Service Update: Train Schedules Extended to June 2027 & Planned Maintenance Notices

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.

Northern Explorer

Operating Days

  • Northbound: Wednesday, Friday & Sunday
  • Southbound: Monday, Thursday & Saturday

Operating days are confirmed to 30 November 2026.

Scheduled Track Maintenance

Full cancellations – No bus replacements

  • 6–10 February 2026
  • 3–7 April 2026
  • 29 May–2 June 2026
  • 10–14 July 2026
  • 23–27 October 2026

Coastal Pacific

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.

TranzAlpine

Operating Periods

  • 17 Jul 2025 – 11 May 2026: Daily
  • 29 May 2026 – 6 Jul 2026: Friday–Monday
  • 14 Jul 2026 – 10 May 2027: Daily
  • 14 May 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 (TBC): Friday–Monday

Note: The TranzAlpine does not operate on Christmas Day.

Scheduled Track Maintenance

Full cancellations – No bus replacements

  • 25–27 April 2026
  • 16–22 May 2026
  • 10–13 July 2026
  • 26–28 September 2026
  • 24–26 October 2026

 

Onboard Infotainment App
Audio commentary is now delivered through the Great Journeys New Zealand app. Passengers should bring:

  • Personal mobile device
  • Headphones
  • USB charging cable

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

 

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Newzealandbyferry

BlueBridge Ferry

Bluebrige offers a ferry service between Wellington and Picton and vice versa.  The passenger terminals in Wellington and Picton are centrally located and easy to get to. While there is no long term parking on-site, there are plenty of parking options nearby. On board, there is heaps of stuff to help make your journey awesome.

Walking on
Foot passengers should check in at the terminal at least 45 minutes before their sailing time. Remember to ensure any luggage is properly labelled and packed securely. In Wellington our team will guide you from the terminal building to our ship on-foot. We can arrange a transfer with our passenger van if you would prefer a little assistance.  We also like to use our passenger van when the weather isn't too flash to keep you all as comfortable as possible. In Picton foot passengers are transported via shuttle bus from the terminal building to the ship (short journey).  

Cyclists
Cyclists should check in at the terminal at least 45 minutes before their sailing time. In Wellington our team will guide you from the terminal building to our ship. In Picton cyclists are asked to follow the passenger shuttle bus from the terminal to the ship. PLEASE NOTE: You are permitted to ride to the stern ramp but you must walk across the ramp and there is no riding allowed inside the ship itself.

Your bicycle will be stored beneath the decks inside and out of the weather. We supply lashings to secure bicycles to ship rails/brackets and rags for padding but we do encourage owners to bring their own.  A member of our staff will be on hand to provide you with assistance or advice if required.

Driving on
Luckily, getting your vehicle onto our ferry is easier than it looks, and minimal preparation is required to make sure you have a safe and easy journey. Our awesome crew is also there to help you every step of the way so please don’t be afraid to ask for assistance.

If you’re travelling in a vehicle, you need to be at the terminal at least an hour before departure and should check in at the vehicle booth – not inside the terminal. As you won’t have access to your vehicle during sailing, make sure you have everything you need for your trip in your hand luggage. You’ll be expected to drive your vehicle safely onboard, although our crew are there to help if you need it. When boarding at night, remember to turn your lights off before you approach the ship's ramp so as not to blind our crew. Double-check your handbrake is on, put it in gear, turn-off your alarm and lock your vehicle.

Children's age is 1 - 14 Years Inclusive.