NZ’s epic railway journey | The Northern Explorer | Auckland to Wellington

Hop aboard one of the world's great railway journeys - the Northern Explorer from Auckland to Wellington. This is an epic, all-day journey through spectacular scenery. Find out why the Northern Explorer has been described as New Zealand’s hidden gem, in this video travel guide.
In this video, we'll explore the specially designed Scenic Class carriages, which feature panoramic windows and skylights, and experience the open-air viewing car.
The Northern Explorer climbs the world famous Raurimu Spiral and crosses deep ravines and towering viaducts as it traverses the Central Plateau including the volcanoes of Tongariro National Park. The journey also includes includes one of the best stretches of coastal railway in New Zealand - the Kapiti Coast and Porirua Harbour.
Northern Explorer bookings, fares and timetable:
www.greatjourneysnz.com/tours...
Route guide by the Man in Seat 61:
www.seat61.com/auckland-to-we...
🚉 Train: The Northern Explorer
🚉 Operator: Great Journeys of New Zealand (parent company: KiwiRail)
🚉 Locomotive: New Zealand DF class (DFB 7213)
🚉 Seat: Car A, Seat 03D (window)
🚉 Route: Auckland Strand - Wellington
🚉 Distance: 681km
🚉 Travel time: 10 hours 40 minutes (scheduled)
🚉 Class: Scenic class
🚉 Travel date: 27 October 2022
EQUIPMENT:
🚉 Cameras: GoPro Hero 10, GoPro Hero 8, iPhone 12 Pro Max, Panasonic HC-VX1
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction
00:47 - The Strand station and check in
02:18 - Train consist and seat tour
03:57 - Departing Auckland and crew announcement
06:28 - Cafe car and breakfast
07:55 - Viewing car and North Island Main Trunk line
09:49 - Route and Huntly
10:54 - Hamilton to King Country
13:09 - Otorohanga and first viaducts
15:07 - Bathroom tour and Taumarunui
17:02 - Raurimu Spiral
20:27 - Tongariro National Park and lunch
21:53 - Makatote Viaduct and the last spike
23:06 - Hapuawhenua Viaduct
23:49 - Okahune and the Tangiwai disaster
25:52 - Mount Ruapehu and wine time
26:42 - Turangarere Horseshoe
27:34 - Rangitīkei River and viaducts
29:56 - Accesible features of the cafe car
30:37 - Makohine Viaduct, Marton and travel times
32:46 - Electric locos and Palmerston North
34:23 - Levin to Waikanae
36:12 - Kapiti Coast
37:49 - Fares
38:44 - Plimmerton and Porirua Harbour
40:12 - Tawa Flat deviation to Wellington
41:39 - Arriving Wellington
42:55 - Final thoughts and next trip
Music
I use Artlist for high quality, licensed audio. If you sign up using my referral link below, you will get two extra months for free.
artlist.io/Adam-3542584
Credits and sources:
OpenRailwayMap:
www.openrailwaymap.org
Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_I...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norther...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raurimu...
King Country
teara.govt.nz/en/king-country...
Viaducts
places.nz/9848
www.engineeringnz.org/program...
Population stats:
www.stats.govt.nz/topics/popu...
www.wellingtonnz.com/about-us...
Photos and videos
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...
Joerg Mueller, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
North Island rail map:
upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...
Meet the Locals: Lahar video
Department of Conservation (NZ)
• Meet the Locals: Lahar
Pictorial Parade No. 81 (1958) video
Archives New Zealand
• Pictorial Parade No. ...
Tangiwai rail disaster photos
Archives New Zealand
www.flickr.com/photos/archive...
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
By Манько Марко
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...
Waiteti railway Viaduct
By Johnragla
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...
Northern Explorer at National Park
Northern Explorer heads south from National Park
media.greatjourneysofnz.co.nz... Explorer
Raurimu Railway Spiral from Helicopter
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...
Duane Wilkins
'Final spike - North Island main trunk line'
nzhistory.govt.nz/media/photo...,
Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1909, D-2
Crater Lake
Michal Klajban via Wikimedia Commons
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...
Capital Connection
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...
DB Thats-Me
Follow me on social media:
/ _fromthewindowseat
/ adamgjoyce
/ adamjoycetravels
#greatjourneysnz #KiwiRail #trainreview

