THE OVERLANDER

Auckland to Wellington

The Overlander The Overlander is a daylight train travelling between Auckland, "City of Sail" and New Zealand's capital city - Wellington. From Auckland the train heads south over the rolling South Waikato landscape into the rugged terrain of the King Country and towards the Central Plateau, home to the North Island's three towering volcanic peaks. Approaching the Plateau the train climbs steeply from the rich fertile farmlands to the semi arid deserts of the Central North Island.

Completing a series of circles, the Overlander ascends the spectacular Rauremu Spiral, the highlight of the journey. An engineering feat centuries old, the spiral tracks are cut into the steep sides of the Plateau to allow the train to complete its ascent.

Three Jurassic volcanic peaks dominate the skyline as the ascent is completed. Mounts Tongariro, Ngarauhoe and Ruapehu frame your view in spectacular fashion as you roll over historic viaducts and raging gorges. Descending the Volcanic Plateau the Overlander passes through sprawling farming and cropping lands before skirting the Tasman Sea to Wellington - New Zealand's Capital City.