Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand, located on the North Island. Known as the "City of Sails," it's famous for its beautiful harbors, beaches, volcanic cones, and multicultural vibe. Auckland is a major economic and cultural hub with a mix of urban sophistication and outdoor adventure.
Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand, located at the southern tip of the North Island. It’s known for its vibrant arts scene, political importance, and scenic harbor. With charming neighborhoods, museums like Te Papa, and a strong café culture, Wellington is often called the “coolest little capital in the world.”
The Northern Exploreris New Zealand’s premier scenic long-distance train, connecting Aucklandand Wellingtonvia the North Island Main Trunk Line.This journey spans approximately 681 km (423 miles)and takes around 10 hours and 35 minutes southbound, or 10 hours and 55 minutes northbound, offering a captivating experience through diverse landscapes .
Traveling through five distinct geographical regions, the Northern Explorer showcases:
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The Northern Explorer is a premier scenic train operated by Great Journeys New Zealand, traversing the North Island from Auckland to Wellington. Covering approximately 681 kilometers (423 miles), the journey offers passengers a unique opportunity to experience diverse landscapes, including rolling farmlands, volcanic plateaus, and coastal vistas.
The train departs from The Strand Station in Auckland and concludes at Wellington Railway Station, with several notable stops along the way:
The Northern Explorer operates three times weekly in each direction:
Scenic Highlights
Onboard Experience
Booking & Reservations
For more information and to make reservations, visit the Great Journeys New Zealand official website.
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Viedma is a quiet city in southern Argentina, located near the Atlantic Ocean along the Río Negro River. It’s known for its relaxed atmosphere, historical charm, and proximity to nature, including coastal wildlife and scenic beaches. San Carlos de Bariloche, often just called Bariloche, is a picturesque city in the Andes, famous for its beautiful lakes, snow-capped mountains, and chocolate shops. It’s a top destination for skiing, hiking, and nature tourism in Argentina. The Palace on Wheelsis a luxury train operating exclusively in India, offering royal journeys through Rajasthan and other northern regions.It does not operate in Argentina, and therefore cannot be used for travel between Viedmaand Bariloche. Viedma to Bariloche by Train: Tren Patagónico For travel between Viedmaand San Carlos de Bariloche, the Tren Patagónicois the primary rail service: Route: Viedma → San Antonio Oeste → Valcheta → Sierra Colorada → Los Menucos → Maquinchao → Ingeniero Jacobacci → Clemente Onelli → Comallo → Pilcaniyeu → Bariloche Distance: Approximately 700 km (435 miles) Duration: Around 17.5 hours Departure: Typically departs from Viedma on Fridays at 3:00 PM Classes: First Class, Pullman, and Sleeper cabins Fares: Range from approximately $5 to $374, depending on class and booking time
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Tokyo is the capital city of Japan and one of the most populous cities in the world. It’s a global hub for finance, culture, and technology. Known for its mix of modern skyscrapers, traditional temples, cutting-edge fashion, and efficient transport, Tokyo is a vibrant and fast-paced city. Yokohama is Japan’s second-largest city, located just south of Tokyo. It’s a major port city known for its beautiful waterfront, international influence, and modern architecture. Yokohama has a relaxed vibe compared to Tokyo, with attractions like the Cup Noodles Museum and a large Chinatown district. Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Line: Tokaido Shinkansen Travel Time: Approximately 18 minutes Fare: Around ¥1,380 for an unreserved seat and ¥3,210 for a reserved seat JR Tokaido Main Line Travel Time: Approximately 23–30 minutes Fare: Approximately ¥500–¥1,000 Keihin-Tohoku Line Travel Time: Approximately 40 minutes Fare: Approximately ¥500–¥1,000 TravelPander+6 Narita Express (N'EX) Service: Direct service from Narita Airport to Yokohama Booking: Reservations can be made online All these trains are modern, punctual, and offer a comfortable travel experience. If you're looking for a scenic or luxury train journey within Japan, options like the Saphir Odoriko or Seven Stars in Kyushu might be of interest.
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