National Park to Wellington
Depart 12.50pm/Arr 7.25pm
Online Fares & Reservations

Palmerston North to Auckland
Dep 9.45am/Arr 7.20pm
Online Fares & Reservations

Palmerston North to Hamilton
Dep 9.45am/Arr 5.00pm
Online Fares & Reservations

Wellington to Auckland
Dep 7.25am/Arr 7.20pm
Online Fares & Reservations

Wellington to Hamilton
Dep 7.25am/Arr 7.20pm
Online Fares & Reservations

Wellington to National Park
Dep 7.25am/Arr 12.55pm
Online Fares & Reservations

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

Along the way, you see fantastic views of New Zealand farmland and the rugged native bush landscape before ascending up the world famous Raurimu Spiral to the volcanic plateau passing the majestic volcanoes of Mt Tongariro, Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Ruapehu - the home of the North Island Skifields - Whakapapa and Turoa, 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, that provide world class skiing and snowboarding on Whakapapa and Turoa skifields, popular with young and old alike. 

All carriages on The Overlander train are centrally heated/air conditioned, with 'Two Seat-Aisle-Two Seat' forward facing reclining seats with head rests, 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 by a fully restored main line steam locomotive.

You can use your Scenic Rail Pass to travel on The Overlander train, between any of the 'Point to Point' travel destinations between Auckland and Wellington.  By adding a ferry crossing between the North to South Islands, you can continue journey south to Kaikoura - home of whale watching and dolphin swimming and Christchurch - the gateway to the South Island.

The Overlander train operates -

*  Daily:  25 September 2009 to 02 May 2010 and 24 Sep 10 to 1 May 2011

*  Friday, Saturday and Sunday: 03 May 2010 to 19 Sep 2010 and 06 May 2011 to 25 Sep 2011.

The Overlander train does not operate on Christmas Day - 25 December.

There is no overnight passenger train/rail service between Auckland, Hamilton, National Park, Ohakune, Palmerston North and Wellington.

Travelling on the Overlander train is a genuine kiwi rail experience through the North Island's unique scenic beauty.