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

Doubtful Sounds Wilderness Cruise
Doubtful Sounds Wilderness Cruise - RNZ

Travel with us to the heart of Fiordland National Park and take in the beauty and vastness of remote Doubtful Sound on our Wilderness Cruise. It will take your breath away as you experience its deep wilderness.

  • A 3 hour cruise of Doubtful Sound, exploring beautiful waterways on our way to meet the Tasman Sea
  • Commentary by our knowledgeable onboard nature guide
  • Wildlife viewing, including dolphins, fur seals and even occasionally penguins
  • Start with a cruise across Lake Manapouri, followed by a coach trip over the epic Wilmot Pass through Fiordland’s rainforest and into the Sound.
  • Duration: 7 hours 15 mins to 8 hours

Doubtful Sound is a beautiful fiord. Three times longer than Milford Sound, with twisting arms, it has a surface area ten times larger. With its rugged peaks, verdant rainforest and twisting, hidden inlets, Doubtul Sound will take your breath away.

There’s no direct road access, so the only way you can to get to Doubtful Sound is a cruise across the picturesque Lake Manapouri, followed by a trip over Wilmot Pass - New Zealand's most expensive (and majestic) road. We’ll pause along the way to experience the dense Fiordland rainforest and view Doubtful Sound glistening below. This isolation makes this fiord a very special place, only those in the know get to see.

In Doubtful Sound, you’ll board our spacious, purpose-built catamaran Patea Explorer for a 3 hour cruise through this pristine fiord. During the cruise our knowledgeable and friendly nature guides will share with you their passion for the region. They’re always ready to answer questions, point out landmarks and provide all the information about the varied wildlife you may see, including dolphins, fur seals and the rare Fiordland crested penguin.

Things you should know

  • Check in 30 mins prior to your Coach Transfer from Queenstown to Manapouri
  • You’ll cruise across crystal clear Lake Manapouri to West Arm
  • A highlight is the coach trip through Fiordland’s rainforest and over Wilmot Pass
  • Our dedicated nature guide will let you know all about the region's flora and fauna

Extra information

  • Delicious lunch options are available (please pre-order for pick up at check-in)
  • Sandwiches & snacks are also available on board to purchase (cash only)
  • Complimentary tea and coffee is available
  • Licensed bar on board (extra cost, cash only)
  • The tour is suitable for all ages.

Getting there

All our Doubtful Sound experiences start in Manapouri which is around 2.5 – 3 hours from Queenstown and 30 minutes from Te Anau.

Our coach drivers are extremely knowledgeable about the area, its history and local flora and fauna and will provide you with informative commentary along the way. 


What to bring

Non-slip shoes/boots, waterproof jacket, warm sweater/fleece jacket, sunscreen/sunglasses, insect repellent and camera

Tour Date From-To Fare Type Adult Child Action
01 May 2025 to 30 Sep 2026 06:55 AM Queenstown - 07:50 AM Queenstown Tour NZ$524.00 NZ$324.00
01 Oct 2026 to 30 Apr 2027 07:30 AM Queenstown - 08:00 PM Queenstown Tour NZ$559.00 NZ$329.00
01 May 2027 to 30 Sep 2027 06:55 AM Queenstown - 07:50 AM Queenstown Tour NZ$489.00 NZ$310.00

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