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If we've learned anything from our own travel advice over the years it's that there's more than one way to explore a place – especially in New Zealand. You can go by foot, by car, by kayak; you can even go by bungee or by parachute if you're an absolute adrenaline-seeker. But if you're looking for a more intimate, behind-the-scenes look into the Land of the Long White Cloud then go by train.
That's right. Even in this small island-country there are plenty of rails to ride. Are you on locum tenens assignment in New Zealand? Check out these iconic adventures.
The TranzAlpine is the trip of a lifetime. You'll travel from Christchurch to Greymouth, or vice versa, on the South Island. And along the way you'll encounter ineffable countryside. Landscape like the Canterbury Plains, the Waimakariri River, the Southern Alps and a slew of other gorges, glaciers and wild rivers. Just talking about it makes our jaws drop.
True to its name the Northern Explorer traverses some visually striking North Island terrain. From Auckland to Wellington (or again, vice versa) you'll journey through Tongariro National Park. Tongariro is home to dense forestland and long-hardened lava flows. You'll pass by volcanic mountains, over 25 bridges, and through 14 tunnels all from the comfort of your luxury train seat.
Coastal Pacific
If you're looking for another iconic coastal trek, take the Coastal Pacific. This one's back on the South Island and it travels between Picton at the top of the South Island and Christchurch along the northeast coast. You'll be coastal virtually the whole way. We recommend stopping off in Kaikoura at least for a few hours to witness some incredible marine life.