How to book
These FAQs are here to help you navigate our booking system with confidence and ease.
-
Waitangi (Feb)
-
Easter (March)
-
Anzac Day (April)
-
Kings Birthday (June)
-
Matariki (July)
-
Labour Weekend (Oct)
A little preparation makes all the difference.
Check which days your train runs before starting your booking.
Have your travel dates, passenger details and payment method ready.
Allow time to complete your booking in one session, as it does not always save progress.
Our scenic trains do not run every day. This is often where bookings in our system come unstuck.
On and around public holidays, our trains do not run. This includes:
When do our trains run?
See whether the date you want lines up with our trains.
The Coastal Pacific travels daily in both directions between Christchurch / Ōtautahi and Picton/Waitohi.
The Coastal Pacific train takes a short break each winter - its last day was 26 April 2026.
It restarts on 1 September 2026.
The Northern Explorer travels between Wellington / Whanganui-a-Tara and Auckland / Tāmaki Makaurau.
It runs on set days, with reduced services outside peak periods.
Northern Explorer Auckland to Wellington trains depart southbound on Monday, Thursday and Saturday.
Northern Explorer Wellington to Auckland trains depart northbound on Friday, Sunday, and Wednesday.
It does not run between 25 December 2026 through to the 11th January 2027.
The TranzAlpine travels between Christchurch / Ōtautahi and Greymouth / Māwhera.
The TranzAlpine returned to a daily service from May 23rd 2026, but it will not run on Christmas Day or around Labour Weekend 2026.
It is also not running 22-28 May 2027 and 25-28 September 2027.
Always check the timetable first, then choose matching travel dates in our booking system.
If you're have booking problems
Handy tips and tricks.
-
If your preferred date does not appear, the train does not run that day
-
Try adjusting your date by one or two days
-
Avoid selecting public holidays unless confirmed in the timetable
-
This small step resolves most booking issues
-
Add your discount code on the first screen (if you have one)
-
Enter passenger names exactly as they appear on photo ID
-
Double-check email addresses before continuing
-
Add accessibility or dietary notes early, where available
-
Scenic Plus seat selection is complimentary
-
Paid seat selection for Scenic Class fares may not appear on all services
-
If an option is missing, it is likely unavailable on that date
-
Avoid refreshing the page once payment has started
-
Use a single card per booking
-
Wait for confirmation before closing your browser
Our online booking system will only accept bookings on days the train operates.
Our online booking system is very exact with names and numbers.
If details are incomplete, the system may not let you proceed.
Some options are limited and can sell out quickly.
Try another service day if your preferred experience does not appear.
Payments are the final hurdle for many users.
If payment fails, check your inbox before trying again to avoid duplicate bookings.
Next steps
Final tips for your booking.
-
Confirmation emails can take a few minutes to arrive
-
Check junk folders if you cannot see it
-
Keep your booking reference handy for any changes
-
Clear your browser cache or try a different browser
-
Avoid using back buttons
-
Start a new booking if the system appears stuck
Once confirmed, your journey is safely under way.
You are not alone. This can happen.
If the issue persists, our team is here to help. Call us.
We're here to help:
Mon-Sun | 9.00am to 5.00pm
Overseas: +64 4495 0775
Our trains follow the rhythms of the land and the seasons of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Checking the timetable first is the best thing you can do when booking your journey.
If you get stuck, call us:
We're here to help:
Mon-Sun | 9.00am to 5.00pm
Overseas: +64 4495 0775
Or message us through our chatbot or fill out our online form.
We look forward to welcoming you aboard.