Due to extremely high demand, we're now taking submissions for the waitlist. To join the waitlist, complete the form below, and upon availability our team will be in touch to finalise your booking.
Step back in time and relive the golden era of train travel with The Southerner, a nostalgic rail journey returning for four unforgettable days - 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th of May 2025.
Alternatively, you can book one of the below packages to enhance your Southerner experience now.
- The Southerner Heritage Experience - discover Larnach Castle
- Taieri Gorge Experience - an exclusive Rail experience into the Taieri Gorge
- Dunedin Overnight Escape - an overnight discovery of Dunedin city
Please note, the May 17th departure will begin with a bus from Christchurch to Rolleston, before boarding The Southerner, due to track repairs on the line.
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