The New Zealand Cycle Trail covers the country from head to toe. The Carriages. The fabulous scenery of the South Island can be explored from coast to coast on a fascinating train tour, which stops at historic and hospitable rural towns. Rail map of transit system throughout the South Island. New Zealand South Island Rail Tour. About. NZ's only passenger rail company combines breath-taking scenic-train journeys with quality facilities and comfort. Ideal for both young and old, couples and groups, and a broad range of interests, New Zealand rail tours take you through spectacular scenery and fascinating historical locations in comfort and style. It is a product of the recommendations from the Future of Rail review. This tour features the scenic TranzAlpine train and a guided tour of Arthur’s Pas …, Scenic Pacific Travel - New Zealand Tours, InterContinental (IHG) Hotels in South Island, Bella Vista Motels Hotels in South Island, International Youth Hostel Hotels in South Island, Hotels near Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa, Hotels near (CHC) Christchurch Intl Airport, Historical & Heritage Tours in South Island, Boat Tours & Water Sports in South Island, Things to do near (CHC) Christchurch Intl Airport, Arthur's Pass National Park with TranzAlpine Train Tour from Christchurch, Tramway Restaurant 4 Course Dinner Service through Christchurch, Day Trip to Arthur's Pass including TranzAlpine Train from Christchurch, Arthur's Pass Full-Day Tour Includes TranzAlpine Express Train from Christchurch, 5 Day South Island Circut: Trains, Glaciers and Milford Sound from Christchurch, See more rail tours in South Island on Tripadvisor, Spanish Driver & Guide / Guía y chofer en español, See more rail tours for kids in South Island on Tripadvisor. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Operation sold to New Zealand Rail Limited: 2011: Operation sold to private owner, David Bryce. R at ing. The TranzAlpine, hauled by two DC class locomotives. Top South Island Rail Tours: See reviews and photos of rail tours in South Island, New Zealand on Tripadvisor. Enjoy stunning views from world-class carriages featuring panoramic windows, a licenced cafe, and open air viewing. Maori history and culture are part of New Zealand's identity. The line features five major bridges, five viaducts and 17 tunnels, the longest of which is the Otira tunnel. New Zealand train tours are a great way to explore New Zealand and to learn of our history and heritage. Queenstown, Wanaka, Mt. Each carriage is comfortably equipped with full on-board facilities and the outside observation platform provides spectacular viewing. New Zealand train tours. From railmaps.com. The Tranz Alpine train operates daily between Christchurch, Arthurs Pass and Greymouth - from the east coast to the west coast of New Zealand's South Island. It was built in the early 1900s and parts of it kind of look like a castle. These days, its has many other functions. Begin your NZ adventure now and experience one of the most spectacular and diverse countries in the world! Hear live onboard commentary as you travel through the Canterbury Plains to the historic city of Dunedin, then head to Queenstown and Franz Josef Glacier via the rugged west coast before returning to Christchurch on the TranzAlpine. Read more . A complete guide about long distance and local passenger trains! For 2020 we are offering 8 and 14 day North Island tours departing March and November and South Island tours departing in May and October. Click on a South Island map location icon to display more information. Select Train Tours in the South Island of New Zealand from the list below. Get full information about major railway stations of North & South Island in New Zealand. The Main North Line between Picton and Christchurch and the Main South Line between Lyttelton and Invercargill, running down the east coast of the South Islandof New Zealand, are sometimes together referred-to collectively as the South Island Main Trunk Railway (SIMT). Experience the scenic south in style, travelling aboard our exclusive charter train. The Tranz Alpine train operates between Christchurch, Arthurs Pass and Greymouth - from the east coast to the west coast of New Zealand's South Island. Experience the coastal splendor of New Zealand’s South Island on this 7-day tour by coach and Taieri Gorge Railway from Christchurch. Check out the range of adrenaline, adventure or relaxing activities in New Zealand. Report it. But the designation "South Island … TouristLink members rank Blenheim Riverside Railway, Pleasant Point Museum And Railway and Ocean Beach Railway as the top heritage railways in South Island. Along this journey you’ll see epic vistas, travel the edges of the ice-fed Waimakariri River, traverse the Southern Alps, and see miles of native beech forest. Taieri Gorge Railway: South Island Train - See 2,063 traveler reviews, 585 candid photos, and great deals for Dunedin, New Zealand, at Tripadvisor. Oldest vintage railway in North Island; operating 4 trains every weekend Fri, Sat, Sun, plus all school & public holidays. Before or after visiting NZ, a DVD helps you experience the country. New Zealand's South Island is full of surprises. Mobile-friendly - Discover New Zealand and the true beauty of rail with The Great Journeys of New Zealand Scenic Journeys. 