Four scenic train voyages

Taieri Gorge rail journey. Photo / 123RF

Jane Jurgens finds four of the world's most beautiful rail trips with the best photo opportunities.

GLACIER EXPRESS - ZERMATT TO ST MORITZ, Switzerland

The Swiss do railways and scenery exceptionally well - and the two combined result in an experience you're unlikely to forget. The Glacier Express is considered one of the top scenic lines in the world, tracing a route between two of the country's most beautiful winter resorts, Zermatt and St Moritz. You'll see numerous picture-perfect Swiss towns backed by perfect fairytale mountains along the way-the photo opportunities are endless.

THE JACOBITE, Scotland

This steam-train journey travels through the Scottish highlands from Fort William to Mallaig, through some impressive extremes. The journey starts near Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis, and passes close by Loch Morar, the deepest freshwater loch, arriving next to the deepest seawater loch in Europe, Loch Nevis. Harry Potter fans will want to have their cameras out for the Glenfinnan Viaduct, famously featured in the films. Travelling on the Jacobite will leave you feeling like you've been on the Hogwart's Express.

SOUTH ISLAND RAIL TOUR, New Zealand

Our South Island boasts scenic rail journeys that are up there with the world's best. The TranzAlpine line runs from Christchurch to Greymouth, traversing the Southern Alps. On the 223km it covers you'll take in epic vistas, lush native beech forest and travel alongside the ice-fed Waimakariri River - then of course, there are the spectacular snowy mountain peaks. Have your camera at the ready - there will be plenty to document on this classic journey. Once you're done, you can always head further south to the Dunedin Railway Station - a photo op in itself - and ride the Taieri Gorge railway through scenic Central Otago to Pukerangi. Don't worry about missing anything - the train slows down and sometimes stops in the most photogenic locations.

TOKYO TO KYOTO, Japan

Bullet train passing Mt. Fuji in Japan. Photo / 123RF

Japan is famous for its ultra-fast Shinkansen bullet trains, which connect the cities and zip through the varied landscapes of the country. One of the best routes runs between

Tokyo and Kyoto

, offering one of the most famous ways to see Mt Fuji. If you're heading south from Tokyo, sit on the right side of the train and on the way back, take the left. However, there is no shortage of scenic routes - travel around the country and take in mountains, cherry blossoms, lakes, rice paddies and more. Don't forget to try an on-board bento box while you're at it.