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New Zealand railway journeys

There can be few better countries in the world than New Zealand to take a scenic train journey in — and luckily it has two of the best.

The TranzAlpine rail journey traverses the South Island's Southern Alps of New Zealand, from the Pacific Ocean in the east to the Tasman Sea in the west, past varied and breathtaking scenery.

The Coastal Pacific train runs from Picton to Blenheim and Kaikoura before arriving in Christchurch. New Zealand's stunning coastal scenery makes this a photographer's dream.

The TranzAlpine, South Island

Distance: 224 km (139 miles) journey time: four and a half hours route: christchurch to greymouth return, daily.

The grand doyen of New Zealand’s scenic rail journeys, the TranzAlpine splices across South Island from east to west (or west to east, if you embark in Greymouth). It follows a route laid down in the 1860s by hardy stagecoaches carrying provisions to west-coast gold prospectors.

Most voyagers begin in Christchurch , a city steadily piecing itself together post-earthquake. The first few minutes of the journey take you through placid suburbs of wooden bungalows. But, before long, the train is streaking out across the low-lying Canterbury Plains.

After an hour or so of patchworked farmland dotted with sheep and cattle (and red deer, which are commercial livestock in New Zealand), the foothills of the Southern Alps start to smudge the horizon.

A silvery braided river, the Waimakariri, opens out in a gorge. The train traverses steel-girder bridges and viaducts over more gorges to climb into the snowy shanks of the Southern Alps proper.

You’ll catch sight of alpine lakes, deep V-shaped valleys, beech forests, and mist-wreathed mountains before the train plateaus onto a high, grassy plain of tussock and gorse.

You then have the opportunity to disembark briefly and stretch your legs on the platform of Arthur’s Pass, once a village of railway tunnel builders and now an outpost for the surrounding Arthur's Pass National Park . Here, you might spot a kea or two — fiercely intelligent (and famously pugnacious) native alpine parrots. Guard your lunch closely.

From Arthur’s Pass, you plunge into the Otira Tunnel, one of New Zealand’s longest, before emerging into the railway town of the same name.

Another river, the Taramakau, comes into view, and the train crosses this waterway several times on its final leg into Greymouth. Look out for waterfalls lacing more mountainsides, and the scars of long-disused mines.

What I like most about this journey (scenery aside) is how the train curls around several long bends, meaning you can look back from the open-air observation car and take a photograph of the carriages unspooling behind you, framed by mountains.

That said, some of the best moments for me have been spent at my seat, camera switched off and coffee in hand (there’s a great buffet car), simply taking it all in.

Once in Greymouth, you’re at the gateway to the west-coast glaciers (which you can explore via heli-hike ). From here, you can also embark on one of New Zealand’s greatest drives , the route from Haast to Queenstown, by way of more waterfalls, estuaries, podocarp rainforest, lakes and viewpoints over the Tasman Sea.

The Coastal Pacific, South Island

Distance: 347 km (216 miles) journey time: five and a half hours route: picton to christchurch via blenheim and kaikoura, daily.

This is a great option if you like the idea of stepping right off the Interislander Ferry from Wellington and being immediately whisked off to see two of the standout highlights of South Island from the comfort of a railway carriage. Even your luggage can be automatically transferred from the ferry to the train.

You leave Picton’s  secluded wooded inlet, passing through a valley, and before you know it you’re zipping through a flat landscape of primped and polished vineyards.

The main delight of this train is the ability for you to hop on and off, breaking your journey for a night or more. I’d recommend spending a day or so touring the wineries around Blenheim , the heart of New Zealand’s sauvignon blanc country.

Back on board, you’re greeted by grassy hills, distant snow-capped mountains, and a saline lake, Grassmere, which often glows pink from a type of algae.

Then you reach the ocean. The tracks run along the shoreline, and they’ve been extensively rebuilt among the landslides caused by earthquakes. At times you’re sandwiched between waves and mountains. Look closely at the rocks along the shore, which are often littered with recumbent seals.

