Back By Popular Demand, The Southerner Returns

Following the successful limited time revival of The Southerner rail route, Great Journeys New Zealand is adding another round of dates, allowing more guests to relive the nostalgic journey.

With return trips daily from 25 to 27 October, the train journey traces part of the historic rail route between Dunedin and Christchurch.

This time, the team is offering a chance to combine The Southerner with a relaxing short break in Christchurch, the vibrant heart of the South Island.

The new Christchurch Explorer option sees travellers depart Dunedin on 25 October, returning 27 October with two nights’ accommodation in a central Christchurch hotel. The package includes the opportunity to discover notable locations including Banks Peninsula, the historic port town of Lyttelton, and the beachside haven of Sumner on a fully guided tour.

Executive GM Passenger Tracey Goodall says the revived rail route has been immensely popular, with May packages selling out and a long wait list.

“We’re excited by the strong interest in ‘The Southerner Returns’, which ignites nostalgia and happy memories for many New Zealanders,” she says. “These one-off tourism experiences pay homage to the original passenger train that once connected Christchurch and Invercargill via Dunedin, travelling along the iconic Main South Line.”

Operating from 1 December 1970 to 10 February 2002, The Southerner was a staple of rail travel in the South Island. These Great Journeys New Zealand special services are reviving the well-known route, offering the same fantastic views but now in the comfort of the new Scenic and premium Scenic Plus carriages.

To secure a spot in October, guests can book now through the Great Journeys New Zealand website.

Note:

Great Journeys New Zealandis the tourism division of KiwiRailthat brings together its three Scenic train journeys including the award winning TranzAlpine(Christchurch/Greymouth), Northern Explorer(Auckland/Wellington)and Coastal Pacific(Picton/Christchurch). Delivering to KiwiRail’s overarching purpose of creating stronger connections for a better New Zealand, Great Journeys New Zealand has increased its rail tourism offering with a range of short break packages and multi-day guided tours. Developed for both domestic and international visitors, the packages and tours allow travellers to step off the beaten track and explore what each region has to offer with activities, food and beverage options and pre-organised accommodation. Great Journeys New Zealand commits to the Tiaki Promiseand encourages customers and businesses to care for people and place.

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