Printable Terms & Conditions
You can download and print our Terms & Conditions using the following links:
Website Terms and Conditions
By using any KiwiRail (us or we) website(s) (the website(s)), you agree to be bound by these terms of use (terms). To learn how we manage your personal information to us please refer to our Privacy Notice.
We may update or revise these terms at any time, and you accept any such update or revision by continuing to use the website(s).
Last updated: August 2022
Unless otherwise stated, copyright and other intellectual property rights in all material published on the website(s) is owned or controlled by us or our licensors.
You may only use the materials or content on the website(s) for personal use, and you may not use, copy, reproduce, publish, store, modify, transmit in any form or by any means in whole or in part (except where such use is permitted by the terms of the Copyright Act 1994) any content or material on this website without our prior written consent. If you wish to use our content for commercial purposes, please visit the KiwiRail brandsite here.
Nothing on the website(s) should be construed as granting any licence or right of use of any trade mark displayed without our express written permission.
We will not be liable for any errors, omissions or inaccuracies in the information appearing on the website(s). All information on the website(s) is provided “as is”. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we disclaim all warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied, including, without limitation, warranties as to the accuracy, reliability, currency, completeness or fitness for any particular purpose. Your use of the website(s) is at your own risk.
We will not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, costs or expenses of any kind which arise out of, or result from, any use of, or inability to use, the website(s). Access to the website(s) may be interrupted, delayed, disrupted or restricted from time to time and we will not be liable for any loss should the website become unavailable or your access to the website(s) is interrupted or disrupted for any reason.
The website(s) may contain hyperlinks and other pointers to websites operated by third parties. These linked websites are not under our control and we are not responsible for the content of any linked website.
The website(s) and these terms shall be governed by and is to be interpreted in accordance with New Zealand law. You expressly agree that any claim or action arising out of or relating to these terms or your use of the website(s) will be resolved by the New Zealand courts.
Great Journeys New Zealand Conditions of Carriage
These are our full Conditions of Carriage for Northern Explorer, TranzAlpine and Coastal Pacific trains.
Last updated: March 2023
- Panniers are removed
- Helmets are stowed in check in luggage or hand luggage
- Accessories are removed
- Free of mud/dirt
- Label your bike with your name and phone number
1.1 KiwiRail Limited, trading as The Great Journeys of New Zealand (“us” or “we”), operates the Services. These Conditions of Carriage apply to all passenger travel and/or carriage of passenger’s private vehicles with us on our Services, except as expressly provided on a Ticket, or where such travel relates to the carriage of freight or commercial vehicles. For terms and conditions relating to the carriage of freight and/or commercial vehicles, please refer to the rail freight website or the Interislander freight website.
1.2 Zero Harm: Your safety is our priority. We strive to achieve zero harm across all our Services. When travelling on any of our Services, it is imperative in the interest of yours and others’ safety that you follow all instructions of our staff or crew and that your behaviour does not cause risk or discomfort to any other person.
2.1 Definitions
In these Conditions, unless the context otherwise requires:
“Actual Carrier” has the meaning given to that phrase in section 246 of the Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017.
"Authorised Agent" means a sales agent who has been engaged by us from time to time to sell Tickets on our Services.
"Baggage" means your articles, effects and other personal property accompanying you on your journey. Unless otherwise specified, it includes both your Checked Baggage and Hand Baggage.
"Checked Baggage" has the meaning given to that phrase in section 246 of the Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017.
“Check In Time” means the time prior to departure of the scheduled Service by when a passenger must have presented their Ticket and Baggage for travel with us.
"Conditions" means these Conditions of Carriage, as amended from time to time.
"Dangerous Goods" means any substances or goods that we consider dangerous or hazardous and includes hazardous substances (as that phrase is defined in the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996) and all substances and goods designated as Dangerous Goods in any schedule issued by us from time to time.
"Fare Conditions" means the transfer, refund and reissue conditions applicable to a Ticket, as set out on our website.
“Gang Insignia” means:
(a) a sign, symbol, or representation commonly displayed to denote membership of, an affiliation with, or support for a gang, not being a tattoo; and
(b) includes any item of clothing (including but not limited to patches, jackets, jerseys, hoodies, T-shirts, singlets, hats, motorcycle leathers) to which a sign, symbol, or representation referred to in paragraph (a) is attached.
