SERVICE UPDATE
Train Schedules Extended to June 2027. Additional rail schedules are now open for booking through June 2027. Please review operating days and planned maintenance closures when arranging travel.
Operating Days
Operating days are confirmed to 30 November 2026.
Full cancellations – No bus replacements
Operating Schedule
Date Range Service
1 Sep 2025 – 26 Apr 2026 7 days a week
27 Apr 2026 – 30 Aug 2026 Not operating
1 Sep 2026 – 30 Apr 2027 (TBC) 7 days a week
Note: The Coastal Pacific does not operate on Christmas Day.
Operating Periods
Note: The TranzAlpine does not operate on Christmas Day.
Full cancellations – No bus replacements
Onboard Infotainment App
Audio commentary is now delivered through the Great Journeys New Zealand app. Passengers should bring:
Download the free app before travel. Full content becomes available once connected to onboard Wi-Fi.
For further inquiries or assistance with your travel plans, please contact our New Zealand Travel Team.
Our friendly New Zealand Travel Team is available from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm (New Zealand Time) Monday - Sunday, excluding public holidays.
For assistance and reservations during our opening hours, contact our New Zealand Travel Team by email or phone. To cancel a reservation, please email us at info@newzealandtravelteam.com before 72hrs or 3 days from the travel date.
Phone
You can call one of our English-speaking Consultants at +64 7 575 5049
Current New Zealand time:
Within New Zealand:
Reservations only with payment - 0800-143-669
Travel planning and all other inquiries - +64 7 575 5049
Outside New Zealand:
+61 1800 359 729 Australia Toll-free
+1 855 413 3019 USA Toll-free
+1 866 554 0304 Canada Toll-free
+44 800 0148106 United Kingdom Toll-free
Railbus Passes are a combination of Scenic Rail Passes and Intercity bus passes.
Valid for travel from 27 September 2023 - 30 June 2027.
A New Zealand Travel Team RailBus Pass is a flexible ‘Book As You Go’ travel pass that allows you to travel on New Zealand’s 3 long-distance passenger train services between Auckland and Wellington, Picton to Christchurch, Christchurch to Greymouth, your choice of an Intercity Flexi Bus Pass and ferry sailing/s between the North and South Islands by purchasing the number of ‘Travel’ days you want to use and travel whenever it suits, for up to 2 months from the date of your first journey.
The Rail Pass can only be used for travel in ONE direction: North to South or South to North, while the Bus Pass can be used for a return.
New Zealand RailBus Passes are suited for independent travellers, families or small groups, who are travelling together on the same routes, to the same destinations.
Reservations for train, bus & ferry services are compulsory and should be made as soon as possible to avoid disappointment and no later than 72 Hours prior to the travel date to secure a seat. Reservations are subject to availability and can be made by contacting our New Zealand Travel Team.
Please note each traveller needs his or her own pass.
Reservations can be made by emailing our New Zealand Travel Team