Trains
1 - 3 days
From: NZ$249
Departure: Christchurch
Destination: Dunedin
Step back in time and relive the golden era of train travel with The Southerner, a nostalgic rail journey.
Join the waitlist by completing the form below to be the first-in-the-know when we launch future departures.
The Southerner Waitlist
The Journey
Travel through stunning landscapes, from the expansive Canterbury Plains to the rugged Otago coastline, with breath-taking views of the Southern Alps and Pacific Ocean. Pass through charming towns like Timaru and Oamaru, rich in history.
Choose between Scenic Class for comfort or indulge in Scenic Plus, with premium dining and luxurious carriage options.
This limited-time experience is a chance to step back in time and rediscover the magic of this scenic route. With limited seats in high demand, don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
The History
The Southerner was a premier passenger express train that once connected Christchurch and Invercargill via Dunedin, traveling along the iconic Main South Line. Operating from December 1, 1970, to February 10, 2002, it became a symbol of rail travel in New Zealand's South Island.
The Southerner was renowned for offering a comfortable and scenic journey, making Invercargill the southernmost passenger station in the world. Its legacy as one of New Zealand's most beloved train services endures, and now, it's returning to offer a new generation the chance to experience this historic route once again – although this time, only as far as Dunedin.
Image credit: Ian Robson