"GJNZ Scenic Train Services" means the Great Journeys New Zealand scenic train passenger services we operate, including the Coastal Pacific, Northern Explorer and TranzAlpine, and any other service provided by us relating to or incidental to those services, including any replacement service provided by us or any Actual Carrier.
"Hand Baggage" has the meaning given to that phrase in section 246 of the Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017.
“Law” means all statutes, regulations, rules, bylaws, ordinances, orders, and all other requirements or conditions, that apply to the issue of a Ticket, our provision of a Service, or your travel on any Service under these Conditions.
“Loyalty Scheme" means any loyalty scheme offered by or on behalf of KiwiRail Limited from time to time and specified on The Great Journeys of New Zealand website.
"Passenger" means any person, except a member of the crew, carried or to be carried on any of our Services pursuant to a Ticket. (See also definition of “you” or “your”.)
"Property" has the meaning given to "goods" in section 246 of the Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017 and, for the avoidance of doubt, includes any vehicles and Baggage.
"Services" means the train and ferry passenger services we operate, including the Coastal Pacific, Northern Explorer, TranzAlpine, and Interislander, and any other service provided by us relating to or incidental to those services, including any replacement service provided by us or any Actual Carrier.
"Ticket" includes any valid ticket, document, booking confirmation, voucher, pass, booking number, or any electronic record of the same, issued by us or any of our Authorised Agents, which entitles the named person(s) to be carried on a Service and, where applicable, includes any conditions of carriage or contract, notices or passenger or customer information contained in, referred to or relating to that Ticket.
"You" or "your" means any person, except members of our staff or crew, carried, or to be carried on any of our Services pursuant to a Ticket (see also definition of “Passenger”).
2.2 Interpretation
(a) Headings contained in these Conditions are for reference purposes only.
(b) Words in the singular include the plural (and vice versa).
(c) "Including" and similar words do not imply any limitation.
(d) References to clauses are to clauses in these Conditions.
2.3 Governing law
These Conditions are governed by New Zealand law. New Zealand courts have non-exclusive jurisdiction.
3.1 You can purchase a Ticket for any of the Services online, or through any of our Authorised Agents.
3.2 We offer a range of fares across our Services. Fares and Fare Conditions are as set out on our website and may change from time to time. Fare Conditions for a Ticket may be set out on the Ticket. See REFUNDS AND REISSUES below for more information.
3.3 We will need to collect some personal information from you about you and other Passengers travelling to complete the booking. We are committed to protecting the privacy of our Passengers and will not ask for information we do not need. We will collect, use and retain personal information in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
3.4 Once you have finalised your purchase, you will receive a Ticket. Any person named on the Ticket is entitled to passage on the Service named on the Ticket, provided the person complies with these Conditions.
3.5 Tickets are not transferable to another person.
4.1 From time to time, we may offer a Loyalty Scheme entitling members to privileged or concessionary benefits. To obtain the benefits of membership, you will be required to provide proof of your membership. The terms of conditions of the Loyalty Scheme will be set out on our website.
5.1 Refunds or Ticket reissues will be made in accordance with Fare Conditions, the provisions of this clause 5 where applicable, or as otherwise published by us from time to time.
5.2 We may from time to time need to cancel a Service, and we will let you know. If you purchased your Ticket through an Authorised Agent, the terms and conditions you entered into with that Authorised Agent will apply in respect of any refund.
5.3 If we, in good faith, refund or reissue a Ticket to someone who holds themselves out as being entitled to a refund or reissue, we are discharged from any further liability in relation to the Ticket to refund or reissue to any other person subject to any rights you may have under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993.
6.1 We do not guarantee our schedules, departure times, or the duration of journeys. These are all subject to change and may be affected by weather conditions, staff or crew shortages, orders of a regulator and other factors outside of our reasonable control.
6.2 Subject to any rights you may have under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, we are not liable to you or anyone else for loss suffered as a result of any Service’s late or early departure or arrival, or the cancellation or replacement of any scheduled Service. See OUR LIABILITY TO YOU below for more information.
7.1 You must arrive at the terminal or station for check-in no later than the Check in Time. If you do not report for check-in by the Check In Time, you may be denied passage on the Service (in which case any refund or reissue of a Ticket is at our discretion).
7.2 You must provide your booking number when checking in. We may also ask you to present your Ticket and suitable photo ID.
