New Zealand’s newest passenger train | Te Huia | Hamilton to Auckland

[@terrybarnett1317]

I’ve just moved to Hamilton with my brother who’s in a wheelchair. the information you have provided in regards to wheelchair access and Amenities is truly appreciated. Thanks for Thinking about our Disabled community when filming your videos.👍👏👏

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

I’m really glad to hear it was useful. Thank you!

[@DomingoDeSantaClara]

It's a shame we lost all our trains in the South Island, I used to love the Vulcan railcars when I was a kid, then the Southerner came along which was just a joy, I used to travel from Dunedin to Blenheim most school holidays. Your picture quality is superb, and nice narration with some great info.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much! Yes, it’s sad that only a few trains remain. I’d love to catch the train to Dunedin.

[@tunite12]

What great Narration and filming. Very professional and relatable. As a train buff I have to say this is as good as any tourism production without the feel of a commercial. Beautiful.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Wow, thanks!

[@lmlmd2714]

Good to see they did a decent refurbishment job and really seem to have put effort into the Te Huia, as KiwiRail intercity services *really* have suffered from so many cutbacks, and I'm really glad to see it runs all the way into Strand station, as IIRC the original plan was to terminate it at Papakura and make everyone transfer to the all-stops city trains. This is a really promising service, and I hope it will continue, and that they consider introducing more sets to run improved frequencies - the route could easily justify a two hourly or prob even hourly schedule. Fingers crossed, as it just goes to show Kiwirail can do great work when they are properly resourced! On the point of electrification - I really think it's a no brainer to in-fill the Papakura / Hamilton gap, as this will be a huge benefit to both freight and passenger options, and opens the possibility to a tilting EMU service for Te Huia in the future, much as QR do on the Brissie-Rockhampton route.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Good points. I believe the service initially terminated at Papakura but was later extended to The Strand. Yes, would be great to see a higher frequency and electrification of the gap.

[@Kiwi-Ahh-Nah]

My wife and I are going to take a day trip to Auckland and taking the train after watching your video. Fantastic! Many thanks.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Wonderful to hear. Thank you!

[@x-75hurricane65]

What a fabulous video! You're really good at giving such interesting information, all of which was relevant to me. About every 3/4 weeks we take our 6.5 year old granddaughter from Huntly to the Strand and spend the day doing stuff in Auckland. The Te Huia staff have become great friends with our little girl and she so enjoys her big day out. As we are homeschooling her, she has done a few unit studies around our train rides so she will be able to use your video to add to them. Thanks heaps for your very professional camera work and narration. P.S The half rate public transport fares have been further extended until June 30th...that's a bonus!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you so much - wonderful to hear that! And that’s great news about transport fares. 😊

[@PS-Straya_M8]

Recently found your channel. Your commentary, videography and editing are top rate. You also have very good pronunciation of Maori place names 😁

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much! 🙏

[@philipashbourn1538]

Always pleased to see a new train, especially in New Zealand which has suffered more than most countries from rail closures. Many of the lines we travelled on in two visits in the 1990s have sadly gone. Kiwis seem to love their cars, helped by the low mileage and reliable second hand Japanese imports. Also worrying to pass a coal/gas fired power station on the train. Another excellent film Adam.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much! Yes, sadly Australia is similarly car~centric.

[@SteamboatWilley]

I hope they improve the service with higher frequencies.

[@VhenRaTheRaptor]

Being fair. That power station doesn't run much of the time. It's mainly used in the worst parts of winter where hydro output drops and power consumption increases. And as more geothermal and wind comes online it'll probably see less and less use.

[@normalmighty]

That station is quite the controversy in NZ. It's the single largest greenhouse gas emitter in NZ when it's running, and pretty much everyone in the public wants it shut down, but it can't be completely turned off for good, because the rest of the power grid isn't up to snuff for the highest energy peaks of the year. These days it's turned off most of the year, and only turned on in "abnormal market conditions" to prevent blackouts until the energy companies get their crap together and scale up our green power generation enough. The power company running it has stated that they plan to shut it down completely by 2030, but I personally don't trust that particular power company to be putting much effort into hitting that target.

[@normalmighty]

@Buzás András It's the largest single pollution source in the country, and is responsible for more than half of the CO2 emissions for the entire power grid. Nobody is talking about shutting it down in the current state where we need it at times, but multiple power companies are working to make it obsolete. There are advantages to making it obsolete, and not pros from any angle in keeping it around longer than needed. The only people with anything to gain at all from keeping it in operation is Genesis Energy, which owns the plant.

[@ianfox6106]

I am glad to see that it looks like they are trying to make this service work, with things like wifi, power points and a cafe. There have been a few attempts to set up a rail commuter service between Auckland and Hamilton in the past, such as the Waikato Commection in 2000, which lasted just over a year and was cancelled when the rail operator sold off its passenger operations and the government deemed it not worth financially supporting. Also I worked on those SA SD carriages in a previous role.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Yes, it’s promising. Cheers!

