Cancellation Policy

This Mainlander cancellation policy summarises refund rules for train tickets and package bookings. For full legal terms, see our Terms and Conditions.

Need help changing dates? Contact The Mainlander team during office hours and we will advise the best option for your booking. You can also review upcoming departures on the Mainlander train schedule before you travel.

Package and tour cancellations

Rail & Stay packages and longer southern rail coach tour bookings follow the refund windows published for your product. Where a departure is cancelled by Pounamu Tourism Group, you will be offered a rebook or refund as set out in the Mainlander terms and conditions.

Cancellation policies for The Mainlander products are set out below. For full terms, see our Terms and Conditions.

Train ticket cancellations

• 7+ days notice will be 100% refunded;
• 48+ hours notice will be 50% refunded;
• Less than 48 hours – no refund.
• If Pounamu Tourism Group cancels the tour, 100% refund will apply.
• If the train is operating for a cruise ship, and the cruise ship cannot enter port and cancels its visit, then you will be refunded in full.

Rail & Stay Package cancellations

• 30+ days notice will be 100% refunded;
• Less than 30 days – no refund.
• If Pounamu Tourism Group cancels the tour, 100% refund will apply.

Southern Rail & Coach Tour cancellations

In the event the passenger cancels a tour, the following fees apply prior to departure:

• More than 6 months prior to tour departure, a full refund will apply, no cancellation fee;
• 60 days or more prior to departure, 20% of the tour package price;
• Between 30 and 59 days prior to departure, 50% of the tour package price;
• Less than 30 days prior to departure, 100% of the tour package price.
• If Pounamu Tourism Group cancels the tour, a 100% refund applies.

Please note: No refunds for unused portions of the itinerary once the tour has commenced. No refunds for breakdowns or delays after joining the train.