7.3 We may issue you a boarding pass when you complete check-in, in which case you must present this boarding pass when boarding the Service you are travelling on.
7.4 You must comply with these Conditions and the Law and follow all instructions of our staff or crew when checking-in, boarding and disembarking, and while on board, the Service you are travelling on.
8.1 We will carry your Luggage at our absolute discretion, and may refuse to carry any Luggage, including where you are carrying Dangerous Goods and have not complied with the requirements of the DANGEROUS GOODS CONDITIONS below.
8.2 Details of the maximum Checked Luggage and Hand Luggage allowance per Passenger on your Service is set out on our website. We reserve the right to refuse to carry any Luggage that exceeds this allowance.
8.3 Oversize or overweight Luggage may, at our discretion, be carried at an additional charge. Charges for oversize or overweight Luggage applicable to the Service you are travelling on will be set out on our Luggage Allowance webpage.
8.4 Your Luggage must be fit for carriage. If your Luggage is not fit for carriage in our reasonable opinion when you are checking in or boarding, we may refuse to carry it.
8.5 We may inspect your Property (including any Luggage) for reasons of health, safety and security, including to check whether your Property contains Dangerous Goods or any arms or munitions, and whether you have complied with these Conditions and any applicable Law.
8.6 All Gang Insignia must be stowed inside Checked Baggage and / or Hand Baggage from the time of entering our premises (including any terminal or station, train or vessel) until the time you depart from our premises at your destination yard. Gang Insignia are not to be worn, displayed, hung over chairs or left on tables on our premises (including in any terminals, stations, trains or vessels).
8.7 Unclaimed Property:
(a) If any Hand Luggage or other Property is not removed, or any Checked Luggage is not collected from a Service at its destination within a reasonable time, we may land or store that unclaimed Property at the Passenger’s and owner’s risk and at the Passenger’s expense.
(b) After a reasonable period of time we may, to the extent and in the manner permitted by the Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017, sell, destroy or otherwise dispose of the unclaimed Property.
9.1 Carriage of bicycles, e-Cycles and e-Scooters on our Services is at our discretion and subject to our booking procedures, including the terms of clause 9.2.
Damaged e-Cycles and e-Scooters will not be carried. Additionally, bicycles, e-Cycles and e-Scooters must be clean, undamaged, factory produced and unmodified, with no spare batteries to be carried.
You don't have to deflate the tyres, but bicycles can only be accepted if:
9.2 If you are travelling with a bicycle, e-Cycle or e-Scooter you must follow all instructions from us, including the instructions of our staff or crew during check-in. If you do not do so we may be unable to carry your bicycle, e-Cycle or e-Scooter on board.
Assistance dogs
10.1 You must let us know if you will be travelling with a registered assistance dog when you make your booking.
10.2 You may travel with your registered assistance dog on any of our Services, subject to our reasonable requirements. Assistance dogs in training and their trainers may also travel on the Services.
Other animals and pets
10.3 Other dogs, cats, and small domestic pets ("animals") may not be carried on any Scenic train service.
11.1 Dangerous Goods may not be carried on any of our Scenic train services.
12.5 Firearms, ammunitions and weapons are not permitted on GJNZ Rail Services. You may not carry any firearms, ammunitions and weapons on board or in your Baggage (including in any Checked Luggage or Hand Baggage) on any GJNZ Rail Service.
13.1 You must not smoke anywhere on board our Scenic train services.
1.2 You must not bring your own alcohol on board our Services. If you are transporting any alcohol it must be carried in your Checked Luggage.
14.1 The health and safety of our Passengers, staff, crew and members of the public is our top priority. We have the right to refuse to carry you or your Property on any of our Services (including the right to stop providing the Services, cancel a Ticket or terminate your journey early) where it is reasonably necessary for the safety or comfort of other Passengers, staff or crew, or members of the public, or where you have breached these Conditions or any Law.
14.2 There are many reasons why we could refuse to carry you or your Property, stop providing the Services, cancel a Ticket, or terminate your journey early, including:
(a) Carrying the Passenger or their Baggage may put the train or vessel or another person(s) at risk.
(b) The Passenger is causing offence or discomfort to others.
(c) The Passenger's behaviour causes or involves risk to themselves or others.
(d) The Passenger refuses to obey instructions of our staff or crew.
(e) The Passenger has not paid the applicable fares for any of their current or previous travel.
