Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Queenstown, Train Experiences

Milford Sound Coach and Cruise tour from Queenstown

5.Milford Sound Coach and Cruise tour from Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 789 reviews · from $152

Travel from Queenstown to Milford Sound by air-conditioned coach, stopping in Te Anau and Fiordland National Park before a catamaran cruise toward the Tasman Sea. Guides such as Carl, Hamish, Sebastian, Brian, and Graeme are praised for lively local commentary. Lunch, refreshments, photo stops, and hotel pickup make this a simple way to see Fiordland without driving.

“Hamish ( our driver & guide) was the BEST! He was so funny that he had us laughing throughout our excursion. His knowledge of the area really helped us understand the region & make this full day excursion so enjoyable. The inclusions are really good as well. I highly recommend this excursion.”

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From Te Anau: Milford Sound Cruise and Coach Day Trip - The Milford Road is part of the attraction
1-Day Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Milford Sound Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours in Te Anau, Train Experiences

From Te Anau: Milford Sound Cruise and Coach Day Trip

6.Milford Sound Cruise and Coach Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 717 reviews · 7h 30m · from $136

Travel from Te Anau to Milford Sound with a local English-speaking guide, photo stops at Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, and Monkey Creek, then take a two-hour cruise toward the Tasman Sea. The glass-roof coach helps you see the mountains overhead, while onboard food, drinks, and open decks make the cruise comfortable in changeable Fiordland weather.

“We loved the time spent on Milford Sound. Flash was the perfect guide/driver and we got to make several stops along the way to see some great views. Once on the boat we got to experience magnificent views in a very comfortable way. The price is a bit high, so are all the prices for this activity but overall worth it !”

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Milford Sound Premium Coach & Cruise from Queenstown with Lunch - Te Anau and the gateway to Fiordland
Cruises & Boat Tours, Milford Sound Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours in Milford Sound, Train Experiences

Milford Sound Premium Coach & Cruise from Queenstown with Lunch

7.Milford Sound Premium Coach & Cruise from Queenstown with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 581 reviews · from $214

Travel from Queenstown to Milford Sound in a glass-roof coach with local commentary, scenic stops, and USB charging. Cruise the fiord for up to two hours, with buffet lunch, tea, and coffee included. Guides such as Vaughan, Yoda, Greg, and Junior are praised for keeping the long day engaging, but expect many hours on the road.

“The bus driver was informative and kind. The buffet was delicious and offered a variety of food. The cruise was smooth and seemed to be the right amount of time.”

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From Queenstown Milford Sound Cruise & Glass-Roof Coach Tour - Mirror Lakes and the Eglinton Valley show two sides of Fiordland
Cruises & Boat Tours, Milford Sound Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Queenstown, Train Experiences

From Queenstown Milford Sound Cruise & Glass-Roof Coach Tour

8.From Queenstown Milford Sound Cruise & Glass-Roof Coach Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 545 reviews · 12h 30m · from $172

Travel from Queenstown to Milford Sound in a glass-roof GreatSights coach, stopping at Te Anau, Mirror Lakes, Eglinton Valley, and Monkey Creek. Your English-speaking driver-guide handles commentary along the long scenic road, followed by a 1 hour 45 minute Pride of Milford cruise past Mitre Peak, waterfalls, rainforest, and possible wildlife.

“The bus ride was very scenic with plenty of stops for breaks and pictures along the way. The cruise was incredible, the fjords were the highlight of the trip for sure. Great value for what you get out of it. 10/10 recommend and would do again.”

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Northern Explorer Train Journey from Wellington to Auckland - Rolling farmland and the Waikato countryside
Tour Reviews, Tours in Wellington, Train Experiences

Northern Explorer Train Journey from Wellington to Auckland

9.Northern Explorer Train Journey from Wellington to Auckland

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 513 reviews · from $157

Travel from Wellington Station to Auckland by Northern Explorer, passing the Kapiti Coast, Waikato farmland, and Tongariro National Park. Your seat includes GPS-triggered commentary, while open-air viewing decks bring you close to volcanic peaks and dramatic rail engineering. A licensed café serves food and drinks for purchase.

“That you need to sit on the A and B side of the train if you are travelling from Wellington to Auckland for best views from viaducts. We were on the other side. The viewing coach is quite low so if you are tall you have to bend down to see out.”

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Milford Sound Coach & Cruise from Queenstown: Panoramic Views - The coach makes the four-hour journey easier
Cruises & Boat Tours, Milford Sound Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours in Queenstown, Train Experiences

Milford Sound Coach & Cruise from Queenstown: Panoramic Views

10.Milford Sound Coach & Cruise from Queenstown: Panoramic Views

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 434 reviews · from $214

Travel from Queenstown to Milford Sound in a reclining, glass-roof coach with air-conditioning, USB ports, and an onboard toilet. Stop at Te Anau, Mirror Lakes, Monkey Creek, and other scenic points, then take a two-hour nature cruise beneath Milford’s waterfalls. Guides such as Paul, Keith, Stan, and Chris add local stories along the way.

