Northern Explorer - crossing New Zealand by train

Catch-up on the New Zealand series:

Read the accompanying blog for any details you want to check:

Join me as I take the Northern Explorer Train from Auckland to Wellington, one of New Zealand’s most iconic rail journeys.

This vlog covers my experience in standard class, offering incredible views of the North Island’s diverse landscapes.

From busy Auckland to the stunning gorges that pepper the journey, I’ll share the highlights of the nearly 12-hour trip, including onboard facilities and must-see sights along the way.

Whether you're a train enthusiast or a traveler looking for a scenic journey, this video will give you a detailed look at the Northern Explorer experience.

[AuntyPatz]

'Look to the left, look to the right. You have live scenery.'😂i love the Kiwi Humour

[robertmurray]

It's an enjoyable journey.
The train should run daily in both directions!!

[theresemuckel]

I love watching train videos because you can see so much beautiful landscape. New Zealand is really amazing, thank you for sharing.

[meredithlewis]

Thank you. I'm very curious about train travel in NZ so I look forward to your other videos.

[chrismckellar]

The Northern Explorer train services between Auckland and Wellington now has the new dedicated Scenic Plus carriage with the fancy table settings. I will be travelling Scenic Plus from Auckland to Wellington in December 2024.

By the way, The Strand station also has a cafe called the Strand Cafe where both Northern Explorer and Te Huia passenger can wait for either train. The Te Huia train operates between Auckland and Hamilton departs from the Strand station. A tourist can travel on travel Te Huia between Auckland and Hamilton and the Northern Explorer between Hamilton (for Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves) and Wellington.

[Moodleprof]

Hi Patrick, would you recommend any particular seating for this journey; facing left or right side?
I'm thinking of treating myself to the Scenic Plus 😊

[marc]

The train seems to have been hauled by the same diesel locomotive throughout. The Auckland to Wellington North Island Trunk Main Line starts (from the north end) with 25kV electrification for suburban trains, then there is a gap with no overhead wires, then a long central section which is all electrified at 25kV, then another unelectrified section, finally there are 1500v DC overhead wires into Wellington for the city's suburban trains. This is inefficient - the whole line should be 25kV electrified - and it also means the journey is slower than it should be. In some clips of this film you can see the catenary supports flicking by, in other clips there are none. Did the diesel locomotive haul the train the whole way? Or was an electric locomotive used to take the train over the long electrified middle section?

The film from inside the train shows how attractive NZ North Island is - many thanks. Not so attractive is the bizarre station used by the Northern Explorer in (or somewhere in) Auckland. Why doesn't it start from the main city station where the suburban trains all serve?