(f) We reasonably suspect or know that the Passenger has broken the Law.
(g) We reasonably suspect or know that the Passenger is likely to break the Law.
(h) The Passenger has behaved unacceptably or been refused service in the past, and we believe they will do it again.
(i) The Passenger will not wear a face mask in accordance with our policy and cannot provide a valid face mask exemption if requested by us.
(j) The Passenger is wearing or displaying Gang Insignia and refuses to remove them or stow them in their vehicle or Baggage.
(k) The Passenger needs assistance we cannot provide, due to their conduct, age, mental or physical state.
(l) The Passenger needs extra assistance due to impairment from alcohol, drugs, or prescribed medications.
(m) The Passenger has breached any of the Conditions in these Conditions of Carriage.
14.3 Subject to any rights you may have under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, the only recourse of a person refused carriage, for any reason, is the recovery of the value of the unused portion of the Ticket, at our reasonable discretion.
15.1 Nothing in this clause 15 affects any rights you may have under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993.
15.2 If you are in trade (as defined by the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 or the Fair Trading Act 1986 as applicable) and are acquiring our Services in trade, to the extent permitted by law, you agree that the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 do not apply to the supply of those Services or in relation to these Conditions.
Limitation of liability for goods
15.3 We are not liable to you in respect of a unit of goods for any amount in excess of actual loss. We are not liable for any such actual loss in excess of the sum provided in section 259 of the Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017.
15.4 Our liability to you is further limited, or excluded, where you have not complied with any of these Conditions, including where you (with or without our knowledge):
(a) fail to lock a vehicle, or fail to remove, tie down, or secure loose equipment or Property on a vehicle;
(b) fail to do all the things that a prudent owner of a vehicle or other Property would do to that vehicle or Property to minimise the risk of loss of, or damage to, or theft of, that vehicle or Property;
(c) include in your Property fragile or perishable articles, money, jewellery, silverware, negotiable papers, securities or other valuables, passports, or other identification papers; or
(d) fail to keep your Hand Baggage secure or fail to remove your Hand Baggage from the Service.
No liability for indirect or consequential loss
15.5 Subject to any rights you may have under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, we are not liable for any indirect or consequential loss or damage arising out of or in respect of any of our Services. Any liability specified in section 259(3)(b) and (c) of the Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017 is specifically excluded, whether in respect of the carriage of a Passenger, Property, or otherwise. Without limiting the above, we are not liable for indirect or consequential loss or damage arising from –
(a) in relation to an Interislander Service, unseaworthiness of a ship (whether the condition exists before or arises during carriage);
(b) delay in delivery of any Passenger or Property for any reason;
(c) damage to Property from leakage, explosion, stains, soot or the effects of climate or the elements; or
(d) damage to Property of any Passenger where such damage arises out of the actions or omissions of any other Passenger.
Contributory negligence
15.6 If there is contributory negligence on the part of the Passenger, our liability is subject to the law relating to contributory negligence.
No liability for personal injury
15.6 You use our Services at your own risk. We are not liable to Passengers in relation to the use or provision of a Service for any personal injury as defined in the Accident Compensation Act 2001, including death, physical injuries or mental injuries.
Delays, deviations, cancellations and changes
15.7 All timetables, schedules or other representations regarding the departure and arrival times of our Services are an indication only and do not bind us, and are subject to change without notice. We:
(a) will use all reasonable efforts to carry a Passenger and Property in accordance with that Passenger’s Ticket and on time, but the time of departure or arrival of any Service is at our discretion and will depend upon the operating situation. We do not assume responsibility for a Passenger and/or Property making connections for other travel arrangements, or for meeting any appointment, engagement, deadline or any other obligation;
(b) are not liable for any loss or damage caused by failure or delay to take aboard or land a Passenger or Property as a result of bad weather, industrial disruption, mechanical failure, any action taken with the intention of preserving the safety of any Passenger or Property (including any action under clause 14) and any circumstances or other cause not reasonably foreseeable by us or beyond our reasonable control.
Securing devices
15.9 To reduce the likelihood of loss or damage during a journey, we may use securing devices to stabilise or secure any Property.
15.10 We are not liable for any loss or damage to any Property, if that loss or damage is caused by the chafing or moving of securing devices attached to prevent loss or damage.
15.11 In attaching or fitting securing devices, we are not required to take into account the special requirements of any Property. Any special requirements will only be catered for at our absolute discretion and by prior arrangement.
