Getting There By Rail
New Zealand’s rail service is operated by the Tranz Scenic rail company (tel: (0800) 872 467; e-mail: bookings@tranzscenic.co.nz; website: www.tranzscenic.co.nz). Trains are efficient and reasonably priced but rare, operating more as a tourist service than a business or commuter network. Auckland Station is in the Britomart Centre, a purpose-designed, combined train and local bus station in the old post office building opposite Queen Elizabeth II Square, at the harbour end of Queen Street. The building itself is attractive in a modern grandiose way and the facilities are what you’d expect in a new, purpose-built terminus.
Rail services: The only service, apart from infrequent local suburban commuter trains, is the daily early morning service to New Zealand’s capital, Wellington, on the southern tip of North Island, as well as an overnight service from Sunday to Friday (journey time – approximately 11 hours).
Transport to the city: Auckland Station is in the Britomart, two minutes walk from the ferry wharfs and on public bus routes which includes the bus interchange. Taxis are also available. There is an underground walkway connecting the station to Queen Elizabeth II Square.
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