There are three major '''disadvantages of train travel in New Zealand''':
'''The Overlander''' Auckland - Middlemore - Papakura - Pukekohe - Hamilton - Otorohanga - Te Kuiti - Taumarunui - National Park - Ohakune - Marton - Feilding - Palmerston North - Levin - Paraparaumu - Porirua - Wellington
'''The TranzCoastal''' Picton - Blenheim - Seddon - Kaikoura - Mina - Waipara - Rangiora - Christchurch
'''The TranzAlpine''' Christchurch - Rolleston - Darfield - Springfield - Cass - Arthur's Pass National Park - Otira - Jacksons - Moana - Kokiri - Brunner - Greymouth
New Zealand trains are slightly narrower than American trains owning to the narrow gauge of the rails. There are four seats across the aisle. The narrower size of the trains in reflected in the baggage policy. Although the trains do have overhead racks, they are really not intended for anything larger than a handbag or hat. All other suitcases or bags must be checked and go in a separate baggage car. You will need to check your bags upon boarding the train and pick them up immediately upon getting off at your stop. On the Northern island, seats all face the same direction, whereas on the Southern Island some seats face each other, convenient for a family or group of 4 to travel together.
All trains have a snack car, serving sandwiches, meat pies, snacks, beverages and wine. All trains also have restrooms with flush toilet and sink at the end of each car. Trains are also heated/air conditioned as needed. Smoking is forbidden anywhere on the train..
On the Northern island Overlander trains, the very last car of each train is arranged in a "U" shaped lounge seating. All three sides of the train in the lounge area are glass, providing great views in a relaxed atmosphere. Seats in the lounge area are not reserved; you can freely move to the lounge and back to your seat as you wish. When the lounge area is full, guests are encouraged to return to their seats to allow others to sit in the lounge.
The trains also have an outdoor viewing platform, usually towards the engine of the train. The viewing platform has a covered roof, but the sides are open air. It's the ideal place to take photos from the train, as taking photos through a window can result in glare. It's probably not the best place to relax, and can be quite noisy. On Northern Island Overlander trains the viewing area is small, just big enough for five or six people to stand. On the Southern Island, the viewing platform is the size of an entire traincar, with plenty of space. For safety sake always keep your arm, head, etc. inside the train.
If you are getting on a train from anywhere other than its starting point, it is a good idea to call Tranz Scenic's recorded arrival times information line at 0800-ARRIVAL. Trains almost always do start on time, but delays at the middle stations do happen. Calling ahead to see what time the train is expected is a good idea can save you from waiting.
Prices, in NZ$, are as follows:
7 Day All services with one ferry journey $379 adult $265 child 14 Day All services with one ferry journey $479 adult $365 child 7 Day TranzAlpine, TranzCoastal services $279 adult $195 child
'''Web Site:''' [http://www.tranzscenic.co.nz Tranzscenic official web site]
'''Telephone:''' +64 4 495 0775 (from outside New Zealand)
'''Telephone:''' 0800 TRAINS or 0800 872 467 (from within New Zealand)
Updated Information on Timetable and Delays: 0800 ARRIVAL (within New Zealand)
Telephone reservations are available from 7:00am to 7:00pm daily.
Tranzscenic-operated travel centers are located within the Wellington and Christchurch train stations. At other stations, you can generally buy tickets, but through third-party reservation agents who may child a slight additional fee. Tickets and railpasses may also be purchased online, from the Tranzscenic web site, or by phone.