There are many ways to travel between Wellington and Auckland...
You can fly in just over an hour. You can self-drive and explore at your own pace.
Or you can spend a full day crossing much of the North Island by train.
I recently travelled on the Northern Explorer again, this time in Scenic Plus — the upgraded experience that we often recommend to our clients. I had done the journey once before, about eight years ago, but a lot has changed since then.
Back then, Scenic Class was the only option. It was still a wonderful way to experience the journey and enjoy New Zealand’s landscapes from the comfort of a panoramic train carriage.
Since the introduction of Scenic Plus, however, the experience has evolved into something quite different.
A journey that becomes an experience
The first thing to understand is that this is not simply transport from A to B.
In Scenic Plus, the day unfolds through a series of hosted food and wine experiences that reflect the regions you travel through. Shortly after departure, you are welcomed with drinks and a small sweet treat. This is followed by a brunch-style meal, lunch with regional wines, a cheese tasting and later dinner and dessert.
Time passes surprisingly quickly when the journey is structured like this.
In fact, one of the more amusing pieces of feedback I have heard from travellers is that they sometimes feel almost too busy eating and chatting to fully focus on the scenery. It is very much a social and curated experience rather than a quiet day spent simply gazing out the window.
A noticeable difference on board
Walking through the standard carriages on the way to the open-air viewing carriage, I was reminded of my previous journey. Scenic Class is perfectly comfortable and practical, but the Scenic Plus carriage immediately feels calmer, more spacious and more premium.
Seating is arranged around shared tables of four, which creates a relaxed social atmosphere. I found this particularly enjoyable, as it was easy to chat with fellow travellers and share the experience together.
One small detail to be aware of is that some passengers will be seated facing backwards. This is simply the nature of train travel and cannot usually be requested in advance. At the speed of the Northern Explorer, however, this is unlikely to be an issue for most travellers.
Ever-changing landscapes across the North Island
One of the true highlights of the journey is the remarkable variety of scenery.
Leaving Wellington, the day began with drizzle and low cloud along the coast. Views were limited at first, but conditions improved further north. Around the Rangitīkei River region, the landscape became spectacular — deep gorges, dramatic viaducts and rolling countryside under blue skies.
The train then climbs onto the volcanic plateau. On this particular day, cloud covered some of the well-known peaks, which is always a reminder that New Zealand’s mountain views are never guaranteed. Even so, the sense of space and changing terrain makes this part of the journey memorable.
Further north, the train travels through the green hills of the King Country and later alongside the Waikato River before reaching Auckland. The final stretch can feel slower than expected, particularly once you know you are getting close to the city.
Comfort during a long travel day
At around eleven hours, this is undeniably a long journey.
The seats are comfortable, and passengers are encouraged to move around the train. Many take regular breaks in the open-air viewing carriage to stand, enjoy fresh air and take photos.
The train can feel slightly bouncy at times due to the historic nature of the railway line, but overall the ride is smooth and relaxed. Air conditioning inside the carriages is effective, and staff throughout the journey were friendly and attentive.
A useful addition is the onboard audio app, which tracks the train’s location and provides commentary about the regions you pass through. Bringing your own headphones allows you to listen at your own pace.
Scenic Class or Scenic Plus — which should you choose?
Both options follow the same scenic route and offer access to panoramic windows and the viewing carriage. The difference lies in how you experience the day.
Scenic Class offers flexibility. Travellers can purchase food and drinks when they wish, move around freely and enjoy a quieter, more independent journey. This can be a very good choice for families travelling with children, budget-conscious travellers or those who prefer to focus primarily on the scenery.
Scenic Plus, on the other hand, turns the journey into a hosted experience centred around regional cuisine, wine and social interaction. It is particularly appealing for couples, solo travellers and mature visitors who want the journey itself to be a highlight of their trip.
While there is no formal age restriction, the structured nature of Scenic Plus means it is generally better suited to adults or older teenagers than to younger children.
Is it good value?
This is not a budget option.
However, when viewed as a full-day scenic experience that includes multiple meals, wine and attentive service, Scenic Plus can represent very good value for the right traveller.
It is also an excellent solution for visitors who are short on time but still want to experience a wide variety of North Island landscapes in a single day.
Final thoughts
New Zealand is often best explored slowly. While flying between cities is quick and convenient, the train offers something quite different — the chance to sit back, relax and watch the country unfold outside your window.
Having now experienced both versions of the journey, I would say that Scenic Class remains a lovely and scenic way to travel.
But Scenic Plus transforms the Northern Explorer into something more memorable — a relaxed and indulgent travel experience in its own right.
