Town City Train
Town City Train
Is it possible to travel between New Zealand towns and cities by train?
When abroad, I always like to use rail as much as I can because train lines offer an opportunity to see scenery you otherwise wouldn’t see because often train lines are more remote than roads; not to mention more comfortable than driving or travelling by bus.
Is it practical to travel via rail in New Zealand, how frequent are services? I would imagine there is better rail infrastructure on the North Island, how is it on the South Island?
Also, what sort of cost as I looking at, and how fast are trains in New Zealand, are speeds comparable to road travel?
Thanks
Actually, despite what Doris says the train that runs from Christchurch to Greymouth (the Tranz alpine) is a world renowned train trip and is considered an amazing experience!
I found the train to be very comfortable and you could purchase amazing food on there too! (devonshire tea, pancakes and maple syrup, big breakfasts etc).
I would say for Scenic purposes both the Tranz alpine and the Tranz Scenic (Christchurch to Picton, via Kaikoura) are a great way to travel in NZ (Haven’t been on the Overlander from Wellington to Auckland before)
Also if you are tarvelling on Your Own this is a MUCH cheaper option than driving. Petrol is over $2.00 a litre now
This sight says it all http://tranzscenic.co.nz/
will give you an idea of prices etc.
In terms of speed, driving would be faster – but thats in large part due to the fact that a train has many more stops. I think they travel at around 90km per hour, speed limit on the open road is 100km per hour, but often when stuck behind trucks, campervans etc you get stuck going 85-80km per hour anyway.
I definetly highly recommend at least doing the tranz Alpine, its amazing and most of the scenery throughout it canNOT be seen from the road by driving
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