1997 Scenic Trains

Single 40c 'Paremata, Wellington, (The Overlander)' gummed stamp.

The Overlander train travelled the main trunk line through the heart of the North Island to link New Zealand's largest city, Auckland, and the capital city, Wellington. On the journey, The Overlander cut through the centre of the North Island, exposing a remarkably diverse landscape. Glimpses of New Zealand's railway heritage were still evident along the way, particularly in the towns of Taumarunui and Taihape, which were once thriving railway settlements on the main trunk line.

After departing bustling Auckland, The Overlander journeyed alongside the Waikato River and into the hill farms of the King Country. From there, it climbed through the bush up the Raurimu Spiral to the Volcanic Plateau beore heading into the Rangitikei with its cliffs, rivers and breathtaking viaducts. Then it's into the Manawatū, through the seaside settlements of the Kāpiti Coast to Wellington. During the 681 kilometre journey, the train crosses 352 bridges and travels through 14 tunnels. For many passengers, the highlight of the journey was the sweeping views of Mount Ruapehu and Mount Ngauruhoe as The Overlander traversed Tongariro National Park.

Single 80c 'Southern Alps, (The TranzAlpine)' gummed stamps.

The most popular and well known train of the Tranz Scenic fleet is The TranzAlpine, which does a daily return journey between Christchurch and Greymouth. It has been rated as one of the world's top six scenic train journeys by Colin Taylor, an international rail author and traveller. The TranzAlpine is regarded as a great coast-to-coast rail adventure.

During the 231 kilometre journey, The TranzAlpine crosses the Canterbury Plains, winds up through the Waimakariri Gorge and spans many spectacular viaducts and bridges as it traverses the Southern Alps. Once through the 8.5 kilometre long Ōtira Tunnel the train travels through lush West Coast beech forests before reaching Greymouth, on the Tasman Sea. Originally a domestic route, the award winninig TranzAlpine train now carries both international and New Zealand tourists keen to be a part of this scenic experience.

Single $1.00 'Canterbury, (The Southerner)' gummed stamps.

The Southerner train links the main southern cities of Christchurch, Dunedin and Invercargill. The 589 kilometre journey is steeped in history as the route has the longest heritage of any passenger train. Crossing the great southern plains of Canterbury and Southland or hugging the coastline along the Pacific Ocean, The Southerner offers plenty of scenic variety.

Single $1.20 'Kaikōura Coast (The Coastal Pacific)' gummed stamps.

The 341 kilometre journey from Picton to Christchurch on The Coastal Pacific is an adventure between mountain and sea. The Coastal Pacific earns its name by tracking along a thin ledge of land pinned between the Pacific Ocean and rugged Kaikoura ranges. Winding through seaside tunnels and across snow fed rivers, this part of the journey is spectacular.

Single $1.50 'Central Hawkes Bay (The Bay Express)' gummed stamps.

Overcoming the rugged Ruahine and Tararua ranges between the Manawatu and Hawke's Bay was the key to establishing the Wellington - Napier railway, now served by The Bay Express. The 318 kilometre trip from Wellington to Napier is a journey through the rural heartland of New Zealand.

Single $1.80 'Tauranga Harbour, (The Kaimai Express)' gummed stamps.

The Kaimai Express links Auckland and the booming coastal city of Tauranga, gateway to the beaches and many attractions of the the Bay of Plenty. On its 231 kilometre journey, the train passes the Whangamarino wetlands, home to some of New Zealand's rare birds and plant life. This protected conservation area is classified by the World Heritage Trust because of its special significance. The Kaimai Express then crosses the Waikato River and travels through New Zealand's longest tunnel (8.9 kms) under the forest-clad Kaimai ranges.