[@kiwisunshine9631]

Great video! Just a shame this service doesn't run between Auckland and Hamilton more often every day. I live in Auckland and have friends in Hamilton, and would love to be able to jump on the train and spend the day visiting them. Being a non-driver, and having to rely on public transport makes it challenging to get to some places. Not all areas in Auckland are close to a trainline. It's a shame the Te Huia train doesn't go right into Britomart in Auckland City. Would make it so much easier for people to get to. Glad you enjoyed your train trip!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you! Yes, it would be ideal if Te Huia ran more frequently. Thanks for your comments.

[@normalmighty]

It really is a shame. I live in Hamilton and would absolutely love to catch a train into Auckland on the occasional weekend, but the Saturday service is too early and there's not a single train on Sunday, so overnight isn't even an option.

[@yasukiwi]

@@normalmighty There's no Sunday service (yet) because of all the rail work happening in Auckland. On many Sundays over the past couple of years and next couple until end of next year there are shutdowns of the Auckland rail network for the upgrades so it's not worth it to do Sunday services until after all that work is completed. If the National Party hasn't got into power this year and cut the service (remember it's a trial) then in 2025 it's a possibility.

[@anjummirza1452]

Excellent information and narration as always. Thanks for showing the beauty of New Zealand...

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you! It’s an easy place to showcase with all that natural beauty. 😍

[@rexharrison6827]

Excellent. I grew up in the Waikato (Huntly & Hamilton) though I've called Auckland home since 1970. Seeing all the familiar areas from train's-eye level is a pleasure. Not a huge change to most areas except Hamilton. Once upon a time the railway went right into Hamilton Central, between Bryce and Ward Streets in what is now Centreplace, and continuing across Claudelands Bridge, so Frankton Junction was an outlier station. NZ rail services have been severely butchered since the 1980s and are only just beginning to make a comeback. With renewed emphasis on carbon emissions, I have hopes that reliance on automobiles will shift slightly more towards rail transport between cities once again. Some amazing routes were discontinued entirely, such as Wellington to Gisborne via Napier. The problem with the Strand is that there is minimal shelter; not a problem on a fine day but in wet weather a disaster. The old railway building is now no longer in use, having been converted into apartments. UPDDATE: Currently the Eastern Line is undergoing a major upgrade and will not be reopening until January 2024. Annoying, since Glen Innes is my local stop! Rail buses operate along Eastern and Southern lines to connect passengers faster than other bus routes. Only three months to go; it's been five months already! Te Huia was banned from entering Auckland after having failed to heed red lights on two occasions and was forced to stop at Papakura. The problem has since been resolved and since August the service is once again terminating at the Strand, except this time via the Southern Line.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you for sharing all that detail. Appreciate the updates!

[@chonelcarroll3275]

You did a fantastic job with this video. It's well shot, well edited, thoroughly researched, clear, to the point, visually very easy to take everything in. As a first time visitor to your channel I honestly wasn't expecting this level of quality for a short Nz train service. Much appreciated!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

That’s brilliant to hear. Thank you!

[@celleo89]

Thank you for the wonderful video! We definitely need a rail renaissance here in New Zealand!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much! Yes, would love to see more trains in NZ.

[@megantan314]

This was a wonderful and informative video! It was so nostalgic watching the route I would take to get to uni every morning. Thanks for doing what you do :D

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Glad you enjoyed it! Lovely to receive your feedback. 🙏

[@pawsltd]

Wow! I have never seen a train video so well filmed, produced and narrated! Everything was crystal clear. Well done!!!!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much! 🙏

[@talesofrailsnz]

Great information. I really enjoyed your video. Made me feel like traveling to Auckland to get on this train. Thank you.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

I’m really pleased to hear that. Thank you!

[@kerrymarshall1293]

Adam, it is great that you have taken the time to get the pronunciation of the maori place names correct. Thanks for all your videos.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much! I know some of them are not quite right but i tried. ☺️

[@alexisauld7781]

@@FromtheWindowSeat Didn't get them quite perfect, but you made way more of an attempt than so many others do!! :)

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

@@alexisauld7781 Thanks! The stops and viaduct names on the Northern Explorer will be quite a challenge. 🤔

[@xr6lad]

Yay. Like an old friend its always welcoming to see another video of yours. And more so on this public holiday - Happy 🇦🇺 Day.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you!

[@RileyDaBozz]

Hopefully Huntly gets its old Station building back eventually. And hopefully Ngaruwāhia, Te Kauwhata and Pōkeno get stations sooner rather than later, Bit awkward passing them by.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

That would be good. Cheers!

[@agin1519]

Haven’t been into Pokeno since before the pandemic, but I hear it’s a real boom town now? Absolutely some commuter rail connecting up the Waikato hubs with their cities would be brilliant.

[@yasukiwi]

The Waikato District Council has apparently got some funds for doing/reinstating a station at one or more of those North Waikato towns. The lady who got elected in the local govt elections last year for the Pokeno town said she wanted a station for it but I haven't heard anything since. There are a lot of new homes in there and more being built but having been there once by the diesel train shuttle to Pukekohe before it ended and then the connecting local bus, I wouldn't say there is commercially much there (I did find a cool little Japanese cafe). It's a bit sad for Tuakau that they landed over the border in the Waikato, rather than within the Auckland Region when the Auckland supercity boundaries were set as undoubtedly if they had been within Auckland, the southern terminus for Auckland services, and extension of electrification would have been done to Tuakau. I am hopeful that might still happen (and there's been talk about doing it at local govt level) but the challenge is the local govt border. AT, understandably, aren't going to pay out of their pocket for extension of local services over the provincial boundary to Tuakau so the ball is in the Waikato District and Regional council's court.

