🇳🇿 A Scenic Train Journey Through New Zealand's North Island 🚂

While road trips are the norm for WHV travelers in NZ, why not try something different? "The scenery is beautiful, but it's not just about seeing the world—it's about feeling yourself in it." 🌏💫 🚅 The Great Journeys of New Zealand NZ offers 3 iconic train routes: 1️⃣ Northern Explorer (North Island) 2️⃣ TranzAlpine (Alpine scenery) 3️⃣ Coastal Pacific (East Coast) 💰 Standard fare: NZD $219 (or book shorter segments—check net). 🎫 Booking & Boarding Tips Book online & arrive 30 mins early. Auckland (Parnell Station): Left booth: Baggage drop Right booth: Ticket collection (no need to print—they’ll give you a physical ticket!). Keep baggage tags safe—they check them after departure. 💺 Seating Options Standard seats (comfy with legroom) Premium lounge seats (book early—often sold out!). Fun fact: On my trip, only 3 young travelers (including me)—the rest were retirees! 😄 🚂 Onboard Experience ✔️ Headphones (scenic commentary in EN/CN) ✔️ USB charging ports ✔️ Dining car (meals, snacks & drinks 🍹) ✔️ Spotty WiFi → Bring cash/a local SIM! 🌄 The Route: Auckland → Wellington (681km) Coastal views 🌊 Farmlands with endless 🐄🐑 Volcanic peaks & Kapiti Coast’s glittering waves 📅 Schedule: Auckland → Wellington: Mon, Thu, Sat | 7:45am - ~6:25pm (often delayed—I arrived at 7:15pm!). Wellington → Auckland: Wed, Fri, Sun ✨ Final Thoughts "Let tomorrow take care of itself. We don’t have endless ‘laters’—just today. Enjoy it." ☺️ #NewZealand #NZTravel #BackpackingNZ #TrainTravel #Auckland #Wellington #OffTheBeatenPath #TravelDifferent