Relaxed southern rail journey with 3 nights accommodation included.
Sit back, relax and enjoy the stunning scenery New Zealand has to offer.
NZ's Leading Tour Operator · 2022–2025 · Qualmark Silver
The journey south
Experience the south by rail with return train travel, Dunedin accommodation, and selected package options including Taieri Gorge or Invercargill.
Travel from Christchurch and settle into a relaxed long weekend — a slower, more memorable way to see the South Island.
Why choose this
Take in the changing landscapes of the South Island as you travel between Christchurch and Dunedin on a scenic rail journey. Enjoy…
Explore further south as your rail journey continues beyond Dunedin to Invercargill, passing through ever-changing landscapes along the way. Includes 3 nights'…
Journey through some of the South Island's most striking scenery, including the dramatic Taieri Gorge. This package includes rail travel between Christchurch…
Take in the changing landscapes of the South Island as you travel between Christchurch and Dunedin on a scenic rail journey. Enjoy 3 nights' accommodation at Dunedin Leisure Lodge – A Distinction Hotel, with daily hotel breakfast and seamless transfers to and from the train station for a relaxed, easy escape.
Choose your preferred dates:
Explore further south as your rail journey continues beyond Dunedin to Invercargill, passing through ever-changing landscapes along the way. Includes 3 nights' accommodation at Dunedin Leisure Lodge – A Distinction Hotel, daily hotel breakfast, and seamless transfers for a comfortable, immersive southern escape.
Choose your preferred dates:
Journey through some of the South Island's most striking scenery, including the dramatic Taieri Gorge. This package includes rail travel between Christchurch and Dunedin, 3 nights' accommodation at Dunedin Leisure Lodge – A Distinction Hotel, daily breakfast, and convenient transfers for a smooth, memorable getaway.
Choose your preferred dates:
Three ways to travel
Choose from 3 rail and accommodation packages, with return departures from Christchurch. Selected options are also available from Timaru.
A relaxed southern short break that keeps things simple and memorable. Travel south on The Mainlander, settle into Dunedin for three nights, and explore one of the South Island's most character-filled cities at your own pace.
Make the rail journey the heart of your getaway. Travel from Christchurch to Dunedin on The Mainlander, enjoy three nights accommodation, and add the unforgettable Taieri Gorge experience while based in Dunedin.
Travel from Christchurch to Dunedin on Friday, stay three nights, and continue further south with a rail journey through Gore to Invercargill and back — experiencing more of the lower South Island with Dunedin as your base.
Accommodation
Your 3-night package includes accommodation at Dunedin Leisure Lodge – A Distinction Hotel (or similar). Set within two acres of beautifully kept gardens and flowing lawns, it offers a more peaceful and relaxed place to stay while you enjoy your Mainlander getaway. Neighbouring the Dunedin Botanic Garden and just a short distance from the city centre, Otago Museum, the University of Otago, and Forsyth Barr Stadium, it is a well-located base that combines comfort, convenience, and a quieter garden setting.
The package covers
Travel on The Mainlander as part of your selected package and enjoy one of the South Island’s great rail experiences. From Canterbury through Otago and into the deep south, this is a journey shaped by changing landscapes, a slower pace, and the simple pleasure of seeing more along the way.
Your package includes 3 nights accommodation at Dunedin Leisure Lodge - A Distinction Hotel (or similar), giving you a comfortable and well-placed base for your stay in Dunedin. With your accommodation already arranged, it is easier to settle in, relax, and enjoy the trip from the moment you arrive.
Selected packages feature added experiences such as the Taieri Gorge journey or the extended rail trip through Gore and Invercargill, giving you the chance to see more of the south and enjoy a richer Mainlander experience.
Before you book
A few helpful answers before you book your Mainlander package getaway.
Each package includes rail travel on The Mainlander and 3 nights accommodation, with pricing based on the specific itinerary selected.
Yes. These package options include 3 nights accommodation as part of the overall fare.
Accommodation for the 3-night packages is at Dunedin Leisure Lodge – A Distinction Hotel (or similar).
Twin share pricing is based on two people sharing a room, with the per person price shown accordingly.
Yes. Selected package options are available from Timaru as well as Christchurch.
No. The Taieri Gorge experience is included only in the package where it is specifically listed.
For many travellers, yes. The package option is designed for convenience, giving you rail travel and accommodation together in one simpler booking.
Absolutely. If you would prefer to arrange your own stay, the Weekend Train Journeys / Ticket Only option is available separately.
The route
From the rolling Canterbury Plains to the dramatic Otago coastline and the deep south’s wide horizons, The Mainlander offers a front-row seat to the country’s most diverse and breathtaking scenery. Along the way, enjoy warm southern hospitality, insightful commentary, and the charm of classic rail travel where the journey is every bit as memorable as the destination.
Go further
If you want to turn your Mainlander getaway into something bigger, our 8-Day Southern Rail & Coach Tour takes you even further. Starting in Christchurch, this extended journey combines rail travel with handpicked accommodation, guided coach touring, and some of the South Island’s most iconic places including Invercargill, Te Anau, Queenstown and Doubtful Sound.
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
Choose your package, pick a departure weekend, and settle into a relaxed southern rail getaway with accommodation included.