New Zealand is known for its rugged, river-filled and mountainous landscapes which were once a challenge to traverse, resulting in impressive feats of early railway engineering. For travellers today, a combination of touring and rail journeys is the best way to experience the country and witness views of the famed landscapes you’d otherwise miss out on.
New Zealand is an all-year round travel destination with
each season highlighting a different scenic feature of our neighbouring
country. Spring and autumn make for particularly popular seasons to travel as
avoiding weather extremes is always a blessing for those wanting to make the
most of their travels, plus nature is putting on some of its most impressive
displays.
Auckland, on the country’s North Island, is a cosmopolitan hub of world-class food and wine, exhilarating outdoor adventures, a vibrant arts and culture scene, encompassed by spectacular surrounding landscapes. Take the time to explore this waterfront city’s Museum and Art Gallery, superb dining precincts and markets or take a 220m ride up the elevator to the top of the Sky Tower for stunning 360-degree panoramic views. It’s also a great base for venturing further afield to rustic vineyards, the charming rural town of Matakana or the nature aquarium that is Goat Island Marine Reserve just to mention a few.
The TranzAlpine train provides the perfect way to traverse the country’s Southern Alps and is arguably one of New Zealand’s finest inland rail expeditions. Journeying between Christchurch and Greymouth, passengers are provided with spectacular views of the vast Canterbury Plains, the mineral-rich and ice-blue waters of Waimakariri River, miles of native beech forest and the majestic Alps. The train ventures through unique locations such as Arthur’s Pass high up in the mountains, Moana and Lake Brunner off the beaten track, around the narrow gorge of Broken River and through the broad valleys in Otira. These natural wonders are experienced through wide, panoramic windows and spacious, reclining seats as well as glass shelves and skylights to truly immerse you in the surrounding epic landscapes. A café will keep your hunger at bay while the audio commentary system provides narratives and facts about the land, New Zealand’s history and iconic cultures.
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Departing from Dunedin on the South Island, the Taieri Gorge Railway journeys across the Taieri Plains before entering the narrow and deep ravine that is the famed Gorge. The train takes its passengers through ten tunnels, across multiple bridges and over the famous Wingatui Viaduct – the second largest wrought iron structure in operation in the world. This journey combines a wealth of history, including that of the New Zealand’s gold rush era and engineering feats of the country’s early pioneers, with stunning, isolated scenery that is all yours to enjoy.
New Zealand provides a truly magical holiday, especially when experienced through immersive cultural experiences and local insider knowledge. Though, whenever you’re thinking of visiting, click here for a holiday to suit you. Or contact Holidays of Australia and the World on 1300 854 897 or enquire at www.holidaysofaustralia.com.au.
Image credit: Chris McLennan, unsplash, Pukekohe Travel, AAT Kings.
