UPDATE: Services to return for the summer!

We are pleased to announce that the Northern Explorer and Coastal Pacific trains will be returning to the tracks this spring and summer and the Tranz Alpine will resume services once we move to Covid- 19 Alert Level 1.

The Northern Explorer running between Auckland and Wellington will recommence its normal weekly timetable from Thursday 01 October.

The Coastal Pacific returns from Tuesday 13 October, running between Christchurch and Piction and returning the same day on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

The TranzAlpine running between Christchurch to Greymouth will resume service once we move to Covid-19 Level 1. It runs on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays.

Cook Strait ferry bookings and some daytours and bus routes are also open for sale. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any queries on 0800 143 669 or info@newzealandtravelteam.com

We understand that Covid-19 continues to add uncertainty in planning, and indeed all the train services rely on the country returning to Alert Level 1. Should there be cancellation of services due to Covid 19 restrictions, we will offer affected customers a transfer to an alternative date, a credit for 12 months, or a refund, regardless of the fare purchased less a $30 processing fee for the entire reservation.

 
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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.