SERVICE UPDATE:

The TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Greymouth return will be running on selected dates from July to November 2020.

It will run daily in the 04 -19 July and 26 Sep - 11 Oct school holidays. It will also run on Saturdays and Sundays only from 25 July - 30 August and on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays from September to November 2020

Bookings are now open for these dates. A winter special rate of $75 per seat each way applies in July and August. Fares start from $129 each way from September to November.

Ferry bookings and some bus routes are also open for sale. 

Northern Explorer and Coastal Pacific Train services are suspended until further notice and we are not taking bookings for these. 

 
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Train Services

New Zealand long distance passenger train services

ALL NORTHERN EXPLORER AND COASTAL PACIFIC SERVICES ARE POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. 

Northern Explorer: Auckland-Wellington-Auckland train service
The Northern Explorer train service is a scenic rail journey through the five unique geographical regions of the North Island - travelling between Auckland, New Zealand's largest city - home of the Sky Tower, through the central heartland of the North Island to Wellington - New Zealand's harbour capital and arts and culture centre. Read more

Coastal Pacific: Christchurch–Picton–Christchurch train service
This train service operates daily from  27th September 2019 to 26th April 2020 except Christmas Day.
The Coastal Pacific train operates between the delightful port of Picton - the gateway to the beautiful Marlborough Sounds - to Kaikoura - the home of whale watching and onto Christchurch - the South Island's largest city. Read more

Tranz Alpine: Christchurch–Greymouth–Christchurch train service
The Tranz Alpine train operates between Christchurch, Arthurs Pass and Greymouth - from the east coast to the west coast of New Zealand's South Island. Read more

Regional passenger train services in New Zealand
Alongside the three long distance passenger train services in New Zealand there are also two regional passenger train services.

  • The Capital Connection train operates between Wellington and Palmerston North Monday to Friday
  •  The Wairapapa Connection train operates between Wellington and Masterton seven days a week

There are no overnight regional or long distance passenger train services in New Zealand.

Travel to other major tourist destinations in New Zealand is by scenic bus and coach services from either Auckland, Hamilton, Christchurch or Greymouth.