[@RileyDaBozz]

@Yasukiwi I feel as if standard suburban services will reach as far as Pōkeno and those smaller (genuinely some of them are a couple thousand lol) towns should definitely get served wairarapa connection style. Fingers crossed the money keeps flowing for the service

[@danieleyre8913]

@@RileyDaBozz The Auckland regional boundary ends at Pukekohe and Waikato begins at Buckland. Given what ungenerous tight-arses the Auckland council (and most of the Aucklanders who vote in their elections) have proven themselves time and time again with cooperating with other regional councils: I doubt the suburban trains will be venturing any further south than Pukekohe. I have been saying from the outset that this service should’ve initially focussed on the North Waikato commuters into Auckland, terminating at Mercer (where there is all of that railway land to build a terminus). A much larger catchment of potential commuters and much lower running costs and a section of the corridor in better condition and a shorter journey less vulnerable to delays, etc. Why oh why they insisted on going all the way to Hamilton from the outset Incan only put down to people having a childish idea of “status” in having a connection to another population centre, regardless of whether it’s a viable service.

[@LR-vy5yy]

Nice video I reckon you did a better job showcasing this service than the government.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you!

[@josnagels8038]

NZ’s 2024 Govt is hostile to Railways especially passenger rail and govt threat to eliminate the Te Huia train service caused a public outcry to keep it going. Darren Davis commented “Te Huia has suffered more assassination attempts than Fidel Castro”- he was communist, but Te Huia is commonsense! Despite 305 disruptions in a year, patronage has steadily grown. With improved service, it will be even better.

[@surayasidhusingh5459]

Wonderful video! As you may have noticed, Te Huia has sadly become a political football in NZ with many making misleading claims about it. It's very much a "work in progress" with, as you've noted, plans to add extra stops, more daily services, electrify and improve speeds. There's a keen group working to revive the Hamilton-Tauranga railway too. Did you happen to find out why the Franklin Station isn't opened for Te Huia, and why The Strand has no toilets? These seem like big issues for usability.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you! I hadn’t realised the train service was somewhat controversial until I started to read the comments. Ha. 🤨 When I travelled around NZ, I realised the potential for more passenger services … would be great to see that. I’m guessing Frankton station isn’t open because it would be an additional cost to staff it … but I’m just guessing. Similarly, The Strand is a very temporary setup using a shipping container so I imagine it’s a matter of cost in terms of installing toilets. 🤔

[@yasukiwi]

@@FromtheWindowSeat Yes it's an additional cost imposed by Kiwirail that the Hamilton City Council wasn't ready to cover. As for Auckland, There are exhaust fume fans at the main central station Britomart, as when that station was opened in 2003. the local trains were also diesel ones, so the Northern Explorer used to go into there. However with electrification of the Auckland rail network and the change to electric train services in Auckland in 2014-15, Auckland Transport no longer wanted diesel trains at Britomart, hence The Northern Explorer was kicked out to The Strand and a shipping container terminal, and Te Huia joined it last year. I heard that AT wanted NZD$600,000 per annum to turn on the fans to allow the two KR operated diesel intercity services to go in and out of there. Even though Britomart is being redeveloped for the new CRL I think the fans remain for fire safety reasons. If Labour remain in govt after this year's election and commit to Te Huia and buy new rolling stock (Like the ones in the Wellington and lower North Island business case that are multi=mode with both diesel and electric or diesel and battery) then I guess there is a possibility for those services to go into and out of Britomart (also if AT allows a slot for them understanding that the local network will be even busier after the opening of the CRL even if that project does open more slots than currently there is into there)

[@chrischoy9]

Tbh, I still think ate Huia is nothing more than a political stunt. They need to do national railway properly which means all of the above, but more importantly, a standard gauge track which would enable high speed railway.

[@surayasidhusingh5459]

I agree we should do it properly, but there are many ways to do it properly. The experts tell me the economics of "true" high-speed rail (over 200km/h) don't add up for New Zealand, but rather we should aim for higher speeds wherever possible with narrow gauge, as it can go up to 180k/h if various conditions are met. The reason rail is so slow in New Zealand isn't so much the gauge but cost-cutting choices eg, lack of tunnelling, health and safety speed limits imposed because of poor track maintenance, lack of curve easement so forth. So we can do a lot better with what we have rather than throwing everything out and starting again.

[@brucegibbins3792]

When we began visiting Hamilton to visit my mother's family, the train stop was known as Frankton Junction. No clue when the "Junction" in the name was dropped. Yet, it was as possibly Frankton became much more a suburb of Hamilton rather than a significant manufacturing town.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Good to know. Cheers!

