Long-distance passenger rail is set to return to the South Island, with a new service scheduled to reconnect Christchurch, Dunedin and Invercargill for the first time in decades.
The service, known as The Mainlander, will operate along the east coast and is being delivered by New Zealand-owned Rail and Tourism Group, the company behind Mainland Rail.
The first series of journeys will run during the January school holidays in 2026, with services operating from 20–23 January. The inaugural timetable includes:
- Christchurch to Dunedin – 20 January
- Dunedin to Invercargill – 21 January
- Invercargill to Dunedin – 22 January
- Dunedin to Christchurch – 23 January
Tickets and travel packages will be available, including options that feature a local excursion through the Taieri Gorge. The next set of monthly dates is expected to be released shortly, with future services likely to follow a regular Friday departure and Sunday return pattern.
The Mainlander is also linked to wider rail plans in Canterbury. Rail and Tourism Group chief executive Paul Jackson said the company is developing an Event Express Train that would transport passengers from Rolleston and Rangiora into the new One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha on major event days.
He said the trial service would ease congestion, support central city businesses and provide a real-world test of a longer-term commuter rail network for Greater Christchurch.
Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger said the return of long-distance rail would give people more choice when travelling across the South Island.
“This is great news for our city and a boost for public transport options across the South Island. The Mainlander will reconnect Christchurch with Dunedin and Invercargill in a way that brings both convenience and character back to regional travel,” he said.
“It’s about giving people choice, whether they are tourists wanting to experience our landscapes or locals who don’t want to use the road. This rail service puts Christchurch at the heart of a southern tourism circuit.”
Dunedin Mayor Sophie Barker said demand for rail had already been shown earlier this year when a Christchurch–Dunedin rail experience sold out quickly.
“The public has been calling for more rail connections between the South Island’s main centres, and this is a significant step,” she said.
“Visitors will now be able to travel down the east coast and arrive directly at one of the world’s most spectacular railway stations. Increased rail connectivity strengthens our position as a premier destination.”
Dunedin Railways General Manager Rebekah Jenkins said the arrival of The Mainlander marked an exciting new chapter for the city and the wider region.
“It highlights the growing appeal of heritage and scenic rail experiences, particularly the Taieri Gorge journey, with its rugged landscapes, hand-carved tunnels and century-old viaducts,” she said.
“Invercargill Mayor Tom Campbell also welcomed the announcement, saying many Southlanders would remember the experience of travelling by train.
“Most of us remember the rhythm of the wheels, the changing landscape and seeing familiar places from a different angle. It’s great to see that experience returning to the South,” he said.
Great South Tourism and Events general manager Mark Frood said the service would provide a new travel option for locals moving between southern centres and help further connect communities across the lower South Island.
Jackson said the reintroduction of long-distance passenger rail was expected to strengthen transport links between the South Island’s major cities while supporting tourism, hospitality, events and the broader regional economy.
“We will continue to work with the major South Island cities to support regional rail and tourism opportunities,” he said.