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The TranzAlpine runs 223 km from Christchurch to Greymouth, crossing the Southern Alps through Arthur's Pass at 737m. The 4h30m journey passes the Canterbury Plains, the Waimakariri Gorge, beech forests, and glacial valleys. It operates daily and features an open-air observation car. It is one of the world's most celebrated mountain train journeys.

There is no rail bridge or tunnel between the islands. Take a train to Wellington (North Island) or Picton (South Island), then cross on the Interislander or Bluebridge ferry (3h). KiwiRail offers a combined Scenic Train and Ferry package connecting Auckland-Wellington-Picton. The ferry crossing through the Marlborough Sounds is scenic.

The TranzAlpine runs daily year-round. The Coastal Pacific runs Thursday-Monday (4 days/week) from late September to April (seasonal). The Northern Explorer runs Friday, Saturday, and Monday only. Schedules and frequencies can change; always check the Great Journeys website before planning.

Only in Auckland and Wellington. Auckland's AT Metro serves suburbs with regular train service and is increasingly important as traffic congestion worsens. Wellington's Metlink trains are the primary commuter mode for the Hutt Valley and Kapiti Coast. Outside these cities, buses and cars are the dominant transport modes.

Summer (December-February) offers the clearest skies for the TranzAlpine and Coastal Pacific. However, trains are busiest and book out fastest. Autumn (March-May) offers golden foliage in the Southern Alps with fewer crowds. The Coastal Pacific only runs September-April, missing winter months when the Marlborough coast is cooler.