Luxury trains in Australasia

OR clients wanting to explore various cities in Australia and New Zealand, train travel is an exciting and relaxing way to do it. “You can sit back, relax, watch the scenery, get up from your seat, go to the bar car or restaurant car and arrive at your final destination relaxed,” Corné Kotze, Senior Rail Specialist and Product Manager at Travel by Train, told Travel News. Australia and New Zealand have a range of luxury train routes to choose from. The Ghan offers a balance of comfort and adventure, travelling through Australia’s Red Centre. This train goes from Darwin to Adelaide, and offers off-train experiences in Katherine, Alice Springs, Coober Pedy and Manguri. These include a bush walk through the stunning landscape near Alice Springs with a local guide, who will share the cultural significance of the area to the Arrernte people. Guests learn about bush tucker, against the towering rock formations and serene waters of Simpsons Gap. For clients wanting to travel from coast to coast, the Indian Pacific travels between Perth, Adelaide and Sydney. Named for the two oceans at either end of the route, this train’s journey is a 4 352km crossing. The Great Southern offers a luxurious trip from Adelaide to Brisbane with coastal views, fine dining experiences and premium wines available on board. Alternatively, The Overland, which was Australia’s first inter-capital passenger train, offers clients a trip through the countryside between Adelaide and Melbourne. Kiwi journeys In New Zealand’s South Island, passengers explore the Southern Alps aboard the luxurious TranzAlpine train, travelling from Greymouth to Christchurch, passing through scenic country including Arthur’s Pass, the highest of only three routes traversing the Southern Alps. This National Park is popular for hiking, climbing and wildlife viewing. The Northern Explorer showcases the rural heart of New Zealand’s North Island on a 681km journey between Auckland and Wellington. This journey travels through the Central Volcanic Plateau, offering passengers the chance to see Mount Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe. The Coastal Pacific train travels along the Pacific coast between Picton and Christchurch. Along the way travellers can explore Kaik ura Coastline, famous for its marine life and whale watching, or explore Lake Grassmere which is known for its pink and white salt lakes. The Coastal Pacific train is currently on winter break and will restart on September 1.