Break your journey again at Kaikoura, the country’s premier whale-watching spot. You can even admire them from the air, as we highlight in our guide to observing New Zealand’s wildlife .

Shortly after leaving Kaikoura , the train sweeps inland and travels through lustrously green hills and valleys before reaching its terminus, Christchurch. The train station is housed on a modest industrial estate, but around it lie the remains of Addington Railway Workshops, where many of New Zealand’s locomotives were built.

From Christchurch, you can easily link up with the TranzAlpine, as described above.

The Northern Explorer, North Island

Distance: 680 km (423 miles) journey time: ten and a half hours route: auckland to wellington, three times a week.

The Northern Explorer doesn’t seem to get as much international press as the TranzAlpine, but I think it’s just as rewarding. That is, if you’re interested in seeing a landscape punctuated by chargrilled-looking volcanoes as opposed to alpine vistas.

This train cuts through the volcanic heartland of North Island on its route from city to city, taking in both coastline and rainforest. As you near Wellington , you can look out over to the densely forested lump of Kapiti Island, a predator-free haven for native birdlife.

The engineering feats that made such a journey possible are, for me, just as impressive as the scenery.

The route takes you on the North Island Main Trunk Railway, completed in 1908. Its chef d’oeuvre is the Raurimu Spiral (constructed 1905-1908), which makes light work of an otherwise unbreachable incline. On board, you can see how the track loops back on itself.

You’ll also cross the heritage-listed Makatote Viaduct, once one of the world’s highest, before reaching your journey’s end.

You start off in gently pastoral farming country around Hamilton. The drama comes when you enter Tongariro National Park . You can gaze through the train’s large panoramic windows at a trio of volcanoes — Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro — their slopes the shade of burnt toffee. Sometimes they’re topped with snow.

You have the option to stop here for a night or two to explore Mount Ruapehu on two wheels . More traditionally, you can go hiking. I recommend a guided walk on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing , where fumaroles, neon-green sulfur lakes and lava formations await.

Life on board is comfortable: carriages are well-appointed and the ride itself is incredibly smooth (due to a very advanced suspension system). The food is excellent, too, and there’s a choice of salads, platters and wraps.

One note on this journey: the Northern Explorer complements, rather than replaces, exploring the North Island by car for first-time visitors (otherwise, you’d miss too much).

It works particularly well in a North-Island-focused itinerary , as you can wend your way south on the train and then pick up a rental car to head back to Auckland. This lets you go back and explore North Island big hitters, such as Rotorua and Napier, at your own pace.

Start planning your New Zealand railway journey

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Start thinking about your experience. These itineraries are simply suggestions for how you could enjoy some of the same experiences as our specialists. They’re just for inspiration, because your trip will be created around your particular tastes.

Further reading

• Driving vacations in New Zealand: 3 great routes
• Exploring New Zealand by campervan: an all-you-need-to-know guide
• Where to go cycling in New Zealand (and why you’d want to)
• Observing New Zealand’s wildlife by land, sea and starlight
• Cruising in New Zealand

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The 5 Best Train Journeys in New Zealand

Backyard Production / Getty Images

Outside the greater Auckland and Wellington regions, train travel is not an everyday way of getting around in New Zealand. However, a small number of mostly long-distance routes provide a scenic and relaxed alternative to driving around New Zealand . One of these spans most of the length of the North Island, while the others traverse different regions of the South Island.

As well as connecting places of interest travelers, train travel has the benefit of allowing you to relax. Driving in New Zealand can be challenging because of the mountainous terrain and lack of highways, so including a train journey as part of your itinerary can allow you to relax and soak in the beautiful landscapes.

Here's what you need to know about the scenic train journeys of New Zealand.

Northern Explorer: Auckland to Wellington

Toni Greaves / Stringer / Getty Images

The Northern Explorer starts in Auckland and ends in Wellington, or vice versa. The route cuts through the center of the North Island and takes about 11 hours to complete, which is a comparable time to driving this same distance (400 miles). Scenic highlights include the farmland of Waikato, the dramatic hillocks and forests of the King Country, Tongariro National Park and its three volcanoes (Tongariro, Ruapehu, and Ngauruhoe), and the Kapiti Coast north of Wellington.