[@tishka1232]

Really great to see a Nz train I just started binging your videos this week and live in Nz but also from oz so I love it what a great price for the train

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Welcome aboard!

[@qfa330]

Adam another great video ! I Visited NZ a few times with 2015 being the first and riding those carriages when they were SA/SD's on the Auckland Suburban network.. also rode the ADL's a few times which did the Shuttle Service. The ADL's were originally from Perth before we went over to electric in the early 90's !

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you! Oh, that’s interesting to know. Cheers for sharing!

[@qfa330]

@@FromtheWindowSeat This is one of the trips I did in the ADL's kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIvdh2qfaqmkqsU

[@christophercarran4164]

Great video! I drive freight trains out of Palmerston North and we often get DFB’s on freight services which makes for a nice treat. The capital connection runs on weekdays from Palmerston North to Wellington and is an older but similar set up to this. That also runs with refurbished British carriages and is currently undergoing an upgrade. I’ll definitely be subscribing, cheers!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

That’s great to hear. Thank you! I’m working on my Northern Explorer video now and noticed some of the unrefurbished coaches at Taumarunui. Good that some of them will get another life. Cheers!

[@yasukiwi]

@@FromtheWindowSeat Further to what Christopher said, the carriages being upgraded for the Capital Connection were taken from Taumaranui where you saw the last remaining ex Britsh Rail Mk2 and Auckland SA/SD carriages on your Northern Explorer video. There have been delays to this project but the last I heard the redeveloped carriages are supposed to be in service from July this year. They are supposedly to be like the Te Huia carriages with free wifi etc However they are really a stop gap measure. Hopefully in this year's budget the govt will finally approve the business case from lower North Island local govts for brand new new modern tri-mode multiiple-unit inter-regional trains to come into service from about 2027 to improve and expand Capital Connection and Wairarapa Connection services. I will have fingers and legs crossed. It should have been approved in last year's budget but our current finance minister (from Wellington!) is a petrol head.

[@fluffyfetlocks]

I wish NZ would just hurry up and invest in high speed inter city rail. It’ll easily take 10 years or more to plan and build, and we’re going to definitely need it by then if we want to go any.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Yes, I have the same wish in Australia.

[@dianaholvik2554]

I really enjoy your train (and ferry) videos. I spent first approx 12 years of my life in NZ (North Island). We loved traveling by train and did it often, as a means to get from A to B. Not fancy in those days. I like all the info you give. It's funny to me that your locomotives were from Canada, as that is where I now live. Back when I was a little child there were even still a few "Puffing Billies" (coal fired steam engines) in operation, mostly for freight. Thanks for sharing your travels and enabling me tyo armchair travel.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you! Great to hear that.

[@TimClauson]

Nice job on the video, but 2h40m Hamilton to Auckland... let's just say the same time (and distance) is unimaginable where I live in South Korea. NZ has a lot of catching up to do, to say the least.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Haha. Yes, I know Korea and Japan make Australian and New Zealand trains look old fashioned. 😂😂

[@winstondlima2396]

Awesome video. New Zealand is such a picturesque and beautiful country.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you. It really is … I also love the incredible diversity of scenery. It’s like many countries in one. 👌

[@amtrakharry]

Excellent again Adam...:):):)

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Cheers! 🥳

[@joshgibson3807]

Great video mate I like the scenery and I like two DFB locomotives on ether side

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you! I believe they now use the cab car so typically only require one loco. 🤔

[@dimereseininrobbyravouvou2855]

This is wonderful transportation network indeed respect 👏

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Cheers!

[@Jamie-Tane-media]

I have been watching a few of you're train travel videos recently from both New Zealand and Australia, And I am quite impressed with what I have seen so far. As a Kiwi and a rail enthusiast, I have travelled on the majority or our passenger trains, I have ticked off all three Great Scenic Journeys, Ridden some heritage excursion trains, Te Huia is the only left one I need to do myself at some point. I have even ridden the Kuranda Scenic train on a holiday to Cairns years ago when I was younger. Anyway, I thought it was interesting you mentioned about a lot of our pedestrian level crossings using the road lights, So I thought I would mention that it hasn't always been the case, Road lights didn't start being used on pedestrian level crossings till around the early 2000's during the Toll Rail era, They started being used when the electric pedestrian gates got introduced like is commonly used in Australia, And KiwiRail has since carried on the tradition of installing them. Before that, They used to use small light up pedestrian signs, There has been a couple of variants of those (Some being repurposed pedestrian traffic light units), But instead of displaying DON'T WALK, Would Instead light up with TRAIN COMING. There are some examples still around if you know where to look, But sadly those aren't installed so much these days. Keep up the Great work.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much! That’s really interesting to know re pedestrian crossing warning signals. I love learning how different countries do it. 🤔

[@Jamie-Tane-media]

@@FromtheWindowSeat Here's an example of a set of "Train Coming" signals. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qnfGXqp8edKFg5I

[@jamescrocker2474]

This makes me want to check out NZ by rail. Looking forward to your northern explorer coverage.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Great to hear. Cheers!