Compliance with laws
15.12 You must comply with all Law applicable to any of our Services. We are not liable for any loss or damage arising from your failure to comply with any such Law or from what we reasonably believe is necessary to comply with any such Law.
Errors, omissions and representations
15.13 To the extent permitted by law, we are not liable for errors or omissions in publications of schedules or in statement, or representations made by any of our employees, agents or representatives in respect of any of our Services.
15.14 None of our agents, employees or representatives has the authority to give undertakings or make representations in relation to the provision or timing of any of our Services that are inconsistent with these Conditions. Any such undertakings or representations will not bind us, except where we provide our prior confirmation in writing.
Extension of exclusion or limitation to agents, etc
15.15 To the extent permitted by law, any exclusion or limitation of our liability applies to and for the benefit of our employees, agents, representatives and contractors and to any Actual Carrier and to the Actual Carrier’s employees, agents and representatives. The aggregate amount recoverable from us, the Actual Carrier and their employees, agents and representatives will not exceed the maximum amount of our liability.
Notice of claim
15.16 Notice of any claim against us in respect of the loss of or damage to Property carried on our Services must be given to us in writing within 30 days after the date on which our responsibility for that Property has ended and in accordance with sections 274 to 277 of the Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017.
- In the event your journey is cancelled by KiwiRail due to domestic travel restrictions or operational requirements, you have the option of EITHER a full refund OR a free transfer to any other available Scenic fare.
- If it is not possible for you to travel due to your illness or travel restrictions, you'll be given a choice between a full refund or a free transfer to any other available Scenic fare.
- When choosing a free transfer, your original fare and discounts will be transferred.
- You can request a refund or change your booking without penalty up to 24 hours from departure.
- When changing your booking, you can move to an equal priced fare free of charge (subject to availability), or simply pay the difference and move to a more expensive fare.
- Amended travel must be used within 12 months of the original travel date.
- No refund or change inside 24 hours prior to departure
- 2% credit / debit card surcharge cannot be refunded
- 1 x Large checked bag or suitcase
- maximum weight of 23kgs
- maximum volume* of 158 linear cm (62”)
- 1 x Cabin bag, small bag, or handbag
- wheeled and/or hard-sided suitcases must be Checked in (cannot be taken aboard)
- maximum weight of 7kgs
- maximum volume* for the cabin bag is 118 linear cm (46.5”)
- for taking important personal items aboard, including any fragile or perishable items, money, jewellery and valuables
- 1 x Small infant bag
- if you have an infant with you, you may bring an additional small bag for the journey
- please note: free of charge Infant Fares do not get any luggage allowance
- If your overweight bag is more than 23kg and your cabin sized bag is already at the 7kg weight limit, you may purchase a re-pack bag for $20 to repack your Luggage to the allowable weight limit of 23kg (the $20 charge is in addition to a $35 additional Luggage allowance charge).
- If your cabin-sized bag exceeds 7kg, you can purchase an additional Luggage allowance for $35.
- Pram, stroller, or buggy
- Car seat
- Bassinet or port-a -cot
- Be in safe working condition
- Be able to seat your child with their arms and thighs within its frame
- Fit within your seats cushion base
- For safety, your car seat can't block access to the aisle or be placed on the tables. These must be kept on the seat.
When you book with us directly online, your booking has the highest level of protection and you can be confident that your booking is in safe hands.
Our promise includes the following:
Plans can change, and so can your booking with our Scenic Class fares:
Free: You can stop overnight at intermediary stations and then board again on a later date to complete your journey without additional charge.
Stopovers at may be booked free of charge up to 24 hours before departure subject to seat availability.
Failing to arrive for check-in on time could mean you miss the train. In the event you miss the train without prior arrangement, your fare may be forfeited without compensation.
To check for train arrival information or to notify us that you are running late, call 0800 TRAINS (0800 872 467) or + 64 4 495 0775.
If you are joining the train at stations en route, you must make yourself clearly visible on the platform as the train approaches. Our crew will disembark from the train on arrival to greet you and check you in. Please ensure you check in with the crew and obtain your boarding pass and seat number before boarding.
Additional Luggage
You can buy one additional item of Luggage per person with a maximum weight of 23kgs (50lb) and a maximum volume of 158 linear cm (63”) may be purchased for $35.