The Northern Explorer is a comfortable train with seats clustered around tables. There's an open-air viewing platform, onboard toilets (which are more spacious than airplane toilets), and a dining cart serving food and drinks. The food served on the train tends to be overpriced and underwhelming, so it's a good idea to bring a picnic (BYO alcohol is not allowed, however).

Travelers on the Northern Explorer can get off at stations en route, such as at Otorohanga for the Waitomo Caves or Ohakune for the Tongariro National Park, and continue on another train a few days later, or pick up a car and continue the journey from there. The train runs in either direction a few times per week, year-round.

Marlborough Flyer: Picton to Blenheim

 Elen Turner

The Marlborough Flyer is the shortest (and the most charming) of the journeys on this list, as it travels a mere 18 miles between Picton and Blenheim , in the Marlborough region at the top of the South Island. By car this trip takes less than 30 minutes, but the train ride takes about an hour.

While the train travels a short distance, riding it is an experience in and of itself. As as it's a steam train from 1915, the carriages look appropriately vintage. Each carriage is sponsored by a local winery (Marlborough is the largest producer of wine in New Zealand ) and samples are given on board.

Starting in the beautiful port town of Picton in the Marlborough Sounds , the Marlborough Flyer travels past the practically endless fields of vineyards outside Blenheim before stopping at Blenheim Station, which conveniently houses The Wine Station . This innovative wine-tasting bar offers dozens of local wines in self-serve machines.

The Marlborough Flyer can be traveled as a return trip from Picton after arriving in the South Island on the Interislander Ferry, or one-way in either direction.

Coastal Pacific: Picton to Christchurch

 naumoid / Getty Images

The Coastal Pacific travels along the east coast of the upper South Island, covering the 208 miles between Picton and Christchurch, stopping roughly halfway in Kaikoura . Kaikoura is a popular whale-watching destination so many travelers take the opportunity to stop there for a couple of days before continuing the train journey.

Like the Northern Explorer, the Coastal Pacific is comfortable and comes with onboard amenities. Scenic Plus Class provides freshly prepared food and commentary in an upgraded carriage.

The Coastal Explorer is seasonal and runs from early spring (September) until mid-autumn (April). It runs three times a week.

TranzAlpine: Christchurch to Greymouth

The TranzAlpine cuts through the mountainous center of the South Island, from Christchurch on the east coast to Greymouth on the west. The 139-mile journey takes five hours to complete and starts in the flat expanses of the Canterbury Plains before traveling up over the Southern Alps and ending on the wild and rugged West Coast.

The TranzAlpine is a handy way of traveling from coast to coast, which can be a challenging route to drive. Greymouth is a handy jumping-off point for exploring the West Coast, where the Hokitika Gorge, Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers , Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, and the Paparoa National Park are highlights.

Like the other long-distance trains, amenities and comforts are available onboard. Scenic Plus Class offers an upgraded service.

Taieri Gorge Railway: Dunedin to Middlemarch

m-kojot / Getty Images

The Taieri Gorge Railway is another journey that's less about getting from point A to B and more about enjoying the ride. The route travels through some classic big-sky Central Otago landscape, as well as the Taieri Gorge itself. Starting in Dunedin, at the famous neo-gothic Dunedin Railway Station, the Taieri Gorge Railway travels 47 miles to the small town of Middlemarch, locally famous for its annual Singles Ball. The highlight of the trip is the dramatic Taieri Gorge, carved by the Taieri River, between the Taieri Plains and the high Maniototo Plateau, and the high railbridge.

Most passengers on the Taieri Gorge Railway return to Dunedin on the same day, as Middlemarch isn't very conveniently located for traveling elsewhere in Otago.

