Passenger numbers on the Overlander train between Wellington and Auckland, which was threatened with closure three years ago, have increased 47% to date this year, compared to 2008.
KiwiRail says 10,000 more people have taken the train, which means more than 67,000 are now using the service annually.
Passenger numbers have grown on all three KiwiRail long-distance journeys, which spokesperson Nigel Parry says is due in part to increased domestic tourism and cheaper fares.
The TranzAlpine and TranzCoastal routes in the South Island have recorded passenger gains of 8% and 23% respectively.
