Really good way of travelling from Auckland to Wellington.

Staff could not be more helpful. Excellent train journey.

Reviewed almost 15 years ago and experienced in December 2008

Did this journey as part of an escorted tour.

Did it in two parts. The first two hours are through some farmland, nothing outstanding. When we picked up the train a couple of days later at a sleepy town in the foot of the Alps, the train was crowded and there was a muck up with our seats. TranzScenics ticket system sems very antiquated and prone to errors. Fantastic views after National Parks stop then in to farmland. Then spectacular views into Cook Straits for the later part of the journey. The number of travellers had thinned out greatly. Staff throughout the journey were great. Train slowed at viaducts thereby allowing time for photos.

Reviewed almost 14 years ago

Very long journey so take a book, ipod player, pillow, etc.

Seats are old airplane style but I think are due to be upgraded soon. We took cards but couldn't play due to the nature of the seats. Kids (train crazy) loved the journey surprisingly considering the long journey, especially the outside viewing platform and the small lounge area in the back carriage of the train (great for photos). The hot food on board is prone to running out so I think a well stock picnic bag might be a better idea. However the kapiti ice cream is nice for a mid afternoon and the overall food selection/pricing much better than it used to be. The viaducts and tunnels are the best bits, and if you can, arrange for nice weather so you can see the mountains. lol Tip: take a detailed route map with you so you can follow along where you are.

Reviewed almost 13 years ago

Staff great!

4 toilets on board,3 working at the start of the trip in Auckland 1 working by the time we got to Wellington. Bored beyond believe on the trip. Yes very nice scenery but even the tourists all nodded off to sleep. Thought they would have a dinning cart, not just a place you by food then go back to your seat and eat. Would have loved to go down to the dinning cart enjoy a nice meal with our friends and then go back to our seats. Very very long trip would not recommed it to others. Thank god we flew home, we did meet 5 other couple who had bought a package trip who were all dreading the trip home in 2 days.

Reviewed over 13 years ago