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. 

You see fantastic views of New Zealand farmland, the volcanic plateau, Mount Ruapehu, the world famous Raurimu Spiral, and stunning river gorges – all from our panoramic windows or open air viewing decks allowing you the best possible views.

All carriages on The Overlander train are centrally heated/air conditioned, with 'Airline' style reclining seats, with 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 plus the 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.

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

Please click for timetable information and online reservations.

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

The Capital Connection is a regional passenger commuter train service between Palmerston North, Levin, Otaki, Waikane and Wellington with airconditioned, centrally heated carriages with large panaromic windows and disable facilities.

As this service commuter rail service, reservations are not required. Tickets for this train are available from Tranz Metro ticket office - Wellington Railway Station, Palmerston North Railway Station or from the Train Manager's on the day of travel.

The Capital  Connection operates daily each way (Mon - Fri). There is no service on Saturday, Sunday or Public Holidays.  Travel time from Wellington to Palmerston North is 2 hours.

For timetable and fare information for The Capital Connection (Wellington/Levin/Palmerston North) train service, please phone Metlink on 0800-801-700 tollfree in New Zealand or click for online fares and timetable information for The Capital Connection.

There are no passenger train services from Palmerston North to Napier, Hastings, Gisborne, Wanganui, Rotorua, Taupo, New Plymouth or Tauranga