Welcome Aboard
We are delighted to introduce our latest addition—a purpose-built carriage designed to enhance every aspect of your journey. As a visitor, or manuhiri, you are invited to immerse yourself in a full sensory experience, surrounded by a host of impressive new features.
Launching on the TranzAlpine train journey in May 2024, this carriage provides our Scenic Plus Service passengers with a refined rail experience. It’s more than just a way to travel; it’s a way to connect deeply with the essence of New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes, rich stories, and distinctive flavours. Join us on this journey and see New Zealand like never before.
It's all in the detail
The carriage’s theme and design depict a ‘coiling bird,’ representative of our Manuhiri.
Over three years have been devoted to perfecting the meaningful and comfortable interior of our new carriage. The elegantly designed interior boasts wide, comfortable seats organised in intimate groups of four. This layout promotes a shared experience, encouraging guests to connect and exchange stories while savouring the delights of our menu. Artistic details are woven throughout the carriage, enriching the narrative and enhancing the journey for our manuhiri.
The theme and design of the carriage embody the 'coiling bird,' symbolising our Manuhiri. The phrase “Ma Te Huruhuru, Ka Rere Te Manu Nui” captures the essence of resilience and strength. In Te Reo Māori, it means “With strong feathers, the great bird will soar.” Just as the majestic bird relies on its sturdy plumage, our manuhiri can unwind and feel confident that their journey with us will elevate them to new heights.
Every detail of the carriage's stylishly designed interior has been thoughtfully crafted to enrich your travel experience. From the new, comfortable seating configurations that invite relaxation to the large panoramic windows offering unobstructed views, this innovative carriage truly adds an extra layer of luxury to our world-class rail service.
"Eyes of Our Guardians"
Acting as our guardian for our Manuhiri along the way
The backbone of the Toroa
Albatross design developed by NZ based Māori artist Ephraim Russell
56 Manuhiri
Represent you the visitor, one of the 56 Manuhiri travelling with us
Engraved Tables
“Tuku atu, Tuku mai”, meaning “a great journey, is a journey shared”
6 Features of our Manuhiri Carriage
It's more than journeying from A to B
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Personal Welcome: the onboard team provides a personal greeting, guides you to your seat, and points out amenities like storage spaces and coat racks.
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Shared Dining: A social affair, seats are arranged two by two with a shared dining table. Each table is skilfully engraved with “Tuku atu Tuku mai,” meaning “a great journey is a journey shared.”
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Interior Design: Features a 'coiling bird' design theme throughout, with thoughtful artistic elements like sculptures and artwork representing visitors.
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Sculptures and Artwork: Includes the “Eyes of Our Guardians” sculpture, the Toroa (albatross) backbone on the ceiling, and 56 birds representing each passenger.
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Infotainment and Internet: Access to our Great Journeys New Zealand app, offering GPS-triggered landscape information and stories.
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Dining Experience: Offers a top-tier dining experience with white tablecloths, dynamic scenery, and locally sourced menus inspired by the landscape.
What is Scenic Plus Service
Scenic Plus delivers an elevated rail experience that captures the essence of Aotearoa New Zealand’s landscapes, narratives, and flavors. Guests (Manuhiri) can enjoy premium seating in our newly designed carriage, which features thoughtful details and expansive panoramic windows.
Each of our three train routes offers a distinctive menu inspired by the scenery it traverses. The exquisite ingredients for our dishes and the wines that accompany them are sourced directly from the regions seen through the windows, providing an immersive culinary experience that complements the stunning views outside.
Fine Dining on the Rails
Exclusive Access with Scenic Plus
Three Journeys, Three Unique Menus
Each of our three train journeys features a distinct menu, inspired by the scenery it passes. Meticulously developed, our new Scenic Plus dining menu is delivered from a custom-built kitchen carriage. Here, both hot and cold dishes are freshly prepared on board.
The ingredients for these tantalising dishes, along with the perfectly paired wines, are sourced from the regions visible from your window, offering an immersive culinary experience that mirrors the scenic vistas outside.
For instance, on our Coastal Pacific journey, guests can enjoy Tahu Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and a tasting platter featuring green shell mussels. Meanwhile, on the TranzAlpine, the exclusive menu includes slow-braised Canterbury lamb shoulder paired with wine from the family-operated Melton Estate near Christchurch.
Book Your Scenic Escape
Spectacular scenery is the accompaniment for our dining experience, and there is plenty to feast upon aboard our world-famous TranzAlpine train journey.
Ascending the heights of the Southern Alps, you'll be left breathless by the mountain vistas that unfurl before your eyes.
As you travel between coasts, the courses of your dining experience will be garnished with the endless views of this magical journey.