[@nigeemms9602]

Thank you for sharing. As an ex Kiwi Resident, who has an avid interest in rail travel, I have to agree that NZ does offer some spectacular scenery. However the rail ticket prices are over the top, and its no longer a public service per se, but a tourist train as others have mentioned. My real gripe is that when I first travelled this route in 1996 there were 14 trains a week from Auckland to Wellington, now in 2023 only 3 trains a week. For all of the supposedly green kiwi credentials this is not good and is in real terms going backwards compared to the rest of the progressive rail world. So many countries investing in new lines, routes and stations, even in the Middle East in Saudi to the reopening of part of the Waverly route in Edinburgh. The rest of the World moves on with rail infrastructure projects but regretably not New Zealand. On a different note wonderful to see the Kapti Coast and my old home areas around Plimmerton and Porirua. Great presentation thank you.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you! Good points … and it’s not a question or either / or, there should be both. Regular, affordable services for locals and more premium services aimed at tourists. I agree wholeheartedly that rail has so much potential … same in my country, Australia, where we should be investing in high quality passenger trains. Cheers!

[@jamesc3953]

Bang on criticism mate. I'm a kiwi native and agree whole heartedly with this sentiment, after riding trains overseas it's very clear we have a long way to go with public transport.

[@mark-ish]

With a population of 5.1m people it's not feasible to fund everything especially when rail is a distant 4th option.

[@MichaelTavares]

I love your videos, and good on you mate, you say Māori place names Bette than a lot of Pākehā do!

[@andyrob3259]

You have to remember in Australia many towns also have indigenous names so for us the idea of pronunciation of things like that albeit a different language is more instinctive (imo) than Europeans coming here.

[@fraserknz]

And a lot of mispronunciation that us kiwis will laugh about and some will cringe.🙂

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you so much! I know some of my pronunciations weren't quite right. I found the Te Aka Māori Dictionary quite helpful. maoridictionary.co.nz/

[@DWtrainsNZ]

​@@FromtheWindowSeat I was about to say. The way you pronounced around half of the māori words was spot on. Several other words you were very close to getting right. Thanks for making the effort. It's appreciated.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

@@DWtrainsNZ Thank you! Adding to the complexity was that even some Kiwis pronounced certain names differently on KZbin videos, so I had to choose one over another (obviously favouring Māori pronunciations over those by Pākehā but it wasn’t always possible to find Māori pronunciations). 🤔

[@dianaholvik2554]

Well this was very interesting for me for a few reasons. I was born in NZ in mid 1950s (left NZ with my family in mid 1960s) and my family and I traveled regularly on what was then the NZR (New Zealand Railways). We loved trains and it was always an adventure for us. Boy, trains have changed a lot since then. They were pretty rudimentary in those days and one had to buy one's food and drink in the station and carry it onto the train. The food was served on or in thick china labeled NZR. You left your dishes for NZR to clean up. The trip was much more clackety clack, and swaying (which we loved), and walking between cars one could see the tracks between the moving joins. The join was also not closed in on the sides, but did have chains across the gaps. And the washrooms...well. When you flushed, the toilet simply opened at the bottom and you could see the tracks whizzing past. We were not supposed to flush while in the stations. When I was about 12 we moved to Canada and took the train from Vancouver to Toronto (3 day trip). An adventure of a completely different kind for me and my siblings. Thanks for sharing this. I really enjoyed it.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Wow … sounds like a real adventure on the train back then. Glad you liked the video. Thanks for watching! 😃

[@TheHobartAviationFan]

Would love to give this a go next time I'm in NZ!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

You definitely should. Cheers!

[@jamescrocker2474]

Thanks. Was waiting for this one. Would love to check out some NZ golden arches from that viewing car.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Cheers! Ha - yes, what a combination. ;)

[@Lion366]

I would love to ride this train from Auckland to Wellington! I have never been to New Zealand but the scenery looks amazing in photos!!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Yes, highly recommended.

