New Zealand has been named the fourth best place to visit this year in the New York Times’ iconic ‘52 places’ list but there’s a catch; the news outlet specifically states it’s best explored by train.
Each year, the New York Times compiles a list of 52 places experts believe people should travel to that year.
The 2024 list highlights the best destinations for sustainability, cultural events, nature and art.
This year, “New Zealand by train” takes fourth place, after America’s the Path of Totality, Paris, and Yamaguchi in Japan.
In the entry, the New York Times acknowledged that trains were not the first vehicle you think of when imagining a big Aotearoa trip.
“Road-tripping across New Zealand via camper van is a free-spirited traveller’s dream. But a simpler and more sustainable way to go is by train,” it read.
Train travel is big in places like Europe or America, but New Zealand? Surely not.
Yet, anyone who looks into this kind of travel will find New Zealand has some pretty spectacular options.
As for where to start, the New York Times recommends a long trip with Great Journeys.
“Opt for a 17-day journey on the Northern Explorer, Coastal Pacific and TranzAlpine trains offered by Great Journeys, the tourism division of KiwiRail, New Zealand’s national rail operator,” it stated.
Read More: What is it like on the Northern Explorer
Beginning in Auckland, the Northern Explorer takes you to spots like Tongariro National Park and Te Papa Tongarewa Museum before you ferry across the Cook Strait and hop on the Coastal Pacific.
Read More: What it’s like on the Coastal Pacific
From there, you’ll see world-famous vineyards, and dramatic coastlines and can even stop into Christchurch for a spot of whale watching. The final leg, aboard the TranzAlpine, allows you to climb the Southern Alps from the comfort of a cabin, offering views of snowy mountains, and major rivers.
Even better? It’s four-star accommodation the whole way.
Great Journeys General Manager Tracey Goodall said they were ”beyond thrilled” to be featured.
“To be acknowledged by a publication as prestigious as the New York Times is a true honour,” she said, adding that it was a great recognition of how the work their crew and tour guides put into every journey.
Read More: What it’s like on the TranzAlpine train journey
This isn’t the first time Aotearoa has made it onto the list. In 2022, ‘Northland’ was named and in 2023, this city was awarded fifth place for being the “Kiwi capital of culture”.