Train schedules open through to June 2028 season

SERVICE UPDATE
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

Auckland to Hamilton - bus replacement

  • 6-9 November 2026

Full cancellations – No bus replacements

  • 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 July 2026 – 30 June 2028: Daily

Note: The TranzAlpine does not operate on Christmas Day.

Scheduled Track Maintenance

Full cancellations – No bus replacements

  • 24–26 Oct 2026
  • 26-29 Mar 2027
  • 23-30 May 2027
  • 25-28 Jun 2027
  • 25-27 Sep 2027
  • 23-26 Oct 2027
  • 14-17 Apr 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

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Newzealandbyferry

Stewart Island

Stewart Island Ferry & Coach - Invercargill to Stewart Island

You’ll zip across Foveaux Strait between Bluff and Stewart Island in just one hour aboard comfortable catamarans.

Daily coach connections are available from Invercargill.

It’s an interesting stretch of water, home to several islands including Dog Island (spot the lighthouse), Ruapuke Island and the Titi Islands, and a considerable fishing industry.

During your trip, keep an eye out along the way for wildlife – particularly seabirds such as the Mollymawk and Titi. Friendly staff provide informative commentary and point out highlights.

An all-year daily scheduled ferry service is available with complimentary tea and coffee served aboard.  

  • Check in 30 mins prior to ferry departure
  • One hour journey
  • Parking at Bluff Visitor Terminal is available (extra cost)
  • On board café
  • Luggage limit – two carry-on bags per person (extra goods by arrangement)
Sat 07 Nov
Sun 08 Nov
Mon 09 Nov
Tue 10 Nov
Wed 11 Nov
Thu 12 Nov
Fri 13 Nov
Service is unavailable today, please select further day.