[@Lion366]

Okay great I was going to ask if you recommend the trip as a tourist in terms of good scenery! I will have to go one time! ​@@FromtheWindowSeat

[@lilfloss7]

great video as always! thanks for sharing 🚂

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you! 😊

[@danieleyre8913]

In the old days; the predecessor of this service (the Overlander) used to stop at all the stations like Marton, Waiouru, Taumaranui, etc and it used to be hauled by the EF's between Palmerston North & Te Rapa, and it used to do the trip in 1 or 2 less hours than now and the prices were definitely cheaper than flying. I think the open air car used to be the smokers car LOL. However; the carriages used were the old 56ft carriages from the 1940's, with claustrophobic toilets, small windows and really old fashioned spring seating. There was just the one big window carriage at the back. The food options weren't great either, mostly pies.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Yes, I’ve heard about The Overlander. Interesting to hear those details. Would have been quite an experience. 🤔

[@aussiejohn5835]

Hi Adam 👋, you have outdone yourself with this amazing presentation. I have cruised NZ 3 times from Australia and loved every minute. I think I need to experience this journey while I am able and think the $200 is well worth it for the breathtaking scenery. I do wonder why New Zealanders are so anxious to move to Australia when they already live in Paradise. I do look forward to your next journey across the straight. I also hope you continue your journey through the South Island. Thanks again for this wonderful and educational presentation.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Hi John. Thank you so much! It took a lot of work but I think it was worth it. I had high expectations for New Zealand ... and even with those, the country's beauty blew me away. Yes, I made it to the South Island too. I loved it so much I hope to return. :)

[@aussiejohn5835]

@From the Window Seat You're very welcome, Adam and I am waiting patiently for more NZ footage.

[@Fishfingers232]

They move because salaries are garbage in New Zealand compared to Australia. Scenery doesn't pay the bills.

[@aussiejohn5835]

@Fishfingers232 Thanks for your reply, and yes, that would definitely be a reason to move to Australia.

[@paullong4471]

Nice place with beautiful scenery..God bless

[@markusbramley]

Love your rail adventure videos Adam. Very cool.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you! 🙏

[@dubemccready7438]

Love these train trips you have given to this glorious viewing of beautiful NZ.cheers

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much!

[@JamieRamsay]

best train travel video i have ever watched, love your work mate

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Wow - thank you! 🙏

[@TheWert3003]

Stoked to see you cover such a good line! I agree with other NZers that I wish there were a cheaper option for locals that was less tourist oriented, but I did ride this line 10 years ago to National Park and loved it!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Good call!

[@kathymccrory9931]

This is a great video, so much beautiful scenery.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you! Yes, the scenery is stunning.

[@caddywampus]

Lovely video Adam - I miss New Zealand and need to visit again - thank you 😊

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you!

[@TravelSignal]

Love it! Great video. Brings back memories of making the same journey in 2001 when backpacking - back when Strand station was still Auckland station! Thanks!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you! Ah, memories. This was my first trip to New Zealand … but one thing’s for certain … I’ll definitely be back. 😊

[@kymmoulds]

Another great video as always. Thanks for taking the time to make it. and a BIG thumbs up.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much!

[@drivernz2609]

Greetings from NZ. Thank you for such an amazing content.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Greetings! Glad you liked it. Thank you!

[@ralphsmith1170]

WoW! Another great video of NZ railways. Until I watched these, I hadn't really rated NZ as a railway journey destination. But that's all changed. I am going to watch all the others you have posted in this series. I think a trip over the ditch is on the cards for me.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

I’m really glad to hear that. Enjoy!

[@elizabethcragg5956]

So very helpful as I plan my trip! Thank you!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Brilliant to hear. Hope you enjoy your trip!

[@brian402]

Absolutely awesome video here Adam, you've done a amazing train journey👍

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you very much!

[@tinap7672]

Thank you for sharing this awesome video of your journey 🎉❤😅😊. These are very beautiful areas.😊

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

My pleasure 😊

[@sarbaazchabahar]

Such a beautiful land. Thank you for sharing your amazing videos👍✌️

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Glad you liked it. Yes, the country is stunning. 😍

[@brucewalker3944]

Loved this Adam. I may never travel that train, but I felt like I have journeyed my homeland with you.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Great to hear that Bruce. Thank you!