Overweight - more than 23kg
For safety reasons, we do not accept bags that weigh more than 23kg. If your checked bag is more than 23kg (50lb), you have the following options:
Oversized - exceeds maximum linear volume
When the length, width and height of your bag add up to more than 158cm (62") or 118cm (46.5”) you can buy a re-pack bag for $20 to repack your Luggage to the allowable dimensions. This $20 cost is additional to the Excess Luggage charge.
Travelling with infants
Infant Fares for 0-24 month-old are free of charge, but do not come with a seat allocation or luggage allowance.
Infants should sit on their parent or guardian's lap during the journey (please do not place or seat your infant on the table at any time).
Changing facilities are available in the Accessible toilet within the Scenic Cafe carriage.
It is important to also note that buggies/strollers/prams must be checked in and stored in the Luggage Carriage.
To book a seat for your infant, simply book a Child Fare. You are welcome to bring a car seat aboard for them to sit and sleep in - everyone should be comfortable!
Additional luggage allowance for Child and Infant fares:
If you are travelling with a child or infant, then you may additionally bring along two items from the below list for every child in your group as part of your baggage allowance.
Prams, strollers, buggies, basinets and port-a-cots must be checked in for storage in the Luggage Carriage and will not be accessible during the journey.
Bring a Car Seat for comfort
If your child is too young to sit comfortably or needs to sleep during the journey, then you may wish to bring a car seat (remember: you are not allowed to bring your child's buggy/pram/stroller aboard the train).
PLEASE NOTE: you must have a Child Fare to bring a car seat and it must conform to the following standards:
We are not responsible or liable for any loss, damage or expense incurred by passengers as a result of the failure of the service to operate or depart or arrive at the scheduled time or location. We reserve the right to change the service at any time.
Any electronic music devices may be used only with earphones at a volume that cannot be heard by others. The operation of radio scanners is prohibited on board Great Journeys New Zealand services by anyone other than our staff.
We make every effort to ensure your safety and comfort whilst on our services.
To avoid disappointment or difficulties on arrival, we request that you advise us of any assistance you require when you book with us.
Our trains have designated wheelchair spaces, an accessible toilet, a hearing loop and lifts for helping passengers aboard.
Please refer to our Accessibility web page for more information.
Please be aware when making a booking that our liability to you for any loss or damage is capped at $2000 for each unit of goods lost or damaged.
We recommend that passengers hold their own personal and/or any travel insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances which may arise.
Any claims for loss or damage must be received by us no later than 30 days after the date you travelled on the relevant service. Please see our Conditions of Carriage for the full terms and conditions relating to our liability to you.
We may change our Conditions of Carriage without notice by updating our website at www.greatjourneysnz.com.
Where the Conditions of Carriage are amended the terms and conditions in force when your ticket was purchased will apply.
- In the event your journey is cancelled by KiwiRail due to domestic travel restrictions or operational requirements, you have the option of EITHER a full refund OR a free transfer to any other available Scenic fare.
- If it is not possible for you to travel due to travel restrictions, you'll be given a choice between a full refund or a free transfer to any other available Scenic fare.
- When choosing a free transfer, your original fare and discounts will be transferred.
- You can request a refund or change your booking without penalty up to 7 days from departure.
- When changing your booking, you can move to an equal priced fare free of charge (subject to availability), or simply pay the difference and move to a more expensive fare.
- Amended travel must be used within 12 months of the original travel date.
- $100 per person if cancelled within 7 days and outside 24 hours prior to departure.
- $35 per person if changed within 7 days and outside 24 hours prior to departure.
- All fares are non-transferrable.
- No refund or change inside 24 hours prior to departure.
- 2% credit / debit card surcharge is non-refundable
- 1 x Large checked bag or suitcase
- maximum weight of 23kgs
- maximum volume* of 158 linear cm (62”)
- 1 x Cabin bag, small bag, or handbag
- wheeled and/or hard-sided suitcases must be Checked in (cannot be taken aboard)
- maximum weight of 7kgs
- maximum volume* for the cabin bag is 118 linear cm (46.5”)
- for taking important personal items aboard, including any fragile or perishable items, money, jewellery and valuables
- 1 x Small infant bag
- if you have an infant with you, you may bring an additional small bag for the journey
- please note: free of charge Infant Fares do not get any luggage allowance
- If your overweight bag is more than 23kg and your cabin sized bag is already at the 7kg weight limit, you may purchase a re-pack bag for $20 to repack your Luggage to the allowable weight limit of 23kg (the $20 charge is in addition to a $35 additional Luggage allowance charge).