[@COPPAS70]

This was very enjoyable as well as informative. Thank you very much. If I ever get there, I certainly will have this trip on my itinerary. A pity though that the electrification is progressing so slowly, but I’m convinced you get there. In the long run, a catenary is still more economical and environmentally friendly than burning diesel. Greetings from Sweden!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

That’s wonderful to hear. Thank you!

[@chamilajla17]

Thank you so much. It is very informative.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Great to hear that.

[@Konkacha]

Nice one! They really need to electrify the Auckland -Hamilton section.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Agreed!

[@danieleyre8913]

I doubt that electrification between Te Rapa and Pukekohe is coming anytime soon. There's no real current business case for it given that line traffic levels are nowhere near heavy enough (much of the corridor is still single track) and there aren't any steep inclines. Most of the freight between the two points then continues or originates eastward to Tauranga along the ECMT (not from south along the electrified NIMT), which to make any sense would also need to be electrified. And in any case; the two supplies are not the same, so there will have to be a supply change point (probably Pukekohe)

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

@@danieleyre8913 good to know. Thanks for sharing!

[@allenzhang9900]

Nice to see the review of a new country and great scenery along the way, very enjoyable.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@joshuahill6153]

The Te Huia now runs the SD/SA set without 2 locomotives as the driving cab is now legally allowed to operate, just like it did 9 years ago.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

That’s great news. Thanks for letting me know!

[@Toninz]

Thoroughly enjoyed watching your video plenty of information regarding the travel stops and what is on offer…will definitely take this trip!👍👍👍

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

That’s great to hear - thank you! Hope you enjoy it!

[@Toninz]

Unfortunately due to the impact of the cyclone 🌀 I don’t anticipate any future travel on this line or many others anytime soon..

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

@@Toninz I’m sorry to hear that. Hope you are safe and well. 🙏

[@danieleyre8913]

@12:03 _"We passed quite a few housing developments, however there are no railway stations nearby"_ This is where in my strong opinion they have got this service all wrong. These places (Pokeno & Tuakau) are full of daily commuters of people who work in Auckland, and could be a far larger catchment of patronage than Huntley, or possibly even Hamilton.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Fair call.

[@agin1519]

Yep and people could choose to live there with a short commute to Manukau (or a medium one to the city)by rail. It seems like the kind of thing that needs strong local support until they just can’t ignore it. Still looks like a good start.

[@yasukiwi]

It's a pity Tuakau for one ended up south of the super city border. If it had been included in the Auckland region, undoubtedly AT would've extended services to it and the electrification further south to there too. Local govt border politics.

[@danieleyre8913]

@@yasukiwi Auckland council are complete tight-arses when it comes to cooperating with other regions. The regional council in Wellington provides their drivers for the capital connection between Palmerston North and Wellington, which brings the costs down (not having to hire Kiwirail drivers). The Auckland council could not only also do that, but also provide the ADL DMU’s that they own. But of course the Auckland couldn’t possibly provide that which they’ve paid for and that is theirs to something that they can only see would benefit the Waikato (tunnel vision which in itself says a lot about them).

[@yasukiwi]

@@danieleyre8913 As I've already written I think it's currently mainly because there's a lot of focus on getting all the issues within the city resolved but their antipathy to interregional travel is definitely disappointing. Hopefully after all current projects and works are done, they will approach interregional services with more interest and priority but I ain't holding my breath sad to say. But on the DMUs, everyone knows they are clapped out. Been in service 50 years. C'mon!

[@ryansofly]

Amazing video... Loved it! The cafe prices seems a lot more reasonable than our Aussie trains. The recycling bins are what's missing on our trains too. Hubby and I were looking at the northern explorer in summer 2024.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks Ryan! Yes, the prices were very reasonable. And yes, we should have onboard recycling here too. You and hubby should definitely do the Northern Explorer … I highly recommend! 😃

[@rileycummaudo8612]

Kiwi Rail seems better than some trains in Australia

[@hantamthieu]

I'm so surprised with the quality of this video. Really informative and I could see great care in the making.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you. Really appreciate your comments.

[@rachaelk7866]

Love it my hometown I've been on the northern explorer too.many years ago family have been on.te huia many times it's cheap if you get the bee card ( free but ya just have to top it up but gives ya like 9 dollar fares to Auckland)

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Great to hear.

[@deejaystump]

Great job Adam had to be aussie to show what us kiwis are missing out on. The units you are riding on came from Auckland where they where used as suburban units push pull units.

[@xr6lad]

Ahhhh. I was wondering that. Are they electric stock? As the carriage looks like it had an electric unit cab up front and I thought it looked as if they may have had pantographs folded down on top?

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much Terry! Good to know.

[@rogerwilco4736]

I know what kiwis are missing out on - the rest of the world!

[@richardwilliams1334]

Great pleasing doco mate. I haven't been on any train since 1974, but for the price of 15 bucks its well worth it just for a ride. Even 30 bucks is still cheep when one compares that with their current RUC and the price of fuel these days. If I lived anywhere near Hams I'd surly use this as a means just to go for a ride let alone visit the big smoke which I never have since the days of my parents.... Pleasing to not see that rubbish people like to scribble on walls around such places as railway stations too. Thank you once again nice to see other parts of Aotearoa out side the bush I'm used too.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much. Lovely to hear that. Cheers!

