HOUSTON – Train travel is hot right now — even here in the U.S., Amtrak set ridership records this year — and New Zealand is enjoying its own rail renaissance.
Travel expert Gabe Saglie visits Christchurch on New Zealand’s South Island to show how rail travel here mixes scenic views, comfort and unexpected on-the-ground experiences.
A smooth start: planes, arrivals and a first impression
Gabe’s flight to New Zealand included updated in‑flight services and some airline tech that made the long haul easier — a welcome start to a trip built for slow travel.
Scenic journeys across two islands
New Zealand’s rail network offers distinct experiences on both islands. On the North Island, rail routes thread through volcanic landscapes and cultural centers; on the South Island, journeys climb toward the Southern Alps, where glacier-fed rivers and sweeping valleys parade past the carriage windows. These are not just transportation routes — they’re curated sightseeing trips, often with commentary and locally sourced dining onboard that bring the landscape to life.
Beyond the tracks: culture, canopy walks and tea
Travel by train doesn’t mean missing local flavor. Gabe visits Te Pa Tu Indigenous (for authentic cultural performances and storytelling) and explores a treewalk experience with a NorCal connection that blends conservation and family-friendly adventure. He also stops at what’s touted as New Zealand’s only tea estate, where terroir and tiny-batch production make sipping a ceremony.
A rising food scene on rails and in city kitchens
New Zealand’s culinary scene is heating up — so much so that the Jano Bistro could be recognized when the MICHELIN Guide soon launches in the country.
Onboard dining and station-side cafés are reflecting that push, turning rail travel into a tasting tour as much as a sightseeing route.
Want to plan your own New Zealand rail adventure? Find out more at greatjourneysnz.com and gabethetravelguy.com.