Tranz Rail trains are a fast method of travel to a limited number of destinations in New Zealand, despite the fact that they seem to have been kept largely as a tourist attraction , with the exception of the commuter services that run into Wellington from the Hutt Valley and Palmerston North.

Most carriages are air-conditioned, with on-board phones and huge picture windows; airline-style meals (including vegetarian options) are served at your seat, and there's also a buffet car. Passengers check in on the platform before boarding (a ticket guarantees a seat) and bags are carried in a luggage van. As a contrast to the trains, stations tend to be in a depressingly run-down state.

These days services are limited. On the North Island, trains run from Auckland to Wellington; from Hamilton to Tauranga and Rotorua; from Palmerston North to Gisborne; from Napier to Palmerston North and on to Wellington; and from Masterton to Wellington. On the South Island, the main service operates between Picton and Invercargill along the east coast only. From Christchurch, a branch line runs to Greymouth on the west coast, while further south at Dunedin another service cuts inland to Middlemarch. These last two services are scenic trips run almost entirely for the benefit of tourists and are priced accordingly.

Tranz Rail have a multi-tier fare structure, with advance-purchase and concessionary fares available only within New Zealand . The minimum fare is $14, no matter how short your journey, and a standard, non-discounted ticket from Auckland to Wellington is $122; Picton to Christchurch will set you back $73.

Tranz Rail also offers a range of passes for unlimited travel for a certain number of days within a specified period and fixed-itinerary tickets . For further information and advance bookings , call Tranz Rail on tel 0800/802 802 or fax on 0800/101 525, www.tranzrail.co.nz.