[@honahwikeepa2115]

Did Sydney Coffs Harbour recently. Despite taking 8 hours it was very delightful and comfortable. I just hung out for a smoke 😂

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Oh nice. The good, old XPT.

[@andysaunders3708]

I'd be a tad concerned to see Huka Falls out the window... I wanted to go to AUCKLAND, damn you!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Haha!

[@grantgriffin2795]

Hello there. Both myself and my partner enjoyed watching this review on the Te Huia train service, We live in Waihi , New Zealand. We have not been for a ride on the Te Huia service but do plan to very soon. We did go over to Hamilton when the Te Huia service had an open day and was great to meet the crew and look through the carriages. I do have a Te Huia souvenir cup here at home. The staff on the Te Huia train are very helpful and friendly . We loved your food review on the train and enjoyed watching the pie you were eating on board , , It looked yummy . We also enjoy watching your other reviews too and look forward to you reviewing the other passenger trains available in New Zealand.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

That’s great to hear. Very cool that you got to check out the train on an open day and even have souvenirs. Cheers!

[@yasukiwi]

@@FromtheWindowSeat The only thing with the hot food is that it's microwaved so pies etc are a bit on the soft side, KIt would be good if the cafe had a proper toaster/pie warmer so that pies were delivered in a better condition. The cafe is pretty small but I think this should be doable. I am pretty sure the small cafe on the current Capital Connection train has a toaster oven.

[@danieleyre8913]

@@yasukiwi Or they could sell something other than pies...

[@yasukiwi]

@@danieleyre8913 they do. I had a hot chicken roll and a yoghurt with muesli this morning. They also have toasted sandwiches and bacon butties but the microwave doesn't do the best with them either.

[@danieleyre8913]

@@yasukiwi Other than the muesli & yoghurt: Those are all pretty unhealthy and highly processed options. And that’s assuming that the muesli isn’t loaded with sugar, yoghurt is also fattening if eaten in excess. No wonder there are so many fatties in NZ, especially in the upper north Island, if that’s what people’s idea’s of a bought meal is.

[@ZIMsar10]

This was a very enjoyable video to watch & excellent video quality & audio, which I really appreciate (you really know what your doing). You did a brilliant job mate, keep up your wonderful work. I would REALLY love to see you film some Train Journeys in the South Island & perhaps the Northern Explorer. 👻😃

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much! Stay tuned … those videos might be on the way. 😉

[@JamesWu2]

Cheers for the video!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

No worries!

[@mrnnhnz]

First of your videos I've seen. Extremely well-research and presented - good production values. And you were friendly and informative. Excellent!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much! Greta to hear.

[@trends2morrow107]

Very nice and a bit romantic train journey...

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you!

[@billfreeman1516]

Travelling around New Zealand by train is on my bucket list

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

It definitely should be. 😍

[@boweandrew3]

Great video maybe you should take a look at all of New Zealand’s trains on both the North and South Islands as well as a ferry across cook strait which connects both islands together in about 3 hours maybe more as well as a great film about The former New Zealand Railways called destinations 24 hours in the life of New Zealand Railways made in 1983 or 84 or 1980, your videos are great, it feels like I am in these countries

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you! Will have to check that film out.

[@jordancave6987]

Looking forward to your Kuranda video Adam! I could swear I saw you on the platform there in late December, around late morning time.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Ha - good spotting! Yes, I was there just before the New Year … but will be a little while before I get to that video as I have quite a lot of NZ videos to edit first. 🤓

[@jordancave6987]

@@FromtheWindowSeat it's a very small world at times

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

@@jordancave6987 True!

[@ivydickson7596]

About 20 years ago did the overlander from Auckland to Wellington. Awesome scenery. Over on the ferry to picton and train to Christchurch past the seals on the beach. Bus to Invercargill, no train south of Christchurch. Friend took me to Te Anau, saw Milford Sounds, awesome. Bus to Queenstown. Wow. Bus back to Christchurch and Trans Alpine train to greymouth. Buses to Nelson and picton. Ferry back to Wellington and overlander back to Auckland. All this for 8 days travel in 16 days for $350, using bus, trains and ferries. Only bit I paid extra was for Milford Sounds. Well worth it.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

That sounds like an incredible adventure! And what good value. 👌

[@meanbeans262]

Hope to see more trips scheduled for this train in the future. Driving to Auckland isn't too bad, but I prefer to avoid navigating through city by car.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Yes, higher frequency would be great.

[@adammurphy6845]

Another great video Adam! Nice to see these ex Auckland suburban carriages getting a new lease one life. You're right, the modernisation of them looks great!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks you! Yes, they look great and I believe more carriages are being refurbished for the service from Wellington to Palmerston North.

[@mikebudd2235]

Well , That would have to be the best video presentation that we have seen for the Te-Huia.and we have seen a lot of them...bleeding well done..cheers..

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

That’s brilliant to hear. Thank you!

[@tomdagan6361]

All your video's are information & inspiring

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Really happy to hear that. Thank you!

