- TICKET ONLY
Your seat on The Mainlander.
Book a seat on one of our scheduled Mainlander departures and travel the historic Main South Line at your own pace. No extras, no fuss — just you, the train, and some of New Zealand’s finest scenery.
- THE JOURNEY
What to expect on board
The Mainlander travels the historic Main South Line from Christchurch, through the dramatic Kaikoura coastline, across the Canterbury Plains, and into Otago and Southland.
The journey takes you through landscapes that can’t be accessed by road — braided riverbeds, coastal bluffs, rolling farmland, and mountain ranges that stretch as far as the eye can see.
On board, you’ll enjoy comfortable seating, panoramic windows, and friendly hosting from our crew. We provide commentary on the route’s history, geography, and points of interest along the way.
There’s no need to rush. Sit back, take in the scenery, and let the journey unfold.
- JOURNEY DETAILS
Routes & timings
Christchurch → Dunedin
Travel south along the coast and into Otago. Approx. 5 hours. Departs Christchurch in the morning.
Dunedin → Invercargill
Continue south through the Clutha plains to Invercargill. Approx. 2.5 hours.
Christchurch → Invercargill
The full Main South Line in one journey. Approx. 7.5 hours of spectacular scenery.
Comfortable Seating
All carriages feature forward-facing seats with panoramic windows. Window seats are allocated on a first-come basis.
On-Board Hospitality
Light refreshments available. Our hosts provide route commentary and are on hand throughout the journey.
Luggage
Standard luggage allowance included. Additional luggage storage available on request.
- READY TO TRAVEL
Ready to book your seat?
Check our upcoming schedule and secure your place on The Mainlander. Tickets can be booked online or by contacting our team directly.