[@julianankoana9539]

Thanks so much for this-thinking of doing this trip later in the year and this was really useful to watch!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Great to hear. Hope you enjoy it!

[@KiwiRailSpotter]

Great Video! Well edited, looking forward to seeing the other videos on the Great Journeys of NZ! :D

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much! Yes, stay tuned (although it’s taking me a long time to edit each video … but I’ll get through them all eventually 😆).

[@KiwiRailSpotter]

@@FromtheWindowSeat I have a feeling it will be worth the wait.

[@randomx8822]

Really good video . Thanks.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Glad you liked it! Thank you!

[@graemetessier7888]

Good technical information and maps, as well as other informative commentary Well done!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much! 🙏

[@mohamedhaffajee3756]

Brilliantly made train ride documentary. Thank you.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Glad you liked it. Thank you!

[@davidjones908]

Thank you very much for sharing your training experiences with people. The information in details you offered in the video is very helpful. Thank you again.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you!

[@venkasi]

Watching NZ train vlogs for the first time. Appreciate sharing even the minor details on this scenic route

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Great to hear the details are appreciated. Thank you!

[@corinne8569]

Hi Adam... Well dad and I just just enjoyed watching yet another brilliant video thanks to you.. We had never really seen much of New Zealand's scenery but boy did this satisfy our curiosity... Great choice of music as always to accompany the journey with much info and maps that you generously include throughout the entire video.. And for this we thankyou for all that you do upon your travels... See you on your next one...💚

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Hi Corinne. Lovely to hear that you and your dad enjoyed it and appreciated the maps, music and info. Thank you!

[@kurtwoehrman3335]

Loved the commentary. Great filming. GREAT Job. I feel as though I was there.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much Kurt. Great to hear that. 😊

[@ArunS1984]

Great video..very well put together..informative and on point narration..appreciate the effort behind the video 👍

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much! Wonderful to get that feedback. 🙏

[@cillamoke]

My hometown Te Awamutu, we spent a few trips back and forth to Ohakune where my grandparents lived. The main trunk line has been a feature I my life ❤

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Wonderful. Cheers!

[@peteraltnow]

Great presentation of the trip. Good edding and pleasant background music. Thanks for showing.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you!

[@AdamB9866]

Great job. Very informative video!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you!

[@ashley-brookemcnamara666]

What a lovely journey! So well filmed and edited, a Sunday highlight for me! Thank you xx

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you so much!

[@wallybelp1]

Thank you for an enjoyable experience.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you!

[@gymrat2647]

Great video. Brings back memories of this train. Do remember getting the train twice from Auckland to Wellington. While I was living in Auckland and a kid as well

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Awesome. Wonderful to hear. Cheers!

[@ShankarShashi]

Super! Thanks for sharing 🙂

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

You’re welcome! 😊

[@michaelformaini7053]

Another well presented video from your travels. I've done the journey several times in both directions on past trips across the ditch, but haven't experienced it in these quite comfortable looking carriages. The open air car was on this and the TranzAlpine trains on my last visit back in 2007. Thanks for revitalising my memories of the scenery and local hospitality, If I do the trip again southbound, I'll be sure to purchase my lunch shortly after leaving Hamilton so I don't get caught out like you did. Cheers and thanks again. I look forward to your coverage of the InterIslander Ferry and other Kiwi Train Trips,😀😀😀

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much! Yes, good idea re lunch. Interesting that Great Journeys NZ are reintroducing Scenic Plus on the TranzAlpine route. Might have to return one day to check that out too … at least you don’t have to worry about running out of food when it’s all included. 😆

[@cstchua8]

Thank you for your excellent video, we enjoyed it very much!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you!

[@divox9pqr]

Absolutely fascinating and beautiful scenery. Videos are so well done. New Zealand ranks at the top of my bucket list to visit now with a ride on this marvelous rail line. Thank so much.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

So glad to hear that. Thank you!

[@spsingh6109]

Later this year I will be visiting New Zealand for the second time . I feel tempted to travel by this train to Wellington where my son resides .

