Not too much passenger train lines in New Zealand, in addition to commuter trains in Wellington, Auckland, and some inter-city trains. Long-distance trains that operate mostly targeted for tourists, the train which offers trip with beautiful scenery. The reason is because train was running a little slow and not considered practical as a means of transport for local people. However, traveling by train can still be a pleasant experience. Long-distance trains operated by KiwiRail Scenic Journeys, formerly Tranz Scenic which runs three routes. The longest path is the Overlander or Northern Explorer that connects Auckland and Wllington, passing through rural areas and the Central Plateau to the beautiful volcanic peaks. Stop in the lane including Te Kuiti, where from there tourists can go on the shuttle bus to the Waitomo Caves. This train departs from Auckland around 7 am and arrived at 6pm around Wellingtons, and operates every Thursday, Monday, and Saturday. While the Wellington train departs at 8 am and arrive in Auckland at 7 pm, operating every Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday.
In the South Island, Coastal Pacific route runs between Christchurch and Picton, which passes some coastal areas. Trains depart from Christchurch around 7am, stopping at Kaikoura and Blenheim, before finally arriving in Picton at 12 noon. From Picton, the train back departs at 1 pm passing through the same path and arrive in Christchurch at 6 pm.
The train journey which offers the most beautiful scenery is TranzAlpine linking Christchurch and Greymouth on the west coast. Travel as far as 231 km is taken for 4 hours 30 minutes, passing through farms and 19 tunnels. All the beautiful scenery can be enjoyed in a special car called the observation car. Trains depart from Christchurch at 8 am and arrive in Greymouth at 1 pm. Train back departs at 2 pm and arrived in Christchurch at 6 pm. If this train ride in December, travelers will be spoiled views of the relationship blooming red and white. Is the most romantic scenery in the winter, which is June to August. At that time the sights outside the snow-covered train. Because a lot of prices according to the package offered, information about ticket prices can be viewed on the website railnewzealand.com. and, a list of addresses railway station in several major cities in New Zealand can be seen in railnewzealand.com/railwaystations.html.
Scenic Rail Pass is one other form of pass card that can be used to enjoy traveling by train, from Auckland to Wellington, Christchurch to Picton and Greymouth, which can be combined with ferry tickets between North and South Island. This card is valid for 14 days. This card can also be combined with several bus routes hop-on-hop-off example of Greymouth to Milford Sound, Queenstown, Invercargill, Te Anau, and Christchurch, or from Auckland to Rotorua and Paihia. If travelers want to arrange accommodation at the same time, use of these cards can also be combined with the Mix N Match package which includes accommodation, daily tour to see the sights ranging from 1 to 6 nights departing from Christchurch or Auckland. Ticket price for Scenic Rail Pass with 7 days is 435 NZD, whereas for 14 days just around 549 NZD.