A wide range of popular and useful New Zealand travel books. The Tranz Alpine train operates daily between Christchurch, Arthurs Pass and Greymouth - from the east coast to the west coast of New Zealand's South Island. In the South Island, Kiwirail runs two magnificent railways. The line features five major bridges, five viaducts and 17 tunnels, the longest of which is the Otira tunnel. It was built in the early 1900s and parts of it kind of look like a castle. The Taieri Gorge Railway journey starts at the Dunedin Railway Station, one of the nicest old buildings in Dunedin (and New Zealand). This scenic train journey is remarkable, with the Kaikoura Ranges rising steeply on one side and the Pacific Ocean swells washing over a rocky coastline on the other. After its completion in 1906, the station often served 100 trains a day. Hear live onboard commentary as you travel through the Canterbury Plains to the historic city of Dunedin, then head to Queenstown and Franz Josef Glacier via the rugged west coast before returning to Christchurch on the TranzAlpine. See an error? New Zealand train tours. The New Zealand Cycle Trail covers the country from head to toe. It is the route of the popular TranzAlpine passenger train. Mobile-friendly - Grand Pacific Tours are the New Zealand coach holiday specialists offering a range of all inclusive, value for money holidays. Mobile-friendly - This exciting day-tour includes jet boating on the mighty Waimakariri river, a 4WD adventure across Mt Torlesse High Country Station, and a scenic tour through the breathtaking Canterbury high country to Arthurs Pass National Park located in the stunning Southern Alps of New Zealand. The Kingston Flyer is a vintage steam train in the South Island of New Zealand at the southern end of Lake Wakatipu. Break up your road trip in New Zealand by stopping in some pretty stunning places. Top South Island Rail Tours: See reviews and photos of rail tours in South Island, New Zealand on Tripadvisor. The TranzAlpine, hauled by two DC class locomotives. About. Sit back and relax on a train in the South Island, arrive at your destination refreshed and in comfort. Rail transport in New Zealand is an integral part of New Zealand's transport network, with a nationwide network of 4,128 km (2,565 mi) of track linking most major cities in the North and South Islands, connected by inter-island rail and road ferries. This is a significant programme of change for the land transport system and will come into effect with the National Land Transport Programme 2021–24. Readers Tours offer adventurous seniors a perfect combination of sights and unique experiences. This South Island train tours map displays tourism business locations in your chosen region, area, city or township. NZ is home to stunning golf courses set in incredible locations of natural landscapes. New Zealand South Island Rail Tour. New Zealand train tours are a great way to explore New Zealand and to learn of our history and heritage. This train tour, the Alpine Pacific train tour, is probably the best known of the railways and rail tours operating in the South Island, although be prepared to discover some little known gems run by steam enthusiasts. It is a product of the recommendations from the Future of Rail review. Call us today and we can start planning your perfect New Zealand touring vacation! Each carriage is comfortably equipped with full on-board facilities and the outside observation platform provides spectacular viewing. Large panoramic windows offer uninterrupted views not seen when travelling by road. The only NZ trains to travel through a town centre street (SH1) to the longest curved wooden bridge in the Southern Hemisphere. Out of the window you'll see miles upon miles of stunning back country and you'll get front row seats. Our coach touring packages allow you to relax and enjoy New Zealand's spectacular scenery, while taking in a range of unique and exciting activities along the way. Construction of a line running the length of the east coast began in the 1860s and was completed all the way from Picton to Invercargill in 1945; the last sections being on the Main North Line south of Picton. 803 × 1100 • 261 KB • PNG. NZ's only passenger rail company combines breath-taking scenic-train journeys with quality facilities and comfort. Information about Travel insurance for people visiting, working or settling in New Zealand. Mobile-friendly - Discover New Zealand with our fantastic selection of holiday and vacation packages. About. South Island trains are an easy and enjoyable way of seeing New Zealand. Buy Kiwiana and other New Zealand products quickly and easily. 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