[@johnpaska5620]

Exellent, Feel I ve been to NZ when I havent

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Great to hear. Cheers!

[@kiteora]

You have convinced me to take this journey. Will plan for this soon.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

So great to hear that. Enjoy!

[@hasanali948]

Thank you so much. This was really helpful.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Happy to hear that. Cheers!

[@tadmornz]

Thank you for sharing your experience. Remarkable video.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much!

[@jackiewessel7195]

Very nice videos! I appreciate learning about the areas you are going through.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you!

[@celsopdacunha000]

Your videos are very well done and you also do a very good research about the areas. Thanks a lot.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much - I enjoy the research part of making these videos.

[@AgentBasil]

That was excellent ! thank you

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you!

[@mrc6301]

that was great fun, thanks. i was an assistant guard for 2 years on what we called the ratler , when i was 17,im now 67,lol. so it was a while ago. we used to run every night , using up to 17 cars, mind you we had the 5 nz post cars attached too. really enjoyed my time with nzr.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

That sounds like it would have been a wonderful job and incredible experience. Glad you liked the video. Cheers!

[@naiduu.u.2309]

Loved a lot..beautiful journey.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you!

[@amandamarchant9383]

Thank you so much for your video my 8yr old son and I enjoyed your video we watched all your videos my 8 year old loves listening to the history of the places and the trains he learnt so much so thank you so much for your time and keep the video going I must say my son watching your video is much better then Minecraft 🙂🙂

[@Kiwi-Ahh-Nah]

I love the history that he narrates his videos with. I also love how the videos are focused on the journey and not the presenter! I have loads of his videos to catch up on.

[@aussiejohn5835]

Your son will definitely benefit from these videos and hopefully inspire him to travel in years to come.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

That's brilliant to hear Amanda - thank you! 😊

[@user-td2kr5vu4g]

Hi . What a great video. Thank you for sharing.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks for watching!

[@jessquinn6614]

Love these videos very informative thank you! I’m from NZ and have just returned from Japan where they have an amazing train transportation system. Hope one day NZ increases train transportation for public transport as well as tourism. Love all the beautiful scenery and your commentary hope to do this trip one day!:)

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much! Yes, I’d love to see more passenger train routes introduced in New Zealand. Wonderful country. Very excited to visit Japan myself. 😃

[@LyfovRyan51]

A well informed documentary. I've travelled this line a few times with different Railway Enthusiast groups. I'm still impressed with the scenery each time. Good homework on the Harrods incident, most of the country got behind it. I believe that since the trip was booked out in advance, more food should've been stored. I always look forward to my next trip on the explorer.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much! Yes, the scenery is great … I’d be interested to do it again, perhaps northbound. Yes, it was a little surprising they ran out of food given they knew the train would be full. 🤔

[@AussieJetSetter]

Awesome production there mate, very well put together :)

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much! Cheers! :)

[@liss441]

That open air car is awesome

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

It is! 😍

[@tushantsaini2058]

Seeing this from the UK, I absolutely loved that and the details well done.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you very much!

[@johnmullin1188]

Absolutely wonderful video on the Pacific my friend all the best John uk 😊

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Great to hear. Many thanks! 😁

[@David_P132]

Well shot, classy editing, informative commentary - excellent production.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much. 🙏

[@worldcooking]

Such a scenic train ride!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

It really is. 😍

[@tiny171]

Excellent video I have travelled on the Northern Explorer and it was a wonderful trip from Hamilton to Papakura

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it too. 😃

[@jimcrawford5039]

When I did it the train left from Britomart. Loved the trip! Cheers from Aus.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Nice. Thanks!

[@tonygardiner2791]

Nga mihi Adam, ka pai to mahi (great work) ❤ love your vids and commentary they're always very informative. I've watched most of your Aussie Train trips and a couple of those (The Ghan and Great Southern) are now on my bucket list. Awesome work mate 👍👍

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Tēnā koe Tony. That’s so good to hear. Hope you get to take one or more of these great railway journeys soon! ☺️

[@paulhaynes8045]

Fantastic journey (and video). I've never been outside Europe and certainly never considered flying half-way round the world! But this has got me interested in NZ. I don't have a bucket list, but if I did, this would now definitely be on it! Many thanks.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

That’s brilliant to hear. Hope you make it to NZ one day!