803 × 1100 • 261 KB • PNG. Information about Travel insurance for people visiting, working or settling in New Zealand. Over 70 years service to New Zealand Tourism. This is a significant programme of change for the land transport system and will come into effect with the National Land Transport Programme 2021–24. New Zealand South Island Rail Tour. Large panoramic windows offer uninterrupted views not seen when travelling by road. NZ is home to stunning golf courses set in incredible locations of natural landscapes. These places are best for rail tours in South Island: Which places provide the best rail tours in South Island for kids and families? A wide range of popular and useful New Zealand travel books. NZ has excellent ski and snowboarding options for a range of abilities on many skifields. Although there are tens of state highways in New Zealand, these are the three official South Island scenic highways are: Inland Scenic … Experience the scenic south in style, travelling aboard our exclusive charter train. At 8.6 kilometres (5.3 miles) long, it's one of the longest tunnels in New Zealand. no ratings. Mobile-friendly - This exciting day-tour includes jet boating on the mighty Waimakariri river, a 4WD adventure across Mt Torlesse High Country Station, and a scenic tour through the breathtaking Canterbury high country to Arthurs Pass National Park located in the stunning Southern Alps of New Zealand. The Coastal Pacific train's carriages have advanced air bag suspension for quieter and smoother travel, un-tinted, non-reflective, panoramic side and roof windows to capture the dramatic coastal and mountain views of the magnificent South Island, GPS triggered journey commentary in five languages at your seat via passenger headphones, plus information displays and overhead HD video. In the South Island, Kiwirail runs two magnificent railways. Mobile-friendly - 120 deluxe coach tours from two of New Zealand's top coach tour companies. We are pleased to announce that the Northern Explorer, Coastal Pacific and TranzAlpine trains have returned to the tracks for spring and summer. Rail transport in New Zealand is an integral part of New Zealand's transport network, with a nationwide network of 4,128 km (2,565 mi) of track linking most major cities in the North and South Islands, connected by inter-island rail and road ferries. The Great Southern Steam Train Tour Journey with us into the deep south of New Zealand and experience the postcard perfect vistas and dramatic alpine scenery that this part of the world is renowned for. Journey highlights Experience the South Island’s striking natural landscape by taking a train between Christchurch and Greymouth. Discover the South Island by Rail With a New Zealand Rail Tour. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in New Zealand. Large panoramic windows offer uninterrupted views not seen when travelling by road. Make your trip easier and buy a detailed New Zealand map. Share this page. Buy Kiwiana and other New Zealand products quickly and easily. They either have many outlets or are able to offer you a service throughout this part of the country. Choose from three unique journeys; the Northern Explorer, Coastal Pacific and TranzAlpine. The network is owned and managed by KiwiRail. Dunedin was once the Queen City of the South, a rich and productive city. This is just the rail journey that anyone who counts themselves as a … Out of the window you'll see miles upon miles of stunning back country and you'll get front row seats. It links all major urban centres except Nelson, Taupo, Queenstown, Whakatane and (since 2012) Gisborne. Hutt and Tekapo ski packages plus more...! Call us today and we can start planning your perfect New Zealand touring vacation! View Location View Map. Mobile-friendly - Travel New Zealand at your own pace on an expertly planned independent or escorted coach tour with Thrifty Tours. Enjoy our New Zealand Rail Journeys: it's one you won't forget soon. When you see George Troup's "gingerbread fancy" in Renaissance Revival style, it is quite staggering. New Zealand has 14 National Parks aimed at protecting nature for the future. The Great Southern Steam Train Tour 13-Days It’s a daily trajectory that starts bright and early, departing Christchurch at 8:15am and arriving at its final stop, Greymouth, at around 1:05pm. Limited Spaces Available; Escorted Tour; Guaranteed Departure ; Hokitika Wildfood Festival - Come and get #ATasteOfTheWild New Zealand. We offer 5 categories of coach tour vacation packages namely; Affordable Coach Tours, Signature Coach Tours, Ultimate Small Group Tours, Cruise & Coach Tours and Special Interest Tours. Between Picton and Christchurch you can catch the Coastal Pacific (opens in new window). After its completion in 1906, the station often served 100 trains a day. Which experiences are best for rail tours in South Island? click for Fullsize-43.6440258476995 170.2880859375 6 satellite. Taieri Gorge Railway, Dunedin. Tweet. It was only completed in 1923, allowing direct train travel from east to west across the South Island. NZ's largest range of coach tours at the best prices! Each carriage is comfortably equipped with full on-board facilities and the outside observation platform provides spectacular viewing. You‘ll travel through rugged native bush, up the world famous Raurimu Spiral to the alpine desert Central Plateau. Mobile-friendly - Discover New Zealand with our fantastic selection of holiday and vacation packages. Sit back and relax on a train in the South Island, arrive at your destination refreshed and in comfort. The railway network in New Zealand consists of