The Northern Explorer is a journey through the heart of the North Island, travelling between Auckland, New Zealand's largest city, to Wellington, New Zealand's capital city. Your journey today takes you along the first half of this scenic train trip through to Tongariro National Park. You also see fantastic views of New Zealand farmland, the volcanic plateau, Mount Ruapehu, the world famous Raurimu Spiral, and stunning river gorges - all from panoramic windows or open-air viewing decks. All carriages feature large panoramic windows giving sweeping views of the magnificent North Island.