New Zealand via Road & Rail: A Journey Through Natural Splendour

Most people experience New Zealand via a combination of a roundtrip flight and vehicle rental, driving around their destination to see the area. This is a most effective approach where flexibility is key and time isn't a constraint. But to see a vast region like New Zealand in a limited timeframe, there is no easier nor more enjoyable method than combining road and rail.

One of the down sides of rail travel in New Zealand is it does not hit all of the tourist destinations, such as the Bay of Islands or Queenstown. But for those who arrive into Auckland and would like to relax while enjoying New Zealand's North Island before jumping into a campervan and exploring the South Island, rail is the perfect mode of travel. New Zealand's rail routes provide some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. The trip may include sightings of whales, dolphins, and seals, and will certainly include rugged rocks, mountains, ocean, riverbeds, farmland … breathtaking natural beauty everywhere. Be sure to remember your camera!

Rail stops on 'The Overland Connection' route from Auckland to Christchurch include Hamilton, National Park, Ohakune, Palmerston North, and Wellington in the North Island. The two islands are connected between Wellington and Picton via ferry, which is a great way to change up the scenery; the ride lasts about three hours. (Journey between the rail station and the ferry is included via free shuttle.) The ferries feature refreshments or full meals, a children's play area, and plenty of deck space to enjoy the scenery and meet other travelers, amongst other amenities. The crossing includes about an hours voyage through the magnificent Marlborough Sounds. Following the Interislander ferry crossing the train passes through Blenheim and Kaikoura before arriving in Christchurch, the largest city in the South Island.

"Hop on, hop off" rail passes can be purchased via the publicly-owned Tranz Scenic rail network, so it is not necessary to pre-determine your schedule although that is an option; you can "take it as it comes" and decide on the cuff how long you'd like to spend in each destination. Trains are modern and comfortable with central heating and air conditioning and include a selection of meals, snacks, and beverages for sale. Peak season trains operate seven days a week from December through April (except Christmas Day) and off-peak run three days per week.

It is possible to take a train from Christchurch across the Canterbury Plains westward to the alpine township of Arthurs Pass before descending through lush beech rain forest to the West Coast town of Greymouth, but that's as far as the railway goes. So it makes much more sense to hire a campervan for this part of the journey as you can then push on down the West Coast and explore the magnificent Southern Alps and their glaciers at your leisure. The beautiful Haast Pass then takes you back over the Southern Alps to Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand. From here you can go on to explore Fiordland (famous for the iconic Milford Sound), Southland, Stewart Island, and all the way up the east coast through Otago via Dunedin back to Christchurch.

However you decide to enjoy your New Zealand adventure it's sure to be a memorable experience that will have you coming back for more!