THE MAINLANDER

Invercargill to Dunedin

Departing the charming city of Invercargill in the heart of Southland, we depart a region shaped by rivers, plains, and wide southern horizons and broad landscapes where the skies seem to stretch endlessly above.

We cross from Southland to Otago following parts of the Mataura River valley, renowned for exceptional trout fishing towards Gore, the proud country music capital of New Zealand.

From Gore, the journey continues north through open countryside toward Balclutha after which the line crosses the great Clutha River (Matau-Au) – our only crossing of this mighty waterway. Here the river famously divides into two large branches, the Koau (Southern) and Matau (Northern), forming the fertile Inch Clutha Island.

We travel through rolling farmland and small country settlements that reflect the character of the region then hug the shores of tranquil Lake Waihola, one of the largest lowland lakes in Otago.

Emerging from the wide rural landscapes we descend gently through the southern suburbs, arriving at the historic city of Dunedin.

Schedule:

Departing Invercargill to Dunedin on Thursday 22nd January 2026 - Train Departs 12:50pm and arrives 6:00pm.



Ticket Only Price Invercargill - Dunedin

One Way $129 per person

Invercargill to Dunedin to Christchurch

Departing the charming city of Invercargill in the heart of Southland, we depart a region shaped by rivers, plains, and wide southern horizons and broad landscapes where the skies seem to stretch endlessly above.

We cross from Southland to Otago following parts of the Mataura River valley, renowned for exceptional trout fishing towards Gore, the proud country music capital of New Zealand.

From Gore, the journey continues north through open countryside toward Balclutha after which the line crosses the great Clutha River (Matau-Au) – our only crossing of this mighty waterway. Here the river famously divides into two large branches, the Koau (Southern) and Matau (Northern), forming the fertile Inch Clutha Island.

We travel through rolling farmland and small country settlements that reflect the character of the region then hug the shores of tranquil Lake Waihola, one of the largest lowland lakes in Otago.

Emerging from the wide rural landscapes we descend gently through the southern suburbs, arriving at the historic city of Dunedin.

Departing the historic city of Dunedin home of New Zealand’s famous Dunedin Railway Station, Taieri Gorge Railway, Larnach Castle, Albatross Tours and so much more, we head north along the Pacific Coast towards the Moeraki Boulders and penguin colonies and pass through the charming historic town of Oamaru renowned for the historic limestone buildings and architecture.

Crossing the Waitaki River to Caroline Bay where the railway line hugs the cliff face at the rear when passing through Timaru. Continue further North towards the rugged Otago coastline, tasking in views of the majestic Southern Alps on one side and the deep blue Pacific Ocean on the other.

Onward to the vast expanse of the Canterbury Plains where the regimented neatness of mixed cropping and sheep grazing holdings form patchwork quilt patterns as far as the eye can see before arriving at the agriculture centre of Ashburton where we cross the mighty braided Rakaia River towards our arrival at the garden city of Christchurch

Schedule:

Departing Invercargill to Dunedin on Thursday 22nd January 2026 - Train Departs Invercargill 12:50pm and Arrives Dunedin 6:00pm.

Departing Dunedin to Christchurch on Friday 23rd January 2026 -  Train Departs Dunedin 8:00am Arrives Christchurch 3:15pm.

Ticket Only Price Invercargill - Dunedin - Christchurch

One Way Only $229 per person