[@agh0x01]

Great video, and I was impressed with your pronunciation of the Māori place names, etc. Better than many locals.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you! I tried (but know some of my pronunciations and vowels were a bit off).

[@heathertruskinger6214]

Hi Adam. Beautiful scenic journey that's for sure. I did have a giggle at your "healthy" lunch 🤣..... Ah, but isn't that what holidays are for. ? I am sure the crew were a tad embarrassed at running out of food ! The ferry video should be cool to watch . I only did it once....and that was way back in the '70's. !!!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you! Haha. True! Although I was keen to try one of their hot meal options, which sounded quite good. 😋 The scenery from the ferry is also spectacular. 😍

[@RGC198]

Hi Adam, excellent video. Thanks for sharing. My wife and I did this trip way back in October1979, though not on the Northern Explorer. We believed at the time that it was the Silver Fern Railcar, though that may not be accurate. It was a train that had replaced the Silver Star, which apparently ceased running in June 1979. We actually did the trip both ways at the time. All the best from Rob in Melbourne Australia.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Hi Rob. Thank you! Sounds like a real adventure. New Zealand certainly has a fascinating rail history.

[@PeteBrandy]

Nice video and epic views! New Zealand and Australia are on my bucket list .. I still regret not taking at least a short trip there when I was moving around Singapore for 10 days in 2018. Greetings from Central Europe :-)

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Hey Pete. Thank you! Yes, you definitely need to make it Down Under some time. You won’t regret it. I’m hoping to visit Europe in 2024. 🤞

[@viviennewest1867]

What like this type in journey is that it was during the day time given us the chance to see the country.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you.

[@iangarbutt7451]

Thank you so much for this great journey through the North Island!! ✨️♥️✨️

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@9VSIA]

Thoroughly enjoyed the trip. Highly informative and beautiful scenery

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Great to hear - thank you!

[@mcmgcape]

Thank you for this video. Will be on this train from Hamilton to Paraparaumu this Saturday.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@Kiwi-Ahh-Nah]

Have never used this service during the day. Definitely inspired to do a day trip next time I travel from Wellington to Hamilton. Another first class video, many thanks for showing this kiwi parts of NZ I've not yet seen!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Wonderful to hear! You won't regret it. Cheers!

[@gregorm9183]

Thanks dude , that was a great informative vid. I'm going to take my mum on this train.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Awesome - thanks! Enjoy!

[@jamesdarby709]

Another beautifully produced and well researched film, Adam. I must make that trip of a lifetime from the UK to Australia and New Zealand

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thaniks so much! 😊

[@TheKL105]

Hello Adam I live in Aus now from NZ and before I moved to Aus train trips was pretty exciting and a regular occurrence growing up as a kid in NZ whether it was travelling between suburbs to Wellington and back or going to Auckland and Wellington and vice versa ! So I stumbled on your KZbin channel and enjoy watching you enjoy showing people your journey through NZ travelling by train good stuff 👍

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Great to hear that. Thank you! 🙏

[@weezersg]

Great video. I did a return trip from Auckland to Palmerston North when I was a student at Uni of Auckland that was in 1990. The ticket price was more affordable then and the service is daily. Anyways is good memories of scenic NZ which always have a special place in my heart.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you! Yes, it would be great for there to be a daily service.

[@amtrakharry]

Yes Adam this is one of the "best " travel video's I have watched !!! :):):) You has got me really excited because I will be riding this train in April of 2024... Can't wait !!! :):):) Thank you for sharing this with all of us...

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Very happy to hear that Harry. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did! ☺️

[@kruizeeMF]

I enjoyed this so much! This could have been really brining.. but your commentary and editing really enticed me as a viewer!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

So good to hear that. Thank you!

[@brianbuzzen]

great video and information, thank you.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

My pleasure. Cheers!

