Travelling with a wheelchair, powerchair or mobility scooter
Our Scenic Class carriages are designed to make everyone feel comfortable. So if you are travelling on our Northern Explorer, Coastal Pacific or TranzAlpine trains, with a wheelchair, powerchair or mobility scooter, then you can sit in one of our specially designed wheelchair spaces in the spacious and convenient Scenic Cafe carriage.
Scenic Class wheelchair spaces have their own table with two seats for companions and one huge panoramic window to enjoy the spectacular views. A second wheelchair space is conveniently situated on the other side of the aisle. Our wheelchair bays feature a headphone jack so that you can tune into our GPS audio commentary.
AKC Cafe Accessible Seating
If you have limited mobility, then we can store your wheelchair, powerchair or mobility scooter in the Café carriage while you sit in the adjoining carriage.

MOBILITY SCOOTER, WHEELCHAIR AND POWERCHAIR RESTRICTIONS:
Max. combined weight (passenger and chair) = 364kg
Maximum length = 1295mm (51in)
Maximum width = 762mm (30in).
Travelling with a hearing impairment
All our scenic train carriages are fitted with hearing loops. To activate your built in transformer, select the ‘T’ switch on the hearing aid. The hearing loop will boost the PA sound levels within the carriages.
Please note if you are seated in the café carriage, the hearing loop is only fitted around the counter area. A microphone located in this area will however boost the sound levels for passengers using the hearing loop.
Travelling with impaired vision
If you are visually impaired and need assistance, then our staff are trained and happy to help you get on board and enjoy the journey.
Certified assistance dogs are also welcome aboard, although we do ask that:
- During the trip your dog remains seated next to you restrained;
- That you can provide documentation that your dog is a fully accredited member of Assistance Dogs International (ADI) or a full member of the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF);
- You prepare your dog for the journey by exercising and limiting its fluid intake before boarding the train.
When making your booking
When booking online, you can select your accessibility requirements on the contact details page. If you have any additional needs, then you can use the comments section to add any notes you think will help us.
If you have any questions or would prefer to book over the phone, then please call us on 0800 872 467.
We look forward to welcoming you on board soon!