The beauty in New Zealand require a visitor’s complete attention. So why not treat your eyes to an experience and travel the countryside in an scenic train journey? Great Journeys New Zealand presents a new collection of guided, multi-day train tours that take you through breathtaking landscapes in the North as well as South islands.

The newly-launched rail adventure takes three train lines that are already in operation and combine them with a brand new set of guided tours -that span from 6 to 17 days, taking guests on various off-rail adventures in search of Kiwi experiences. Its Northern Explorer train commences at Auckland It travels approximately 400 miles to the capital city of New Zealand, Wellington. On the way, trips will take guests into The Waitomo Glowworm Caves and into Tongariro National Park, where they’ll get to see the imposing Mount Ruapehu. After traveling the 58 miles Cook Strait aboard the Interislander ferry, passengers are able to transfer into the Coastal Pacific train at Picton. The route travels through Blenheim’s vineyards , and along Kaikoura’s coastline (renowned for its whale sightings) before heading to Christchurch. In the end it is the TranzAlpine railway travels through between the Canterbury Plains and the Southern Alps between Christchurch and Greymouth. Shuttle tours or private coaches will transport passengers to close destinations, such as Queenstown as well as Milford Sound.

“Great Journeys New Zealand takes travelers through some of the country’s most stunning and diverse landscapes, from rolling hills and lush forests to rugged coastlines and sparkling oceans,” says Mark Hockley, senior tour manager and partnership specialist for Great Journeys New Zealand. “The scenic routes provide panoramic views that can’t be found by road, and the relaxed and comfortable train ride allows travelers to sit back, relax, and fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of New Zealand.”

Tour guides offer local knowledge along with personal introductions. “There’s a story at every stop, from tales about Kiwiana culture to facts about New Zealand’s curious birds, the history of Maori culture, geology in volcanic regions, rock formations, orientation of cities and locations in New Zealand, and so much more,” Hockley declares. A sound commentary system, activated by GPS and provides further information and historical context while the train travels. “The views really are breathtaking — from the volcanic peaks of Middle Earth in Ruapehu to sighting the mystical Blue Lake in the northern reaches of New Zealand’s Southern Alps — but we also visit local stores and meet sheep farmers and winemakers, and hear their stories along the way,” the man says.

“Maori storytelling and legends are woven into every guide’s narrative throughout all trips — it’s an important part of the New Zealand experience,” Hockley adds. “We provide special cultural experiences on many of our tours, which range from visiting an authentic Maori village, to sampling Maori foodand discovering Maori art and craft