New Zealand railways are not well developed. In terms of popularity, they are inferior to the bus service. There are only eight lines in use in the country. The total length of the railway network is 3898 km. New Zealand trains provide comfortable conditions for passengers. These are modern trains that are maximally adapted for intercity travel. Train tickets are often cheaper than bus tickets.
Railway development
New Zealand is the only state in Oceania with a rail system. The country has a small number of lines, and each of them carries one passenger train per day. Freight traffic is much more intensive. The railway sector is based on freight, bulk cargo prevails among the transported materials.
The train ride is an opportunity to see scenic areas. All passenger trains have only comfortable class I coaches. They do not have sleeping cars, but there are buffets. Passenger traffic is limited to a small number of routes, which makes them less popular with local residents. Wellington and Auckland have urban rail systems. In New Zealand, the railway service originated in 1863. Currently, the country's railways are owned by KiwiRail Holdings Limited (KiwiRail). The head office of this organization is located in Wellington (capital of New Zealand).
Main rail routes
To travel between the main settlements, it is recommended to use the railway service. Train connections to popular attractions. Tourists are offered special routes that allow them to see the best landscapes of New Zealand. These include the lines TranzScenic, TranzCoastal and others. The railways include 175 bridges and 22 tunnels. In some areas, railways are missing, forcing people to travel by car, bus and airplane. The limited network is a significant disadvantage of the country's railway system.
The most popular stretch of road is between Wellington and Auckland. The tourist train operates between Rotorua and Auckland. It is equipped with panoramic windows, comfortable seats and air conditioning systems. The South and North Islands are linked by a ferry. In this case, the ferry ride is included in the cost of the railway ticket. You can view routes and fares on the website of the New Zealand rail operator - kiwirail.co.nz.
