Great Journeys New Zealand is adding another round of dates to The Southerner rail route, following the successful limited time revival, allowing more guests to relive the nostalgic journey.
With return trips daily from 25 to 27 October, the train journey traces part of the historic rail route between Dunedin and Christchurch.
This time, the team is offering a chance to combine The Southerner with a relaxing short break in Christchurch, the vibrant heart of the South Island.
The new Christchurch Explorer option sees travellers depart Dunedin on 25 October, returning 27 October with two nights’ accommodation in a central Christchurch hotel. The package includes the opportunity to discover notable locations including Banks Peninsula, the historic port town of Lyttleton, and the beachside haven of Sumner on a fully guided tour.
Executive GM Passenger Tracey Goodall said the revived rail route has been immensely popular, with May packages selling out and a long waitlist.
“We’re excited by the strong interest in ‘The Southerner Returns,” she said. “These one-off tourism experiences pay homage to the original passenger train that once connected Christchurch and Invercargill via Dunedin, travelling along the iconic Main South Line.”
Operating from 1 December 1970 to 10 February 2002, The Southerner was a staple of rail travel in the South Island.
These Great Journeys New Zealand special services are reviving the well-known route, offering the same fantastic views but now in the comfort of the new Scenic and premium Scenic Plus carriages.