[@TheRyanLamont]

Great video - really informative and well put together

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much! :)

[@axan50transportproductions]

I rode the Northern Explorer once with my family back when I visited New Zealand in 2009. Back then, it was called the Overlander. I always find it funny that a loco is attached to the back(like an EMU).

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Yes, there are plenty of quirks with KiwiRail but I enjoyed the train journeys a lot.

[@axan50transportproductions]

@@FromtheWindowSeat I also find it funny that KiwiRail operates some of the Auckland metro(Pukehohe-Pukehara line) and Wellington metro(Hutt Valley to Masterton). Much like how the Stoney Point line is operated by V/Line. Oh and on a side note, I will be coming to Australia on 29 March until 13 April☺️

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

@@axan50transportproductions yes, it is interesting. Cool that you’re coming to Aus.

[@danieleyre8913]

@@axan50transportproductions Sorry quick correction; The commuter service between Masterton and Wellington is operated by Metlink, the regional government operator, not by Kiwirail. Kiwirail does however operate the inter-regional commuter service between Palmerstion North & Wellington.

[@axan50transportproductions]

@@danieleyre8913 Noted thanks

[@andysaunders3708]

Go through Huntly with unsupervised luggage - arrive in Auckland sans possessions.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

I didn’t supervise my luggage and I was fine. 🤔

[@RTPatYYZ]

Hi Adam, great video and I'm looking forward to your other videos in NZ. The scenery is amazing! I'm astounded that the old BREL Mk. IIs are still going strong, if completely unrecognizable in their Kiwi form. They really were built to last - I'm not sure about the newer stock in the UK. Wine time with wine in a can might be a fridge too far for me, though - they are here in Canada as well, but I just can bring myself to try it.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much. Yes, the scenery blew me away. Beautiful! KiwiRail did a great job with the Mk IIs.

[@charlestowler902]

@@FromtheWindowSeat It is really odd seeing them look so different to their UK appearance, yet with there original UK numbers retained!

[@TonBen2000]

Thank you.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

You're welcome!

[@wallacealex4638]

This video is AWESOME, so many amazing facts about the train and scenery. Once again AWESOME video

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much!

[@suvashree100]

Thats a very beautiful smooth looking train

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

It sure is!

[@AmieFajardoNZ]

Beautiful scenery. Very nice and well explained. Hamilton is a very beautiful town.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you very much! I really loved the gardens. 😍

[@agin1519]

Great video sir! Presented very factually, with only the occasional pointed aside (‘We pass quite a few housing developments. There are no railway stations nearby.’) That last bit through Hobson Bay is a treat. I wonder what it would be like taking it earlier in the morning. The interiors seem to be excellent. It is worrying/annoying for commuters that it was late and also didn’t connect with Britomart station. The cost however, seems extremely reasonable, making it a practical option compared to rental cars or even buying petrol for your own car. While there are pipe dreams of a fast, regular commuter service allowing people to live in the Waikato and further South and commute into various parts of Auckland or vice versa, it seems that the service provided is reasonable and creates something to be built upon, much like the suburban Auckland lines themselves. Thank you for contributing to the case for NZ Rail, when it has sadly become so partisan to do so ourselves.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much! Yes, good points.

[@maureen8966]

Hi Adam thank you for amazing video the scenery was really good. The train was very clean and looked comfortable seating. Glad the food was good. Hope you had a good trip

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Hi Maureen. Thank you! Yes, it was very enjoyable.

[@scottlewisparsons9551]

Thank you for another great video. From Sydney Australia 🇦🇺

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Glad you enjoyed it. Cheers!

[@debramage739]

That was great, made me a bit homesick 😆 🤣 😂

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Awwww … thank you!

[@debramage739]

Cheers.

[@roseogrady8785]

Thank You.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Cheers!

[@Egalitarianbeauty]

Love to watch your train journey. Beautiful scenery.👍💛

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you! 🙏

[@heathertruskinger6214]

Hi Adam. It's great to see a video about New Zealand trains. Hubby and I enjoyed watching this one, and found it very informative

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@tiny171]

It is a wonderful train to travel on I really enjoyed traveling on the Te Huia

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Great to hear!

[@tprashaant]

Wow.... Amazing , captivating and mesmerizing. A very well documented Travelogue. I felt I were with You 🥺🥺. Hat's off !!! Love From India 🥰🥰🥰

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks a lot 😊

[@ivydickson7596]

Wow, that's saying a lot Prashant, Indian trains are the best.

[@tprashaant]

@@ivydickson7596 Sure Sir. I appreciate your thoughts. You are most welcome in India and in my heart too. It's incredible 😍😍

[@diegohurwitz]

Hi Adam, excellent video. A very well edited vide with lots of information and well paced. Thanks for sharing it :)

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Awesome. Thank you!

