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 - Bluff to Stewart Island

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

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.  

Duration: 1 hour

About

Insightful commentary during the crossing
Complimentary tea and coffee onboard


Booking Information

Check-in 30 minutes prior to ferry departure
Luggage limit of 2 bags per person (one stowed & one small carry-on). Extra goods by arrangement
Child rates apply for 5 - 14 years and infants 0 - 4 years are carried free but must be added to your booking
A Government visitor levy of NZ$2.50 per adult per one-way ferry crossing is included in the adult rates.
Coach transfers from Invercargill are available - please book separately.
Parking at Bluff Visitor Terminal is available (at extra cost)
On board café
PLEASE NOTE: Currently we are unable to accommodate wheelchairs on the Stewart Island Ferries. If this impacts your booking, we apologize for the inconvenience, please contact us to discuss your options.

 

Thu 29 Dec
Fri 30 Dec
Sat 31 Dec
Sun 01 Jan
Mon 02 Jan
Tue 03 Jan
Wed 04 Jan
Service is unavailable today, please select further day.