south island train rail travel services

Suburban and Regional Train Services
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South Island Passenger Train and Rail Services Suburban, Regional Commuter and Long Distance Rail Services

There are no inter-city passenger train/rail services to and from - Dunedin, Invercargill, Nelson, Queenstown, Te Anau, Wanaka, Fox Glacier, Franz Josef, Westport, Timaru, Oamaru Twizel, Lake Tekapo or Mt Cook.

Christchurch Suburban and Regional Train Services There are no suburban or regional commuter passenger train or rail services operating in Christchurch or in the greater Christchurch area. Dunedin Suburban and Regional Train Services There are no suburban commuter passenger train or rail services operating in Dunedin, except for the Tairei Gorge scenic train journey. Queenstown Suburban and Regional Train Services There are no suburban commuter passenger train or rail services operating to or from Queenstown, except for the Queenstown to The Glaciers and Christchurch scenic coach and train journey.

Long Distance Passenger Train Services
The TranzAlpine Train
This service is operating The TranzAlpine train travels between Christchurch, Arthurs Pass and Greymouth, from one coast of New Zealand to the other. From your carriage you’ll see the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland, followed by the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River before ascending through the Southern Alps and descending through lush beech rain forest to the West Coast town of Greymouth – a great base for visits to Punakaiki and the always popular glaciers - Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier. The TranzAlpine carriages are centrally heated in winter and air conditioned in summer, with forward facing seats with head rest or 'Table Group' (4 people around a table) seating. Both styles allow you to experience the amazing views through large panoramic windows, while enjoying the company of other passengers on-board. The TranzAlpine has an open air viewing carriage allows you to get even closer to the stunning scenery and provides many opportunities to photograph your favourite spots plus a Buffet Carriage offering a range of hot/cold drinks, snacks and light meals on route. There are connecting bus and coach services at Greymouth to Fox Glacier, Franz Josef, Punakaiki, Westport and Nelson. The TranzAlpine train is reserved seating 'One Class/Non Smoking' service. The TranzAlpine train does not operate of Christmas Day - 25 December. For timetable information and online reservations.

The Coastal Pacific Train
This service has been cancelled until further noticed due to 14 Nov 16 North Canterbury earthquake. The Coastal Pacific train travels between Christchurch, Kaikoura, Blenheim to Picton - the gateway to the Marlborough Sounds. Your journey is a scenic feast, with the Kaikoura mountain ranges on one side of your train and the rugged Pacific Ocean coastline on the other. Travel through some of New Zealand’s finest horticultural and farmland areas, plus seals and penguins from the comfort of your carriage. Along the way you pass though the town of Kaikoura, where you can break your journey to take in the whale watching or dare to get closer and swim with the dolphins. All carriages are centrally heated/air conditioned, with forward facing seats with head rest or 'Table Group' (4 people around a table) seating that allows you to experience the amazing views through large panoramic windows. The Coastal Pacific train includes an open air viewing carriage where all your senses are awakened with the clean, fresh, sea air and a Buffet Carriage, offering a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, snacks and light meals. There are connecting bus and coach services at Blenheim to Nelson and Motueka (Marahua). The Coastal Pacific is reserved seating 'One Class/Non Smoking' service. The Coastal Pacific train does not operate of Christmas Day - 25 December. The Coastal Pacific train connects with Interislander and Bluebridge ferry sailings between Picton and Wellington. For timetable information and online reservations.