Northern Explorer: Auckland to Wellington

I was pretty spoilt with my epic journey from Montreal to Halifax (22 Hours) and also addicted to Big Train Adventure. So it is was pretty obvious we were going to pick the train to get from one side of the North Island of New Zealand to the other. Already I was making comparisons between Canada and New Zealand preserving their natural beauty is definitely something they have in common.

Our Uber driver was possibly as excited as us when we set off early one Saturday morning (the beloved’s actual birthday) to do this. He’d never experienced it but a 7am cab ride to the station on a Saturday can only mean one thing, we have the privilege to travel on the Norther Explorer.

All the birthday cards/small presents were opened on the train with our first coffee, much to the amusement of the American couple sitting on the table opposite us. Our cases are taken from us at check-in so all of this was carefully hidden away in my hand luggage.

The service and facilities are pretty ace and we often popped up to the restaurant cart for a change of scene and a meal/snack/coffee.

After returning from this trip, I was given a train journey book as a fantastic Christmas present and I now have a new wish list.

2019