Overlander

The Overlander is the only passenger rail service running between Auckland and Wellington.

In September 2006, Toll Holdings considered closing down the route due to financial concerns. Since then, the ARC and other organsations have worked to prevent this from happening.

Why keep the Overlander running?

If the Overlander stopped operating it would mean the end of passenger rail between Auckland and Wellington. For tourists, it would mean losing a transport alternative to Ohakune and the National Park. For many communities it would mean the end of access to passenger rail services altogether.

A longer-term implication of losing the Overlander passenger service is rail infrastructure deteriorating to the point that it would be difficult to reinstate.

What is being done to save the Overlander?

To prevent the above consequences, the ARC, Environment Waikato, Horizons Manawatu and the Greater Wellington Regional Council have worked to gain more time (until September 2007) for this key piece of economic infrastructure.

During this time, the aforementioned organisations will be working with government, and Toll Holdings, for the Overlander's potential joint financial rescue.

Toll Holdings would like to state that, through initiatives such as carriage upgrades, greater promotion, and working with regional organisations and national government, they are determined to keep the service profitable.

The Overlander journey

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As the Overlander journey's through the north island, it passes through some amazing scenery, including:

the farmlands of the Waikato
the engineering feet of the Raurimu Spiral
the volcanic plateau and Mt Ruapehu and Mt Tongariro
river gorges and the rolling landscape of the Palmerston North region.

All carriages are centrally heated and air conditioned, with "airline" style reclining seats and large windows for enjoying the panoramic views. The buffet carriage has a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, snacks and light meals.

For more information about the Overlander, and to book your tickets click here.