The Taieri Gorge Railway is run by Dunedin Railways, which also offers a couple of other day-trip train rides from Dunedin: the Inlander (between Dunedin and Hindon) and the Seasider (between Dunedin and Waitati).

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Coastal Pacific™ train itinerary

Scenic train journey between Picton and Christchurch

• 98 kms of rugged coast
• Picton waterfront
• Kaikōura - famous for crayfish

View Coastal Pacific™ route

The Coastal Pacific™ train trip, which travels through the Kaikōura ranges, is one of the great journeys of New Zealand, transporting you by rail between Picton and Christchurch. 

The journey is just over 5 hours, but why not take your time and book a stop over for a couple of days to explore, Picton, Kaikōura and Christchurch.

Day 1: Sail on the ferry from Wellington to Picton

Interislander Kaitaki entering the Tory Channel, Wellington

By Rob Pine

Picton Marina, New Zealand

Crossing the Cook Strait on a Bluebridge Ferry , Wellington

By Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferries

Home to world famous Marlborough Sounds

• Queen Charlotte Track
• Picton's relaxing waterfront
• Gateway to the South Island

Find out more about Picton

Linking the North and South Islands together, the Interislander and Bluebridge ferries are both excellent ways to get from Wellington to Picton. 

The 3.5 hour sailing across the Cook Strait is as relaxing as it is scenic. As playful dolphins frolic alongside the ferry sit back and relax on the outside deck or lounge inside at the café or bar. 

During the winter months humpback whales can be seen gracefully gliding their enormous bodies through the strait as they migrate to the south. 

Glimpses of land appear as the ferry slowly drifts past secluded inlets of the Marlborough Sounds where you're greeted with the palm tree lined waterfront of Picton . 

For local maps, expert advice and to book activities visit Picton isite Visitor Information Centre , which is a mere five minutes walk from the ferry terminal and most accommodation providers are close by. 

Day 2: Exploring Picton and surrounds

Queen Charlotte Track, Marlborough

By www.cougarline.co.nz

Hans Herzog winery, Marlborough

By Destination Marlborough

Friendly pigs welcoming mail run visitors to the outer Pelorus Sounds, Marlborough

By Pelorus Mail Boat

Mail boat delivering to Wakatahuri, Marlborough

By Jim Baillie

Excellent Marlborough wineries and boutique shops

• Short drive to Blenheim wineries
• Green-lipped mussel tours
• Great walking and hiking

Towns in the Marlborough area

Considered the heart of the Marlborough Sounds and built around a sheltered harbour, the picturesque port town of Picton is home to great cafés, restaurants, galleries and specialty boutique stores. And with less than 5,000 locals you're bound to meet a few friendly faces.

Picton is home to many excellent tramping and cycling trails including the Queen Charlotte Track (opens in new window) . Although the climate is mild and generally warm, the area also has a high average rainfall so you need to be prepared and check the weather before you begin. 

Green-lipped mussels are grown and harvested in abundance in the area and the small village of Havelock , just 45 minutes drive from Picton, is the gateway to the Pelorus Sounds .

Marlborough Tour Company Mail Boat tour is a super relaxing full day tour onboard a  catamaran, meandering slowly through the clear waters of the Pelorus Sounds to deliver mail and supplies to locals who live remotely in the sounds. Waiting on the jetty's you'll meet some interesting characters and hear how Kiwi ingenuity shapes the somewhat primitive life in the sounds. It's not just the locals who wait on the jetties - keep a look out for dogs, pigs, sheep and seals! 

Day 3: Picton to Kaikōura on the Coastal Pacific™

Lake Grassmere Salt Plains from the Coastal Pacific, Marlborough

By Coastal Pacific

Coastal Pacific travelling through Marlborough, Marlborough

By KiwiRail

Kaikoura, Christchurch - Canterbury

By Moray Nairn

New Zealand fur seals relaxing in Kaikoura, Christchurch - Canterbury

By Kyle Mulinder

Vast open plains, mountain ranges and wildlife

• Kaikōura crayfish
• Whale watching
• Albatross tours

Find the top 10 things to do in Kaikōura

After a sleep-in and leisurely brunch, make your way to Picton Train Station (just behind Picton isite Visitor Information Centre ) ready for an early afternoon departure on the Coastal Pacific ™, one of New Zealand's great train journeys.

