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Quick Reference Timetable:

Auckland to Wellington

Dep 7.25am/Arr 7.25pm
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Auckland to National Park
Dep 7.25am/Arr 12.50pm
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Auckland to Palmerston North
Dep 7.25am/Arr 5.00pm
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Hamilton to Wellington
Dep 9.50am/Arr 7.25pm
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National Park to Auckland
Dep 12.55pm/Arr 7.20pm
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National Park to Wellington
Depart 12.50pm/Arr 7.25pm
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Palmerston North to Auckland
Dep 9.45am/Arr 7.20pm
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Wellington to Auckland
Dep 7.25am/Arr 7.20pm
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Wellington to National Park
Dep 7.25am/Arr 12.55pm
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Wellington to Hamilton
Dep 7.25am/Arr 7.20pm
Online Fares & Reservations

The Overlander train is a rail journey through the heart of the North Island travelling between Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city and home of the Sky Tower, to Wellington - New Zealand’s arts and culture capital. 

Along the way, you see fantastic views of New Zealand farmland and the rugged before ascending up the world famous Raurimu Spiral to the volcanic plateau passing the majestic volcanoes of Mt Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Mt Ruapehu - the home of the North Island Skifields, descending down through stunning river gorges to the farming landscape of the lower North Island and rocky sea scapes to Wellington – all from our panoramic windows or open air viewing decks allowing you the best possible views.

Along the way you pass the Central North Island ski towns of National Park and Ohakune, popular with young and old alike. 

All carriages on The Overlander train are centrally heated/air conditioned, with 'Two seats-Aisle-Two Seat' forward facing 'Airline' style reclining seats, Onboard Toilet/Washroom facility and large panoramic windows giving sweeping views of the magnificent North Island. 

The Overlander train has a Buffet Carriage, offering a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, snacks and light meals.

The Overlander train Observation Carriage includes a mix of seating including lounge style seating. The lounge style seating is arranged at the very rear of this glass backed carriage enabling you to enjoy a totally unique Overlander experience.


The Overlander train is a reserved seating 'One Class'  non-smoking service.

Between June and September, portion of The Overlander train journey is operated a fully restored main line steam locomotive.

The Overlander train operates daily from 25 September 2009 to 02 May 2010 and Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 03 May 2010 to 26 Sep 2010.

You can use your Scenic Rail Pass to travel on The Overlander train travelling between any of the 'Point to Point' travel sectors