A ticket to memories and adventure
With Kids25, children can travel for just $25 each way on scenic rail journeys across Aotearoa New Zealand when they travel with a paying adult.
Swap traffic and stress for big windows, hot chocolates and endless views. From the Easter long weekend to the last day of the holidays, rail turns the journey into part of the adventure.
Their memories will unfold in every journey; from mountains, coastlines, and rivers, stretching beyond the window to your family bond and the taste of fresh local flavours from the cafe.
The open-air carriage brings the thrill of wind and wonder, while quiet time offers stories, sketchbooks, and soft seats in a calm cabin.
How Kids25 autumn deal works
Give them more memories for less. Kids25 makes it easier for families and grandparents to share a special trip together without the long drive.
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Choose a service: Northern Explorer, Coastal Pacific, TranzAlpine (eastbound only)
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Child fare: $25 each way (Scenic Class only)
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Apply one code for each train at checkout: KIDS25NE, KIDS25CP, or KIDS25TA
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Travel together: Valid when travelling with at least one fully-paid adult
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Enjoy the journey: Relax into a stress-free rail day
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Travel period: 3 April – 19 April 2026
Book your Scenic Class $25 child fares now!
Simply choose your preferred train below and start booking. Choose a Scenic Class fare and enter the code below on the confirmation page to get your promotional $25 Child fares:
Code: KIDS25NE, KIDS25CP, KIDS25TA
Terms: Adult present: Minimum one adult must travel with a child • Class: Child fare available in Scenic Class only (excludes Scenic Plus) • Booking window: New bookings between Friday 27 February 2026 – 19 April 2026 • Travel window: 3 April – 19 April 2026 (Autumn school holidays + Easter weekend) • Availability: Subject to availability and normal fare conditions • Combinations: Not available with other offers • Withdrawal: Offer may be withdrawn at any time • Age: Child fare applies to passengers aged 14 and under
Easter rail traditions
This year, Easter sits right in the middle of the travel window, so it is the perfect time to start a new whānau tradition.
Plan an Easter escape by rail, with:
- Long weekend journeys that start the moment you board
- Time for kai, kōrero and colouring in at your seat
- No traffic jams on the way to your break
- Space for grandparents and mokopuna to connect
From egg hunts at your destination to quiet moments watching the countryside glow in autumn light, the train becomes part of the story they tell for years.
Journeys to remember
Every journey is relaxed, scenic and unforgettable, ideal for parents or grandparents wanting something special and low stress.
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Northern Explorer: Travel between Auckland / Tāmaki Makaurau and Wellington / Whanganui-a-Tara through the heart of the North Island. Rolling farmland, volcanic plateaus, ancient forests, and bridges that float above valleys create a living classroom outside the window.
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Coastal Pacific: Journey along the east coast between Picton / Waitohi and Christchurch / Ōtautahi. Spark curiosity as kids spot rugged coastlines, vineyards and the blue of the Pacific Ocean. Sea light on the water, ocean views, albatross wings on the wind.
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TranzAlpine: Link Christchurch / Ōtautahi and Greymouth / Māwhera across the Southern Alps, braided rivers sparkling under sun. Snow-tipped peaks, deep gorges and rivers make this one of the most scenic train trips in Aotearoa New Zealand.
FAQS
Quick journey details. Kids25 is designed for New Zealand families planning school holiday travel.
New Zealand-based parents looking for memorable, enriching trips.
Grandparents planning special days out with mokopuna (grand-kids).
April school holidays including Easter long weekend, 2026.
On the Northern Explorer, Coastal Pacific and (eastbound only) TranzAlpine services.
Kids fares from $25 each way in Scenic Class when travelling with a paying adult.
Rail makes travel part of the holiday, not just the way to get there.
Journeys with care
Choose a way to see Aotearoa New Zealand that looks after the land as well as your whānau. Travelling by rail can help reduce road traffic and lets you arrive rested, not rushed.
Our onboard crew bring manaakitanga to every journey. Friendly hosts share stories of the landscapes you travel through, from maunga to moana, so tamariki learn as they explore.
Book now
Seats on popular school holiday dates are limited, especially around Easter. Secure your Kids25 fares early to get the travel days that work best for your whānau.
Start planning your autumn rail adventure, then let the train do the driving.