Leaving Picton behind, your Coastal Pacific ™ train trip begins with views of New Zealand's premium wine growing region of Blenheim, home to world-renowned Marlborough sauvignon blanc. The patchwork landscape of deep oranges and burnt yellows are thanks to the long hot days and dry weather in this region.

The Coastal Pacific™ railway's many tunnels are a major feature of the journey. The cost and difficulty of building these 20 tunnels resulted in the railway taking more than 80 years to complete.

The tunnels are clustered in the cliffs that rise either side of Kaikōura's  vast plains. The majority of these tunnels are between  Ōkiwi  Bay and Claverley.

Continuing on, you'll notice the landscape becomes lush as the train tracks cross into the northern Canterbury region. 

Lake Grassmere is an interesting sight, the pastel pink and whites you'll see is  the result of natural salt production. Seawater, fresh from the Pacific Ocean, is pumped into the lake and into  crystallisation ponds until the salt is harvested. The pink to purple colour of the crystallisation ponds is caused by natural microscopic green algae that change to pink in the high salt concentration. The same phenomena that gives the Red Sea its name. 

Continuing south, keep a look out for the Ohau Point Seal Colony. Often, hundreds of New Zealand fur seals can be spotted sunning themselves on the rocks or frolicking amongst the seaweed. The train travels close enough to the ocean to see the seals with the naked eye. 

One of the most spectacular moments of the Coastal Pacific ™ journey is at Mangamaunu Bay. Here the train rounds the southern end of the bay delivering exceptional close-up views of the  Kaikōura mountain ranges.  Mangamaunu Bay is also one of the best surf beaches in New Zealand and during peak surf conditions, the bay is so popular that surfers queue up to take turns.

In the late afternoon the Coastal Pacific ™ arrives into   Kaikōura Train Station (also known as the Whaleway Station) which is on the waterfront in the same building as Whalewatch Kaikōura.

Accommodation options are ten minute walk from the station in the town centre or a short drive away. 

Day 4: Exploring wildlife in Kaikōura

Pod of dophins, Christchurch - Canterbury

By Dennis Buurman

Whale tail, Christchurch - Canterbury

By Whale Watch Kaikoura

Albatross Encounters Kaikoura, Christchurch - Canterbury

By Albatross Encounters Kaikoura

Crayfish BBQs and wildlife encounters

• Seward Kaikōura Ranges
• Mt Fyffe - walking and hiking
• New Zealand fur seal colonies

Find out more about Kaikōura wildlife

Kaikōura is a base for wildlife experiences of all kinds – it’s also a great place to eat crayfish (in Māori language 'kai' means food, 'kōura' means crayfish). 

Kaikōura's environment is truly spectacular, the village is sandwiched between the rugged seaward Kaikōura Range and the Pacific Ocean. In winter the mountains are covered with snow, adding to the drama of the landscape.

The special talents of the area are marine mammal encounters. Whales, fur seals and dolphins live permanently in the coastal waters. Whale watching trips leave the town several times a day and the local seal colony is always entertaining. 

Kaikōura Canyon, where many wildlife encounters take place, is deep and open and the sea conditions can change quickly. When the seas are too rough, head to the clouds and whale watch from above with Wings over Whales .

There are also plenty of cafés, restaurants and shops to explore and of course you should try succulent Kaikōura crayfish fresh off the boat at Nins Bin crayfish caravan (opens in new window) , at a waterfront restaurant or  Kaikōura Seafood BBQ (opens in new window) .

