New Zealand’s longest running passenger service, the Northern Explorer is a long distance scenic train service running between Auckland and Wellington, stopping at Palmerston North, Ohakune, National Park and Hamilton.
My wife & I recently had a wedding in Auckland, and being baby-free for the weekend (Thanks in-laws!) we decided to take the train up instead. I think being a kiwi, we’re spoilt for scenery in this country and find it hard to appreciate. After 12 hours through some of the most breathtaking scenery, I can truly see why so many tourists visit New Zealand every year!
We left Wellington bright & early, around 7:30am.
KiwiRail upgraded their carriages a few years ago now – and they’re a huge improvement!
They have air bag suspension system 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 North Island, GPS triggered journey commentary in five languages at your seat via headphones, plus information displays and overhead HD video and are centrally heated/air conditioned for passenger comfort.
The train passes over 25 major bridges and through 14 tunnels, and also traverses the famous Raurimu Spiral just North of National Park, an impressive engineering feat which sees the single track traverse a height of 139m.
After a full day of travel we arrived into Brittomart, which is conveniently located in the heart of Auckland CBD.
We headed out to a friends place to stay the night (Thanks for having us Michaiah!) before picking up our rental car Saturday morning and heading north to Matakana for the wedding.
Being a guest for the first time in forever (my third ever wedding as a guest!) I didn’t touch my camera all day – so sadly no photos from there. But the morning after the wedding, we woke up to this amazing sight.
On the way back we had to stop off at Junk & Disorderly – SO much cool stuff I wanted for my new studio… But having limited space to return home (and we had already filled one moving box) I only got this giant oversized ice cream!
This photo was taken in this awesome barn we stayed in for the wedding – highly recommended if you ever need a place in Matakana!
Back in Auckland CBD Sunday night, we headed out to a friends Pizzeria for the best damn pizza ever (not even being bias!) check it out if you’re in Auckland – Al Volo.
It was Chinese New Year too – and we had the best seats in the house for the fireworks display on the sky tower!
Up bright and early for our trip back to Wellington on the train!
Before you know it, you’re in Hamilton for the first stop on the way back.
Getting our coffee fix!
Emma stealing my new headphones I bought while in Auckland!
Short stop in National Park.
Not long after National Park you pass over the river where the Tangiwai Disaster took part (side note: Check out the photos I took for the recent movie reenactment of this disaster)
A highly recommended trip for any kiwi, or tourist alike! We had three nights in Auckland, which was the perfect amount of time to do this journey both ways. If you had less time there, I’d suggest doing the train one way, and flying the other – as 12hrs is a long time, but it’s still through some of the most breathtaking scenery our country has to offer!