[@DWtrainsNZ]

Well researched, and overall a well put together video. As a stickler for correct pronunciation I give you a 4/10. Good stuff overall though 👍 As you may be aware the Capital Connection service (that runs between Palmerston North and Wellington) will be utilising a new fleet of carriages (come the second half of this year) that will look very similar to these carriages that you featured. As a semi-regular user of the CC I've been wondering for awhile what these looked like inside and how easy it was to walk through them. Having seeing this I have to say I like what I'm seeing.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you! I tried my best with local pronunciations (found videos of locals speaking) but as an Aussie, knew I was never going to get them exactly right. Yes, will be interesting to see that fleet.

[@VhenRaTheRaptor]

Yeah, there is a set of carriages being refurbished to pretty much this exact configuration. So you'll probably enjoy them, this is a good carriage configuration.

[@dylanm4685]

I would have given the bloke a 7 or 8 at least - he’s pretty good.

[@calibrais]

Hi Adam, a brilliant video, thanks. As a Kiwi train buff, liking your YT content for Australasian trains, I've liked and subscribed. Keep up the great videos. Many thanks, Greg, N.Z.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Hi Greg. Thank so much! That’s wonderful to hear. Cheers!

[@DavidJones-kn9zb]

Hi Really enjoyed this video. Highly professional, informative and entertaining. Other train you tubers would certainly learn a lot from viewing your work. Great work.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you so much. That’s lovely to hear.

[@janexoxo6479]

Great video Adam! So informative for people that are thinking of taking this train 🚂

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you.

[@Stewf85]

Caught this train last December as it looked the better to travel to Hamilton area. Unfortunately it ended up being a complete disaster & took close to 6 hours, someone climbed a pole near Manurewa and wouldn’t get down, so power was cut to the line & all south bound electrified metro trains couldn’t move & blocked our path further south. Took hours for replacement buses to be booked, they seemed to arrive quickly but weren’t enough for the passengers on a fully loaded train. Typical kiwi attitudes, everyone was patient & friendly which was nice. To be practical for daily use & reducing Auckland-Hamilton traffic, there needs to be far more services each day and especially in peak commuting times. An express service would help cut down the travel time too!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Oh gee - quite the adventure! Yes, increased frequency and reduced travel times would help. Cheers!

[@kensouza9239]

Love all your videos. Hope to see more. Thank you 😊

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

That’s lovely to hear. Thank you!

[@Seiskid]

Cool video, thanks for making it. Looks like a good day trip next time I'm in Auckland.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks! Enjoy!

[@maxplanck9055]

Good to hear about the upgrades and improvements to kiwi rail, the carriages are a good international standard,a good service ✌️❤️🇬🇧thanks for the vlog

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

No worries. 😃

[@eastmarvista3267]

Your videos get better and better! Excellence at its best!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much!

[@tomcarlos7929]

This is fantastic. Thanks for producing the video.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks!

[@ashleydavidson8715]

Fantastic. Love your editing and commentary, very professional. 👏

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Lolhjl7274]

Very Nostalgic about these sets and the DFB's personally. The DFT/B's ran only on the Western Line until Late July of 2015. Instrumental in the retention of Auckland Rail Public Transit.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Interesting to know. Thanks for watching!

[@senseisaitama8684]

Ty, was wondering what this service would be like seeing I want to take me kids out to Hamilton to visit Whanau

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Great to hear. Hope you enjoy!

[@ninablackburn5243]

👍👍tune in from Australia, thanks for the lovely short trip

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Glad you liked it!

[@davidbennetts616]

Many thanks. Look forward to travelling on this train when I visit NZ in March. An affordable and relaxing trip, especially at half price. A viable alternative to battling Auckland's heavy traffic. Good to see this service start up, marvellous job has been done on modernising and updating the old British Rail Mk II carriages, should be good for another 40 -50 years service!

[@maxineb9598]

Aucklands rail network is undergoing major works and is a total mess. Dont count on it being fixed by March.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much David. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it! Maxine is right … there are a lot of upgrade world underway … but it will be worth it in the long run. Great to see investment in public transit.

[@davidbennetts616]

@@maxineb9598 Thanks Maxine for the update. I'll keep an eye on the website closer to my trip. If the train isn't running, will have to take the bus instead.

[@chrismckellar9350]

The current carriages known as SR (Suburban Regional) that is used on Te Huia and from June this year on the Capital Connection' Wellington and Palmerston North, will reach their economical life in 2030.

[@chrismckellar9350]

@@maxineb9598 - Agreed. They need to get all fixed when the City Rail Link opens in 2025.

[@leonwakefield7285]

Well researched and thoroughly enjoyable video Adam as we now expect. ;)

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much!

[@GoaTouristVlog]

Good video 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you! 🙏

[@Alex10121]

Awesome video.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks!

[@brianbuzzen]

Great video and very interesting commentary , thank you .

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Martakus1000]

This is a really great and informative video, but at the same time it made me extremely happy to live in a country where passenger rail is not nearly in such a sorry state. But some improvement is better than none, I guess.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much! Can I ask where you’re from? Somewhere with great public transport I presume.

[@Martakus1000]

@@FromtheWindowSeat I'm from Germany :) Public transport here still has some serious weak points, especially in rural areas, but compared to most other countries it's amazing!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

@@Martakus1000 Oh yes - I love how easy it is to travel by train in Germany. ☺️