TranzAlpine Service Disruption
Due to a derailment blocking the Otira Tunnel, the TranzAlpine service is currently unable to complete its scheduled journey to Greymouth.
A coal wagon derailed on the evening of 3 November, causing significant damage to the track used by the TranzAlpine. Repairs are expected to affect services until Friday 20 November. This is an estimate, and dates will be updated as the work progresses.
Until then, the TranzAlpine will run between Christchurch and Arthur’s Pass, with a bus connection between Arthur’s Pass and Greymouth.
Your Options
If you’re booked to travel during this period, you'll be contacted via email using the details on your booking. You have three options:
- Continue your journey: travel by train between Christchurch and Arthur’s Pass, and by bus between Arthur’s Pass and Greymouth. Because this isn’t the full rail experience you booked, you'll receive a refund $65 per person for Scenic or $195 per person for Scenic Plus.
- Rebook: You can move your booking to another available TranzAlpine departure at a later date, within 6 months of your original departure date, free of charge. Alternatively, you can transfer your booking to an available Coastal Pacific journey between Christchurch and Picton at no additional cost, subject to availability.
- Cancel: get a full refund, less any credit card charges.
Until Friday 20 November, TranzAlpine journeys between Arthur’s Pass and Greymouth are unable to be booked. This will be updated as work progresses.
Passenger safety remains a priority, and the team appreciates everyone's patience and understanding while the situation is being managed
PLEASE NOTE: Between 6-9 November 2026, the Northern Explorer will be bus replaced between Hamilton and Auckland Strand (approx. 2 hours). The journey from Wellington to Hamilton will be the Northern Explorer train. Crew will be onboard, and luggage will be transferred.
Train Schedules Extended to June 2028. Please review operating days and planned maintenance closures when arranging travel.
Northern Explorer
Operating Days
- Northbound: Wednesday, Friday & Sunday
- Southbound: Monday, Thursday & Saturday
Scheduled Track Maintenance
Full cancellations – No bus replacements
- 23–27 October 2026
- 25 December 2026 - 11 January 2027
- 26-29 March 2027
- 23-26 April 2027
- 4-7 June 2027
- 25-28 June 2027
- 25 August 2027
- 22-25 October 2027
- 24 December 2027-11 January 2028
Coastal Pacific
Operating Days
- 1 Sep 2026 – 30 Apr 2027: Daily
- 1 May 2027 - 31 Aug 2027: Not operating
- 1 Sep 2027 - 30 Apr 2028: Daily
Note: The Coastal Pacific does not operate on Christmas Day.
TranzAlpine
Operating Days
- 14 Jul 2026 – 30 Jun 2028: Daily
Note: The TranzAlpine does not operate on Christmas Day.
Scheduled Track Maintenance
Full cancellations – No bus replacements
- 24–26 October 2026
- 26-29 March 2027
- 23-30 May 2027
- 25-28 June 2027
- 25-27 September 2027
- 23-26 October 2027
- 14-17 April 2028
- 21-28 May 2028
Onboard Infotainment App
Audio commentary is now delivered through the Great Journeys New Zealand app. Passengers should bring:
- Personal mobile device
- Headphones
- USB charging cable
Download the free app before travel. Full content becomes available once connected to onboard Wi-Fi.
For further inquiries or assistance with your travel plans, please contact our New Zealand Travel Team.
Our friendly New Zealand Travel Team is available from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm (New Zealand Time) Monday - Sunday, excluding public holidays.
For assistance and reservations during our opening hours, contact our New Zealand Travel Team by email or phone. To cancel a reservation, please email us at info@newzealandtravelteam.com before 72hrs or 3 days from the travel date.
Phone
You can call one of our English-speaking Consultants at +64 7 575 5049
Current New Zealand time:
Within New Zealand:
Reservations only with payment - 0800-143-669
Travel planning and all other inquiries - +64 7 575 5049
Outside New Zealand:
+61 1800 359 729 Australia Toll-free
+1 855 413 3019 USA Toll-free
+1 866 554 0304 Canada Toll-free
+44 800 0148106 United Kingdom Toll-free