Day 5: Kaikōura to Christchurch on the Coastal Pacific™

Coastal Pacific leaving Kaikoura, Christchurch - Canterbury

Coastal Pacific View from beach curving around Oaro , Christchurch - Canterbury

Coastal Pacific enjoying open air carriage views, Christchurch - Canterbury

Coastal Pacific , New Zealand

The Canterbury Plains are New Zealand's largest area of continuous flat land

• Spectacular Southern Alps
• Okarahia Viaduct
• Mangamaunu Bay surf beach

Find out more about Canterbury

With most of the day free, it's then time to head back to the Whaleway Station in the afternoon to board the Coastal Pacific™ bound for Christchurch. 

Heading south, the train travels over the Kahutara River Bridge which stretches 241 metres long. Enjoy stunning views of the Kahutara River below, the Pacific Ocean on the left and the Seaward  Kaikōura  Ranges on the right. 

Okarahia Viaduct, at 21 metres high and 115 metres long, is an unexpected gem and a beautiful sight to behold.  Views of the viaduct appear suddenly from behind trees near Claverley Road and you're treated to stunning views of the Pacific Ocean on the left and tree-lined Okarahia Valley on the right.

Travelling on to the north-eastern tip of the Canterbury Plains (which span a massive 200 kilometres from north to south) the Coastal Pacific™ is now sharing the land with the TranzAlpine™ whose main territory is the Southern Alps. The TranzAlpine™ follows the valleys of the Waimakariri River while the Coastal Pacific™ crosses over the river near Kaiapoi. 

Historically, the train route of the Coastal Pacific™ began as two separate railways; one from Christchurch to  Kaikōura and another from Picton to Blenheim. Connecting the two railways together was impossible with the Kaikōura Ranges in the way. The only option was to build the train route around the coast, creating a scenic train journey on the very edge of the world. 

As the Coastal Pacific™ pulls into Christchurch Railway Station (sometimes known as Addington Station) your train journey comes to an end just after sunset. 

Grab a taxi from the station and head into the central city where you'll find many options for acccomodation.

Christchurch is an interesting city so it's worth spending a few nights exploring. 

If your next stop is the West Coast consider the scenic journey through the Southern Alps onboard the TranzAlpine ™  which departs from Christchurch Station. 

 View the  Coastal Pacific™ route below

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Brilliant Rail Journeys That Won't Bust The Budget

Posted: August 11, 2023 | Last updated: August 11, 2023

Christchurch to Greymouth, New Zealand

Taking in some of New Zealand's most dramatic landscapes, the TranzAlpine route from Christchurch to Greymouth travels through some of the most incredible sights on the South Island. The train crosses Canterbury Plains and travels alongside the Waimakariri River before ascending into the mountains where it crosses the Staircase Viaduct. One-way fares start from $117 and all the seats line up with the huge panoramic windows and roof skylights.

Glasgow to Mallaig, Scotland, UK

Dubbed Britain's most scenic train route, the West Highland Line runs from the Scottish city of Glasgow to Fort William before continuing its journey towards the port of Mallaig. The journey traverses the Scottish Highlands' epic landscape and passes through the remote wilderness of Rannoch Moor. After a brief stop in Fort William, the train crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct – the same bridge the Hogwarts Express crosses in the Harry Potter films.

For an even more authentic Harry Potter experience, there's The Jacobite steam train – it's the one used in the films. This year the train is scheduled to run Monday to Friday from early April to late October between Fort William and Mallaig. A standard adult return ticket costs $69. Otherwise, regular ScotRail trains between Glasgow and Mallaig run every day and a one-way off-peak fare is around $35.

San Luis Obispo to San Diego, California, USA

Stretching along the Pacific coastline, Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner connects the southern Californian cities of San Luis Obispo and San Diego. It's a comfortable 351-mile (565km) journey taking in stunning ocean views, beaches, rocky coast and quaint towns along the way. The train stops in places like Santa Barbara, Anaheim and Los Angeles along the way so if you have time, you can hop off and explore.

One-way fares start from around $70 and the full journey takes just over eight hours. Normally, the route offers 13 daily round-trip services between San Diego and Los Angeles, five to Santa Barbara and two to San Luis Obispo so travelers can be flexible with their itinerary, but do check the website for the latest timetables and service updates.

