Christchurch to Dunedin via the Canterbury Plains and coast.
- Christchurch / Addington
- Rolleston
- Ashburton
- Timaru
- Oamaru
- Dunedin
NZ's Leading Tour Operator · 2022–2025 · Qualmark Silver
Ticket only
Book a seat on The Mainlander for selected train-only journeys across the South Island. Travel by rail through some of the region’s most memorable landscapes, from Canterbury through Otago and into the deep south.
Whether you’re travelling a shorter sector, heading to Dunedin for the weekend, or continuing on to Gore and Invercargill, The Mainlander is a comfortable and scenic way to move between destinations. Live availability updates as seats fill — early booking is recommended.
Key highlights
Book online
Choose where you’re travelling from and to, then search live departures and fares.
Departures
The Mainlander runs across a simple long-weekend format — travel south on Friday, enjoy the southern day journey on Sunday, and return north on Monday. One-way and return fares are available across selected stations.
Upcoming weekends
Choose a weekend below to start booking. Seats fill quickly.
How a weekend works
Each weekend follows the same simple pattern. Book any sector along these routes — you don’t have to travel the full way.
Christchurch to Dunedin via the Canterbury Plains and coast.
Dunedin to Invercargill and back the same day.
Dunedin back to Christchurch.
On board
Step aboard The Mainlander and settle into a relaxed way to travel south. With comfortable seating, air-conditioned carriages, modern onboard facilities, and friendly hosts looking after you along the way, the experience is designed to be enjoyed at a slower pace.
Snacks and beverages are available to purchase onboard — and with the landscape unfolding outside your window, the journey becomes just as memorable as the places it takes you.
What’s included
Your fare includes rail travel on The Mainlander for the route and departure date booked. One-way and return fares are available across selected stations between Christchurch, Dunedin and Invercargill.
Enjoy access to onboard facilities, a licensed bar and snacks available to purchase, and friendly onboard hosts — a comfortable journey through some of the South Island’s most memorable landscapes.
You don’t need to travel the full route. Choose the stations that suit your plans — from Christchurch through Dunedin to Invercargill — with one-way or return fares on selected weekend departures.
Before you book
Everything you need to know before stepping aboard for a scenic weekend journey through the South Island.
Yes. You don’t need to travel the full route. One-way and return fares are available across selected stations, so you can choose the part of The Mainlander journey that suits your plans.
Weekend journeys are available across selected stations including Christchurch, Rolleston, Ashburton, Timaru, Oamaru, Dunedin, Gore and Invercargill. When booking, simply choose your departure and arrival points.
No. You can choose either a one-way or return fare, depending on how you’d like to travel.
No. This page is for rail-only fares. If you’re looking for a more packaged southern getaway, our Rail & Stay Packages include Mainlander travel and 3 nights accommodation in Dunedin.
Weekend journeys generally follow a long-weekend format. Southbound services run on Friday, the Dunedin to Invercargill return journey runs on Sunday, and northbound services return on Monday. Exact dates and availability are shown when you search above.
The Mainlander is designed to be a relaxed and scenic way to travel. From Canterbury through Otago and down to Southland, the journey is all about settling in, taking in the landscape, and enjoying the experience of travelling by rail.
Meals are not included in the ticket-only fare. Food and beverages can be purchased onboard where available.
Because it’s more than just getting from one place to another. It’s a chance to slow down, enjoy the scenery, and experience the South Island in a way that feels comfortable, memorable, and a little different from the usual drive.
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.
Make a weekend of it
If you’d like to make a full weekend of it, our Rail & Stay Packages include Mainlander rail travel and 3 nights accommodation in Dunedin, with selected options including Taieri Gorge or an Invercargill rail day. It’s a simple way to enjoy the journey, accommodation and itinerary in one package.
Traveller stories
Real words from people who’ve ridden The Mainlander — slow travel, big scenery, and the kind of southern hospitality that sticks with you.
Next step
Pick your departure weekend, choose one-way or return, and settle into a relaxed southern rail journey. Search live fares above to book your seats.