- If your cabin-sized bag exceeds 7kg, you can purchase an additional Luggage allowance for $35.
- Pram, stroller, or buggy
- Car seat
- Bassinet or port-a -cot
- Be in safe working condition
- Be able to seat your child with their arms and thighs within its frame
- Fit within your seats cushion base
- For safety, your car seat can't block access to the aisle or be placed on the tables. These must be kept on the seat.
When you book with us directly online, your booking has the highest level of protection and you can be confident that your booking is in safe hands.
Our promise includes the following:
Plans can change, and so can your booking with our Scenic Plus fares:
Standard Class passengers can upgrade to Scenic Plus on request, based on availability. The charge will vary and will be based around the price difference between Standard Class and Scenic Plus.
Failing to arrive for check-in on time could mean you miss the train. In the event you miss the train without prior arrangement, your fare may be forfeited without compensation.
To check for train arrival information or to notify us that you are running late, call 0800 TRAINS (0800 872 467) or + 64 4 495 0775.
If you are joining the train at stations en route, you must make yourself clearly visible on the platform as the train approaches. Our crew will disembark from the train on arrival to greet you and check you in. Please ensure you check in with the crew and obtain your boarding pass and seat number before boarding.
Additional Luggage
You can buy one additional item of Luggage per person with a maximum weight of 23kgs (50lb) and a maximum volume of 158 linear cm (63”) may be purchased for $35.
Overweight - more than 23kg
For safety reasons, we do not accept bags that weigh more than 23kg. If your checked bag is more than 23kg (50lb), you have the following options:
Travelling with infants
Infant Fares for 0-24 month-old are free of charge, but do not come with a seat allocation or luggage allowance.
Infants should sit on their parent or guardian's lap during the journey (please do not place or seat your infant on the table at any time).
Changing facilities are available in the Accessible toilet within the Scenic Cafe carriage.
It is important to also note that buggies/strollers/prams must be checked in and stored in the Luggage Carriage.
To book a seat for your infant, simply book a Child Fare. You are welcome to bring a car seat aboard for them to sit and sleep in - everyone should be comfortable!
Additional luggage allowance for Child and Infant fares:
If you are travelling with a child or infant, then you may additionally bring along two items from the below list for every child in your group as part of your baggage allowance.
Prams, strollers, buggies, basinets and port-a-cots must be checked in for storage in the Luggage Carriage and will not be accessible during the journey.
Bring a Car Seat for comfort
If your child is too young to sit comfortably or needs to sleep during the journey, then you may wish to bring a car seat (remember: you are not allowed to bring your child's buggy/pram/stroller aboard the train).
PLEASE NOTE: you must have a Child Fare to bring a car seat and it must conform to the following standards:
We are not responsible or liable for any loss, damage or expense incurred by passengers as a result of the failure of the service to operate or depart or arrive at the scheduled time or location. We reserve the right to change the service at any time.
Any electronic music devices may be used only with earphones at a volume that cannot be heard by others. The operation of radio scanners is prohibited on board Great Journeys New Zealand services by anyone other than our staff.
If you’re travelling with us on Scenic Plus, it's important that you can travel independently, which means you must be able to meet all your personal needs without assistance from the crew throughout the journey.
If you require assistance with things like moving on and off or around the train, changing clothing, eating, administering medication or toileting, then you will need to travel with someone 16 years or older who is capable of assisting you with your needs.
Please refer to our Accessibility web page for more information.
Please be aware when making a booking that our liability to you for any loss or damage is capped at $2000 for each unit of goods lost or damaged.
We recommend that passengers hold their own personal and/or any travel insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances which may arise.
Any claims for loss or damage must be received by us no later than 30 days after the date you travelled on the relevant service. Please see our Conditions of Carriage for the full terms and conditions relating to our liability to you.
We may change our Conditions of Carriage without notice by updating our website at www.greatjourneysnz.com.
Where the Conditions of Carriage are amended the terms and conditions in force when your ticket was purchased will apply.
Any questions
If you have any questions or concerns about booking a journey or changing or cancelling an existing booking, then please don't hesitate to give us a call or contact us online.
Our friendly Customer Service team are waiting to help!