Northern Explorer: Scenic Train Auckland - Wellington

(Translated by Google) The tiny driveways and platforms give a sense of "Is the train station really here?" (Original) ""
Feb 25th, 2023

The train experience was quite good. It's bumpy in some places, but overall the 11.5 hour train ride wasn't too bad. The day we went on the train, the train was full so the cabins got quite warm and humid which was uncomfortable as it was already a hot day but there is an outdoor carriage that helped a bit with the hear but overall happy with our trip.
Feb 12th, 2023

I did the journey from Auckland to Wellington, and I'm sorry to say that this train really didn't live up to expectations. The two stars are for the friendly bar staff & the panoramic windows, but after that, it's a lengthy series of minuses. The train was fully booked and a tad overcrowded; narrow 2x2 seating with a very stingy seat pitch is not comfortable when you're 190 cms tall. That led to the scenic car behind the loco being busy most of the time too. Our audio commentary worked intermittently, as did the air conditioning. The train arrived 45 minutes late, which works out to an average speed of 59 km/h for the journey from Auckland. To add insult to injury, the baggage guys managed to break my bag (the shoulder strap) at Wellington station, so I really can't say that I was too impressed by the overall product. As with so many things in New Zealand, it promises much, costs a fortune ($219 NZ, 129, $137 USD) & delivers remarkably little. It is most definitely not a luxury travel experience!!
Feb 8th, 2023

Jan 17th, 2023

Absolutely terrible experience, you will feel miserable and regret for your life. It can make you mentally and phycially sick. you can't even sit, stand or enjoy for a single moment. it runs on 20-40 kms per hour for whole 12 hour journey. you will feel like a prisoner in this horrible old and filthy train. No Hand sanitiser in whole train in this covid erupting situation. You will also have flee bites on you skin, terrible onboard food with expensive price. NZ govt is ripping off innocent travelers, they should stop this service immediately. Its so suffocating that you can't even breath properly. I can still feel the smell of that horrible train. I am having some anti anxity and antidepressent pills to come out of that trauma. Please don't travel on this miserable train especially people with high blood pressure and heart conditions BIG NO, don't even think about this terrible train. you are most welcome to call me on 021499922 to share my experience with you. NZ govt and Kiwirail please don't make this country's image terrible to continue this service.
Jan 16th, 2023