“Be ready for a FULL day of seeing beautiful scenery, so many waterfalls, great boat ride, and comfortable bus ride.”

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TranzAlpine Train, Arthur's Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip - Arthur’s Pass and the Otira Viaduct lookout
1-Day Tours, Larnach Castle Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Christchurch, Train Experiences

TranzAlpine Train, Arthur’s Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip

11.TranzAlpine Train, Arthur’s Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 426 reviews · from $254Top rated

Travel from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass on the TranzAlpine, then return by minibus through alpine scenery, with stops at Otira Viaduct, Devils Punchbowl, Lake Pearson, and Kura Tawhiti. Guides such as AJ and Anuj provide commentary, snacks, water, umbrellas, and help with walk options. Expect about 10 hours and a small group of up to 21.

“Great experience, the train ride was fun. Exploring Arthur's Pass and Devils Punchbowl walk was very interesting, but we really like walking around the Castle Hill. Anuj was a wonderful guide and took very good care of everybody and providing a lot I f interesting information. We definitely recommend this tour!”

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Coastal Pacific Train Journey from Picton to Christchurch - The Pacific coast and Kaikoura are the main event
Tour Reviews, Tours in Picton, Train Experiences

Coastal Pacific Train Journey from Picton to Christchurch

12.Coastal Pacific Train Journey from Picton to Christchurch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 345 reviews · from $164

Take the Coastal Pacific from Picton to Christchurch at 1:40 pm for a 5-hour-40-minute scenic rail journey. You will pass Marlborough vineyards, 98km of Pacific coastline, Kaikoura, native bush, and the Canterbury Plains. Panoramic windows, GPS-triggered commentary, a café, and an open-air viewing carriage are included, while food and drinks cost extra.

“A wonderful way to experience the best of East coast South Island. Relaxing, beautiful and comfortable.”

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From Te Anau: Doubtful Sound Coach & Cruise - Crossing Lake Manapouri
Cruises & Boat Tours, Milford Sound Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours in Te Anau, Train Experiences

From Te Anau: Doubtful Sound Coach & Cruise

13.Doubtful Sound Coach & Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 335 reviews · 8h 30m · from $223

Spend 510 minutes reaching remote Doubtful Sound from Te Anau by coach, boat, coach, and catamaran. You will cross Lake Manapouri, travel over Wilmot Pass, and cruise the fiord for three hours with live commentary. Guides such as Tony, Chris, and Warren are known for informative, good-humored talks. Bring lunch, rain gear, and a camera.

“It was a very efficient process with very informative commentary. We had a perfect day. I would strongly recommend this trip. There is good refreshment available, and you can use your credit card; no need to take cash.”

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From Christchurch: Arthur's Pass with TranzAlpine & Lunch - Waimakariri Gorge: your first taste of the high country
Tour Reviews, Tours in Christchurch, Train Experiences

From Christchurch: Arthur’s Pass with TranzAlpine & Lunch

14.Arthur’s Pass with TranzAlpine & Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 333 reviews · 10 hours · from $263

Travel from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass in a small group with Kiwi guides such as Joe, Jess, Mark, or Clive. Stop at Castle Hill, Lake Lyndon, Waimakariri Gorge, and Otira Viaduct, then choose a waterfall walk or village time before returning by TranzAlpine train. Lunch, snacks, WiFi, and hotel pickup are included.

“We liked it all despite the rain causing us not to get the most out of Arthurs Pass. Ross is very knowledgeable and he made many stops along the way for us the see. The train ride back was lovely especially with the rain stopping and sun coming out. Rosswas very kind to drop people off closer to their residences than the noted pick up points. All in all a great tour.”

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TranzAlpine Train Journey: Christchurch to Greymouth - Starting at Christchurch Railway Station at 8:15 am
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TranzAlpine Train Journey: Christchurch to Greymouth

15.TranzAlpine Train Journey: Christchurch to Greymouth

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 312 reviews · from $151

Travel from Christchurch to Greymouth aboard the TranzAlpine, crossing Canterbury farmland, following the Waimakariri River, and passing through Arthur’s Pass National Park. Your reserved seat includes GPS-triggered audio commentary, with a café carriage, picnic option, and open-air viewing deck. Dress for changing alpine weather.

“Check in was easy although we were there before some of the bus groups. The trip was wonderful and staff were friendly and helpful.”

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