four main lines, six secondary lines and numerous short branch lines in almost every region. This scenic train journey is remarkable, with the Kaikoura Ranges rising steeply on one side and the Pacific Ocean swells washing over a rocky coastline on the other. Covering a distance of 223 kilometres (139 miles), the TranzAlpine meanders inland as it makes its way from Christchurch and the Canterbury Plains into the stunning Southern Alps and towards the South Island’s rocky West Coast. South Island trains may offer services around the city, suburbs or country. Our coach touring packages allow you to relax and enjoy New Zealand's spectacular scenery, while taking in a range of unique and exciting activities along the way. ©2021 New Zealand Tourism Guide. Privacy | Disclaimer | Sitemap, HASSLE-FREE ALPINE SAFARI TOUR - Christchurch, THE GREAT JOURNEYS OF NEW ZEALAND - SCENIC JOURNEYS - Nationwide. The 3 Scenic Routes in the South Island. Look no further. Need a self drive, sightseeing or ski holiday package? Spectacular tours of Christchurch, Queenstown, Mt Cook, Milford Sound, the West Coast Glaciers, Auckland, Rotorua, Taupo, Waitomo Caves and the Bay of Islands. The TranzAlpine Train by KiwiRail Scenic Journeys is branded as one of the world's great journeys. See an error? The only NZ trains to travel through a town centre street (SH1) to the longest curved wooden bridge in the Southern Hemisphere. Speak to one of our travel experts today to fully customise your unique NZ self drive tour, or choose from our huge variety of top-rated escorted and independent coach tours. These are the best places for kid-friendly rail tours in South Island: Enjoy a full day in the gorgeous landscapes outside of Christchurch. The Taieri Gorge Railway journey starts at the Dunedin Railway Station, one of the nicest old buildings in Dunedin (and New Zealand). South Island Wide Train and Rail Tours The fabulous scenery of the South Island can be explored from coast to coast on a fascinating train tour, which stops at historic and hospitable rural towns. The Kingston Flyer is a vintage steam train in the South Island of New Zealand at the southern end of Lake Wakatipu. It’s a short walk from the Octagon / George Street – even if you’re not doing a train trip it’s worth a visit. A scenic rail journey through the heart of New Zealand's beautiful North Island. South Island trains are an easy and enjoyable way of seeing New Zealand. NZ's largest range of great value self-drive holidays, Touring holidays designed just for you by our team of locals. The return journey to Christchurch is on the world-famous TranzAlpine Train. Experience it. Our three iconic trains, Coastal Pacific, Northern Explorer, TranzAlpine and our Interislander Cook Strait ferry offer a seamless connection between the North and South islands, and to many spectacular destinations along the way. Over 5,000 NZ events listed - find an event anywhere in the country. These experiences are best for rail tours in South Island: What are the best places for rail tours in South Island? This tour has it all. Break up your road trip in New Zealand by stopping in some pretty stunning places. A chance to explore our own backyard and visit some of New Zealand’s hidden gems that could otherwise be overlooked. Mobile-friendly - Grand Pacific Tours are the New Zealand coach holiday specialists offering a range of all inclusive, value for money holidays. About. Megan added Apr 4, 2009. Coastal Pacific. UPDATE: Services returned for the summer! The New Zealand Rail Plan sets out the Government’s vision and priorities for rail until 2030, and the levels of investment needed to achieve it. It is the route of the popular TranzAlpine passenger train. NEW Premium service launched on South Island trains. The Midland line is a 212km section of railway between Rolleston and Greymouth in the South Island of New Zealand. Gay marriage has helped pave the way for rainbow tourism in New Zealand. Sit back and let us connect you to a rich diversity of people and places throughout Aotearoa, New Zealand. This South Island train tours map displays tourism business locations in your chosen region, area, city or township. See the sights only captured by transportation on a train. Construction of a line running the length of the east coast began in the 1860s and was completed all the way from Picton to Invercargill in 1945; the last sections being on the Main North Line south of Picton. Services restarted after a two-year lay up. more. NB: This South Island directory is specifically for tourism companies that cover the South Island. Specialised tours ie; Alpine Pacific train tour, Lord of the Rings tours, Volcanic and Geothermal tours. Share this page. This section of line was once electrified, but now a door closes behind each train, allowing the train to act as a huge piston, forcing the diesel fumes out. Readers Tours offer adventurous seniors a perfect combination of sights and unique experiences. The Northern Explorer train service connects Auckland, New Zealand's largest city and home of the Sky Tower; to Wellington, New Zealand's arts and culture capital. This train tour, the Alpine Pacific train tour, is probably the best known of the railways and rail tours operating in the South Island, although be prepared to discover some little known gems run by steam enthusiasts. It used 14 kilometres of preserved track that once formed a part of the Kingston Branch. 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