An unforgettable Deep South adventure by rail and coach — Christchurch to Dunedin, Invercargill, Te Anau, Queenstown and Omarama, then home again.
Travel The Mainlander south with an included lunch on Day 1, then explore by coach with quality hotel stays each night.
NZ's Leading Tour Operator · 2022–2025 · Qualmark Silver
Deep South by rail & coach
Start aboard The Mainlander with an included lunch on Day 1 as you travel the Main South Line toward Invercargill. Your route continues with two nights in Dunedin, two in Invercargill, two in Te Anau, one in Queenstown and one in Omarama, before returning to Christchurch.
Coach touring takes in The Catlins, Fiordland, Doubtful Sound, Queenstown and the Mackenzie Country — a complete southern circuit.
Why choose this
2026 departures
Package pricing is being finalised. Register your interest for these departure dates — booking will open once the brochure and fares are confirmed.
Looking for a different date? Join the waitlist
Route overview
Nine days / eight nights from Christchurch through the Deep South and back. Full day-by-day brochure copy will be published once finalised — here’s the route structure.
Your journey begins in Christchurch aboard The Mainlander. Travel the Main South Line toward Invercargill with an included lunch on the train.
Optional pre-tour accommodation is available at The Commodore Hotel, Christchurch.
Settle into Dunedin for two nights. Explore the city’s Victorian character and southern surrounds as part of your Deep South circuit.
Stay: Dunedin (hotel confirmed in final brochure).
Continue into Southland for two nights in Invercargill, with touring that typically includes highlights such as The Catlins coast and local experiences.
Stay: Invercargill (hotel confirmed in final brochure).
Two nights in Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland — including a spectacular Doubtful Sound day experience among ancient forests and remote waterways.
Stay: Te Anau (hotel confirmed in final brochure).
One night in Queenstown, with time to take in The Remarkables, Lake Wakatipu and the adventure-capital atmosphere.
Stay: Queenstown (hotel confirmed in final brochure).
One night in Omarama as you journey through Mackenzie Country toward the Southern Alps and homeward route.
Stay: Omarama (hotel confirmed in final brochure).
Continue via the Mackenzie / alpine scenic route back to Christchurch, where your journey concludes.
Optional post-tour accommodation is available at The Commodore Hotel, Christchurch.
Along the way
From Victorian Dunedin and Port Chalmers lookouts to fiordland wilderness and alpine Mackenzie Country, this tour showcases the South Island at its most dramatic — with comfortable Distinction and quality hotel stays each night.
What’s covered
Travel south on The Mainlander with an included lunch on Day 1 — modern carriages and commentary along the Main South Line toward Invercargill.
Eight nights’ accommodation across Dunedin (2), Invercargill (2), Te Anau (2), Queenstown (1) and Omarama (1). Final hotel list in the brochure.
Catlins coast, Doubtful Sound, Fiordland and Mackenzie Country highlights — woven into one seamless 9-day itinerary.
Before you book
A few helpful answers about the 9-Day Southern Rail & Coach Tour.
Scenic rail travel on The Mainlander (including lunch on Day 1), coach touring, eight nights’ hotel accommodation, and the day experiences listed in the final brochure itinerary (including Doubtful Sound).
Two nights Dunedin, two nights Invercargill, two nights Te Anau, one night Queenstown and one night Omarama. Exact hotels will be confirmed in the brochure. Optional pre/post nights are available at The Commodore Hotel, Christchurch.
Yes — you travel with tour guides, with a welcome dinner and briefing on Day 1 in Dunedin.
No. Rail and coach transport are included for the touring itinerary.
Yes. Optional pre-tour and post-tour accommodation is available at The Commodore Hotel, Christchurch.
Package pricing is being finalised. Enquire here for the 20 Nov, 27 Nov and 4 Dec 2026 departures — we’ll confirm fares and booking as soon as they are released.
Our Rail & Stay Packages offer a 3-night Dunedin-based option with Mainlander rail included.
Mobility: The Mainlander Train has limited mobility access with no Wheelchair or Scooter access. Guests will be required to board unaided, using the vertical steps on all transport.
Passengers with mobility challenges MUST be able to climb 2–3 vertical, high, train steps, and be capable of walking a short distance, unaided (for shuttle transfers).
We can carry lightweight mobility devices that fold/compact down (like walkers).
The journey
Christchurch → Dunedin (2 nights) → Invercargill (2 nights) → Te Anau (2 nights) → Queenstown (1 night) → Omarama (1 night) → Christchurch. Rail where it shines; coach where the roads open the wilder south.
Shorter getaway
If eight days is more than you need right now, our Rail & Stay Packages combine Mainlander rail with three nights in Dunedin — a relaxed southern short break with optional Taieri Gorge or Invercargill day journeys.
Traveller stories
Real words from people who’ve ridden The Mainlander — slow travel, big scenery, and the kind of journey you remember long after you’re home.
Next step
Departures 20 Nov, 27 Nov and 4 Dec 2026. Enquire now — pricing will be published with the brochure.