December 7th (Sat)
Today, I will finally board the Northern Explorer from Auckland to Wellington. This train traverses the North Island and was ranked the 4th in the New York Times’ as “New Zealand by Train” list of places to visit in 2024. is one of the primary of this trip.

I took a taxi from the hotel to Auckland Strand just after 6:00 in the morning, but the taxi driver asked me if it acceptable to stop because it was such a simple building. There a train staff member at the station where I got off, and I was able to leave suitcase there. However,check-in was not until 7:00 so I bought some coffee and bread at the convenience store in the building to pass the time. Check-in began earlier than scheduled, at around 6:45, when an attendant arrived. I received my pass and proceeded to the platform.

The train already stationed at the platform and at the front was a robust diesel locomotive.

The car next to the locomotive is an open cabin with no windows to make it easier to take photos.

The carriages with the New Zealand-style paint scheme are the ones with the kitchens and cannot be entered. The last carriage is for checked baggage only.

This time, I booked the Scenic Plus class, which includes meals. The boarding car is the one with a “P” above the door.

The seating arrangement and view were the same as in a regular car, but there was a sheet on the table and water was provided.

I was surprised to see the menu on the table, breakfast, lunch, and dinner were all provided. In addition to the drinks listed here, there was also wine and beer, all of which were free. The food seemed to use plenty of ingredients from the North Island.

Upon the departure of the train, a baked treat was provided; however, I ate a portion of it before taking a photo.

Following that was the Cold Breakfast, consisting of a vanilla chia pudding adorned with blueberries and coconut threads, and garnished with classic kiwi slices. Chia seeds are a nutritious food.

As you leave the city, you will see a landscape of cows grazing.

The last Hot Breakfast was served: garden vegetable frittata with bacon and beans in tomato sauce.

If you don’t have a meal plan, you can get snacks and drinks to go or eat at one of the few seats in the dining car.

The scenery is gradually changing.

I went to the open cabin to take photos, but I had to pass three train cars to get there, so I couldn’t go there often.

Upon returning to my, I served my lunch: a New Zealand Keanu mixed vegetable salad accompanied by slices of rosemary garlic-flavored lamb. It was a very healthy meal.

Next came Sweet Treat, Whittaker’s dark chocolate from Hamilton and Wellington coffee mousse with butter cream. Whittaker’s chocolate is a popular chocolate in New Zealand, and Wellington coffee is also famous, and there are many cafes in Wellington.

The train slowly passes through what appears to be a town.

After driving for some time, we were welcomed by the sight of the snow-capped Mt. Ruapehu, the highest active volcano in the North Island at 2,797 meters above sea level, situated in the center of Tongariro National Park Unfortunately, the summit was obsc by clouds.

The train stops at several places along the way, and at Ohakune station, several people got off and picked up their luggage. This town seems to be convenient for adventures in Wangunui National Park, and it’s about an hour’s drive to the ski resort of Mount Ruapehu.

Shortly after leaving Ohakune Station, the clouds cleared from the mountaintop and we could see the mountain clearly.

Meanwhile, the Afternoon Platter was served, featuring a selection of Kapiti cheeses, renowned in New Zealand. The blue cheese, in particular, was exceptionally delicious.

The train travels past the White Cliffs of the Rangitikei River.

As the train approached Wellington, dinner comprised roast chicken breast accompanied by rosemary potatoes and Gisborne pea mash.

Finally, for Dessert, I had New Zealand berry cheesecake, with Auckland gingernut crumb at the bottom.

The train runs along the Kapiti coast of the Tasman Sea.

The train arrived at Wellington Station at around 18:50, nearly 30 minutes behind schedule. It was an 11-hour train journey, but the scenery from the train window and the food made the journey timeless. Wellington Station was a magnificent building, but it was deserted inside.

This is a full view of the station building. There are hardly any people around.

My accommodation in Wellington was at Rydges Wellington, a short walk from the station.

The Scenic Plus train I took this time was about twice as expensive as the regular train, but considering the quality and variety of the food served, it was a reasonable price. I was also impressed that all the drinks were free. Last year I took trains such as the Glacier Express in Switzerland, but I think the Northern Explorer was the best.