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Kandy to Ella, Sri Lanka

Flåm to Myrdal, Norway

Often described as one of the most beautiful train rides in the world, this journey is just under two hours and takes in some of the most beautiful scenery Norway has to offer. The Flåm Railway travels from sea level at the Sognefjord in Flåm to the Myrdal mountain station, 2,841 feet (866m) above sea level.

Williams to Grand Canyon Village, Arizona, USA

The trip on the Grand Canyon Railway begins in Williams, a small town 30 miles (48km) west of Flagstaff. Meandering its way through ponderosa pine forests and open prairie, the train terminates in Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park before heading back to Williams. On the way, passengers are encouraged to get into the spirit of the Old West and enjoy the musical entertainment, cowboy characters and other surprises.

One-way fares start from $67 for a traditional Pullman Class seat up to $226 for a spot in the luxury dome car which has a private bar service and incredible views. Pick the luxury parlor and you'll be able to step out on the rear platform to see the changing landscape from a different perspective.

Cairns to Kuranda, Queensland, Australia

The two-hour journey on the Kuranda Scenic Railway begins in Cairns and takes visitors through one of the world's oldest rainforests. The tropical scenery takes in waterfalls, mountains and ravines as well as one of Queensland's most popular national parks, Barron Gorge. In Kuranda, visitors can tour the historic train station which is more than 100 years-old, plus a reptile park and a butterfly sanctuary.

In pictures: The world's most beautiful train stations

Return fares start from $51 for adults and $25 for children. Many opt to take the railway to Kuranda and get the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway back, to experience the World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics of Queensland from a different angle. A combined rail and cableway ticket costs $79 for adults and $42 for children.

Dar es Salaam to Kapiri Mposhi, Tanzania and Zambia

The TAZARA (Tanzania & Zambia Railway Authority) route is a great way of experiencing a safari without splashing out. The train travels from Dar es Salaam in Tanzania to the Zambian town of Kapiri Mposhi through the Selous game reserve, offering a chance to spot elephants, lions, giraffes and more. The journey covers 1,150 miles (1,852km) and takes just under 48 hours to complete.

Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, Vietnam

When traveling on The Reunification Express line (also known as the North-South Railway) you don't have to choose between seeing historic cities, charming towns and spectacular coastline – this journey has it all. Traversing more than a thousand miles between Hanoi in the north and Ho Chi Minh City in the south, the route is one of Asia's most popular train rides. The full journey takes over two days but you can hop on and off at destinations like Hue and Da Nang.

Creel to Los Mochis, Mexico

The Chepe Express , running from the coastal city of Los Mochis in northern Sinaloa to Creel in Chihuahua, is easily one of the most picturesque train journeys you could take without blowing the budget. Throughout the nine-hour trip, the train goes through 86 tunnels and crosses 37 bridges, and traverses the epic canyons of the Sierra Tarahumara, including the Copper Canyon.

Winnipeg to Churchill, Manitoba, Canada

Part of VIA Rail Canada's Adventure Routes, the Winnipeg to Churchill route (formerly known as the Hudson Bay and before that the Northern Spirits) is the only dry land connection to Churchill from the rest of Canada. The journey stretches 1,054 miles (1,697km) and takes more than two days to complete.

As the train edges its way closer to Churchill, passengers have the chance to spot unparalleled northern landscapes and maybe even a polar bear or two. Travelers can choose between economy class or sleeper plus, which includes meals throughout the trip. One-way fares start from around $181.

Lima to Huancayo, Peru

The trip takes 14 hours to complete and travels through the Nor Yauyos-Cochas Landscape Reserve, one of Peru's most important protected areas with breathtaking landscapes. Those keen to travel should plan the trip carefully as the trains only run eight to nine times a year between April and November. One-way fares start around $132.

