Cruise Express has launched a captivating new rail experience through New Zealand’s North Island, blending the nostalgia of steam train travel with world-class sightseeing.
The 13-day New Zealand Steam Adventure will debut on 11 October 2025, featuring a four-day steam train journey from Wellington to Auckland. Guests will travel aboard a privately chartered heritage train complete with a lounge car and an open-air carriage, enhancing the romantic allure of this rail experience.
Highlights of the journey
Rail enthusiasts will delight in watching a 1950s steam locomotive, Ja1271, hauling the train across dramatic landscapes, from deep canyons and towering viaducts to rolling pastures and volcanic vistas like the iconic Mount Ruapehu. The train will weave through Paekākāriki, Whanganui, Ohakune, Hamilton, and Waiuku, offering stunning views and unique photo opportunities.
The adventure also includes exploring North Island treasures such as Rotorua’s geothermal wonders, the serene Lake Taupō, Art Deco Napier, and Wellington’s cultural landmarks. Passengers will also enjoy a working rail yard lunch, mingling with steam train volunteers who keep the heritage alive.
A luxury rail and cultural experience
The tour offers an all-inclusive experience, priced from $9,990 per person twin share or $11,990 for solo travellers. The package includes:
- 12 nights’ accommodation
- Most meals, featuring winery dinners, cultural dining experiences, and a gondola ride to Skyline Rotorua’s Stratosfare Restaurant
- Visits to iconic sites like Huka Falls, Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony, and the Te Puia thermal area
- Cultural and historical experiences, including Maori performances and the Pahiatua Railcar Society tour
- Four days of daylight travel aboard the exclusive steam-hauled train, featuring the renowned Raurimu Spiral
Flights to New Zealand are not included but can be arranged through Cruise Express.
Train travel renaissance
Cruise Express Managing Director Meg Hill described the tour as the ultimate way to savour New Zealand’s cultural and culinary delights while indulging in the romance of train travel.
“We expect high interest from rail enthusiasts eager to step back in time aboard a steam-hauled heritage train,” Meg said. “This itinerary combines the nostalgia of train travel with a thoughtfully curated package that highlights the very best of the North Island.”
