^{By Ashleigh Collis}

You would normally have to hike to get views like this, I have never seen the snow-capped mountains and blue rivers of the central plateau look as breathtaking as they do from the carriage of the Great Journey Northern Explorer.

Recently, the Northern Explorer invited me to board a train traveling from Wellington to Auckland, but this was no average train ride. This luxury train provided an impressive all-day culinary experience showcasing the flavors of New Zealand while offering panoramic views of some of the North Island's most beautiful and rugged terrain.

This was a work trip for me, as Communications Manager for Te Korowai o Wainuiārua, a Māori iwi group from the forests of Waimarino under Ruapehu and along the great Whanganui River. I joined the train at Ohakune, alongside the iwi leader, who had been asked to provide in-person narration of the region's history for passengers. Also boarding with us were smartly dressed teenagers in local school uniforms and a giant carrot—inside, a dedicated Visit Ruapehu employee, handing out fresh, sweet, and flavorful Ohakune carrots to passengers. 

^{View of Mt Ruapehu as you head towards Waiouru}

^{Enjoying time on the Northern Explorer}

Welcomed by polite wait staff who ushered us to elegantly set tables, I instantly relaxed in the spacious dining car. I took in my surroundings, noticing the contented patrons seated at their tables. To my right, a foreign couple caught my attention; he was focused on his computer, while his wife blissfully gazed out the window. As we traveled over viaducts and past icy mountain rivers, her eyes widened in wonder, pulling out her phone to capture the views. She often gestured to her husband, who would briefly look up to see the natural wonders that clearly delighted her before returning to his work.

Not long after boarding, the wait staff appeared, balancing trays lined with white napkins, on which sat Waikato-made Whittaker's chocolate and Wellington coffee mousse—simply decadent.

My role was to capture footage of our Māori leader and the treasured stories he shared about the lands and icy mountain streams his people once called home. A sense of complete relaxation enveloped the passengers as they listened intently to his calming voice explain the rich cultural history of the Central Plateau. Murmurs and gasps of awe erupted as we turned a corner to reveal the iconic snow-capped volcanic mountains—Ruapehu, Ngāuruhoe, and Tongariro—standing tall against the crisp blue sky.

^{View of the Tongariro National Park and the Northern Explorer}

^{Capturing the stunning Mt Ruapehu}

As the waiters made their way down the aisle again, I was offered a selection of local beverages. Though I was on the clock, I indulged in Wairarapa bubbles. With a cheeky smirk from my boss, I took that as permission. The decadence didn’t stop there; alongside our beverages, we were presented with an impressive selection of New Zealand cheeses, with a creamy blue standing out. The teenagers at the table to my right clearly had different tastes, discarding their blue cheese in a pile far from their plates. We may not have been on the same page, but I was in heaven. I contemplated how beautiful it would be to share this journey with someone I loved, enjoying conversation or simply soaking up the beauty of the countryside while indulging in fresh New Zealand cuisine. Just then, the teenagers stood and harmonized into a beautiful melody of Māori song.

I took a seat beside my boss, who had retired the microphone and was now engaged in conversation with a couple across the table. They were tourists traveling in New Zealand and had chosen the Great Journeys Northern Explorer Plus dining experience instead of flying from Wellington to Auckland. They appeared relaxed and content, pleased that their trip had transformed into an adventure.

Before I knew it, we had reached Owhango, and our Great Journey was coming to an end. What a truly relaxing afternoon it was! As I watched the train of smiling patrons pull away, I was pleasantly surprised to see them all joyously waving goodbye to me—until I realised the giant carrot costume that had provided them with sweet, crunchy snacks was standing behind me.

If you need to travel from Wellington to Auckland for any reason, I highly recommend doing so in style and luxury on the Great Journeys Northern Explorer Plus.

A word of advice: when booking your ticket, specifically request not to be seated at the end of the train. The doors between carriages open and close with a clatter as passengers make their way to the outdoor viewing platform, the onboard bar, or the (let’s be honest, less-than-pleasant) toilets. Trust me, you don’t want to be seated next to the “bathroom express”—it’s a fast track to an aromatic adventure you didn’t sign up for!

Even if you don't need to get to Auckland, but you seek a truly immersive travel experience with breathtaking views of the North Island’s central plateau without the hassle of hopping in and out of vehicles or hiking, this trip is for you. You’ll enjoy the awe-inspiring pleasure of adventure coupled with the decadence of an all-day culinary experience, showcasing the best from paddock to plate—wine, cheese, beef, and more.

Sounds like something you're interested in? Book now! Check out the journey here