Johannesburg to Cape Town, South Africa

The Blue Train running from Pretoria to Cape Town is one of the most luxurious train journeys in the world with an eye-watering price tag to match. However, there is a much cheaper alternative. Starting from Johannesburg, passengers on this train enjoy the exact same views as those on the Blue Train – the Karoo desert, Hex River Pass, Cape wine region (pictured) and Table Mountain – for a fraction of the price.

The Shosholoza Meyl train, with sleeping cars and a restaurant, offers one-way fares starting at around $40. The other option is on the train's Premier Classe which has private sleepers, all meals included and a lounge-bar car. With prices at around $228 for a one-way ticket, it's still a lot more affordable than the Blue Train and offers a very similar experience.

These are the world’s most luxurious train journeys

Mettupalayam to Udagamandalam, Tamil Nadu, India

India's only rack railway, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway from Mettupalayam to Udagamandalam is part of the UNESCO-listed Mountain Railways of India but a one-way ride in sleeper class won't cost you more than $2.40. The train climbs the mountain rather sharply – it has the steepest track in Asia with a maximum gradient of 8.33%. The route takes exactly 290 minutes to go uphill, yet the return journey is 75 minutes shorter.

The route is 28.5 miles (46km) long and passes through many tunnels and over hundreds of bridges. The surrounding scenery includes rocky terrain, ravines, tea plantations and forested hills. The best views are between Mettupalayam and Coonoor, which is famous for its teas.

Take a look at these abandoned train stations around the world

Zermatt to St. Moritz, Switzerland

Connecting two of Switzerland's mountain resorts, the Glacier Express is a brilliant way of seeing some of the most beautiful views in the Swiss Alps. The scenic route takes in sights like Oberalp Pass, the highest point of the journey, and the Landwasser Viaduct (pictured) – a six-arch bridge which stands at 213 feet (65m) and plunges straight into a tunnel that leads through the mountain. The day-long trip covers 91 tunnels, 291 bridges and offers the chance to take in stunning alpine meadows, mountain lakes and chalets. 

Zermatt to St Moritz, Switzerland

Although you might expect to have to pay dearly for such a stunning train ride, the journey will only set you back around $166 for a one-way, second-class ticket. You can choose to pay a $53 supplement for a three-course lunch or you're free to bring your own food, drink and even a bottle of wine on board. There is a food service car and staff come down the train taking orders. The panoramic coaches were specially built for the service in 2006.

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• Train Services
• The Northern Explorer
• The Coastal Pacific
• The Tranz Alpine
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New Zealand long distance passenger train services

Northern Explorer: Auckland-Wellington-Auckland train service The Northern Explorer train service is a scenic rail journey through the five unique geographical regions of the North Island - travelling between Auckland, New Zealand's largest city - home of the Sky Tower, through the central heartland of the North Island to Wellington - New Zealand's harbour capital and arts and culture centre. Read more

Coastal Pacific: Christchurch–Picton–Christchurch train service The Coastal Pacific train operates between the delightful port of Picton - the gateway to the beautiful Marlborough Sounds - to Kaikoura - the home of whale watching and onto Christchurch - the South Island's largest city. Read more

Tranz Alpine: Christchurch–Greymouth–Christchurch train service The Tranz Alpine train operates between Christchurch, Arthurs Pass and Greymouth - from the east coast to the west coast of New Zealand's South Island. Read more

Enjoy the   Scenic Class   experience onboard with a range of fresh food and beverages available from the café car. Seating is comfortable '2 Seat-Aisle-2 Seat' reclining seats with head rests or 'Table Group' (4 people around a table) seating - great for families, small groups or meeting new friends.

Regional passenger train services in New Zealand Alongside the three long distance passenger train services in New Zealand there are also two regional passenger train services.

• The Capital Connection train operates between Wellington and Palmerston North Monday to Friday
•  The Wairapapa Connection train operates between Wellington and Masterton seven days a week

There are no overnight regional or long distance passenger train services in New Zealand. Travel to other major tourist destinations in New Zealand is by scenic bus and coach services from either Auckland, Hamilton, Christchurch or Greymouth.

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