[@tanpengjoo7205]

New Zealand beautiful country n lovely people

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Agreed. ☺️

[@frizzy60]

Definitely a bucket list item

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Agreed! 🙌

[@Essexkiwi]

First time viewer of your channel. Excellent video, great job. I learned a lot, and it would be worth watching again. Looking forward to the next video.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks so much!

[@davidlang1125]

I’m a new subscriber and this is the second video I’ve seen on this channel. This tour of North Island was amazing and the open observation car would have been my favorite post as well, no matter the weather. I’m so impressed by the production quality of the videos and enjoyed the commentary which showed extensive research. It’s a lot of work. So thank you so much Adam, your hard work is very appreciated.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Hi David. Thank you so much! It’s lovely to receive comments like this. So encouraging. I really enjoyed this trip (and making this video) so glad it shows. 🥰 I wish we had open air observation cars like this in Australia.

[@davidlang1125]

@@FromtheWindowSeat and open cars here in the US as well! And wish the food on Amtrak was as good on the Northern Explorer!

[@Yorgo1967]

Hey Adam! Really enjoyed this video, a link of which I was sent from my mate in Christchurch. Keep up the great work!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

That’s great to hear. Thank you!

[@ian.lwilson7156]

Brilliant video.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you!

[@rileycummaudo1830]

Great video I can’t wait for the interlander ferry

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you! ☺️

[@davidjohn64]

fantastic to watch more please ..

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you - I'll see what I can do!

[@RF_ABD_30259]

Another lovely one! ❤ Love from a railfan based at India!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you! 🙏

[@petermckinnon7102]

Your channel is excellent. Extremely comprehensive information.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks Peter. Really appreciate that.

[@jaxgraham8455]

THANK YOU for putting up a really decent video of this ride...We will be doing a trip in November from the Waikato and i tried to watch videos on it but no one has a good video of their journey. Thank you for the history lesson where as alot of Kiwi do not know of (including myself) I hoped you enjoyed your journey as sure will be as well. Nāu Mai Haere Mai.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Tēnā koe. Really glad to hear you found it useful. Hope my Māori pronunciations weren’t too distracting (I tried to get them right but I know some were a bit off). It was a fabulous journey and I will certainly be back. 😊

[@diegohurwitz]

Hi Adam, what a wonderful video...again :) I've done the trip around 25 years ago, I think is time to check out the new panoramic carriages. Thank you so much for sharing it. Hopefully you also made a video of our Wairarapa commuter services :)

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thanks Diego! :) Unfortunately I didn't make a video about the Wairarapa Connection ... partly because I didn't realise what a cool train it was until I was already on it. Maybe next time.

[@LadyRickie]

Thank you I enjoyed that trip on train.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Great to hear! 🥰

[@antaya715]

Ngā mihi!! Great video. I grew up on the railway, both of my parents worked on the railway based in Taumarunui. I was lucky to ride on the then Silver Fern Railcar with the crew from Taumarunui to the crew change in National Park all the time which inspired my now career as a flight attendant lol. Some of the words you used to describe the spiral reminded me of the old day commentary, said live by the crew back in the day lol. Awesome mahi e hoa ❤

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you so much - that's wonderful to hear! Tēnā koe!

[@kingcountrykiwi7429]

Awesome video. As you can tell by my channel name I am from The King County which you touched on in the video. My Great grand father was one of the Chiefs who approved the survey. I’m from Kakahi where the rails go behind my house and I’d swim in the Whakapapa river daily @ 16:51. I live in Auckland now 😢 but go home regularly.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Kia ora! Thank you. That’s incredible to hear. What a wonderful legacy. Glad to hear you get to return home regularly. ☺️

[@nevkrisjackson8065]

I lived in Taumauranui for a while + Auckland Orewa Christchurch Rangiora Nelson + Picton

[@kingcountrykiwi7429]

@@nevkrisjackson8065 nice, I currently live in Orewa 😊

[@kaizadkarkaria1930]

A very detailed and well explained video..

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you! 🙏

[@nishanthadesilva3529]

Very informative video done with lot of efforts. Thank you very much 🙏🏼 I’ll experience when I visit New Zealand. Love from Sri Lanka 🇱🇰👍🙏🏼

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Thank you! Hope you love New Zealand as much as I did. 🤩☺️