Frequently Asked Questions about New Zealand Travel

To ensure a stress-free journey, we recommend allowing for an overnight stop before connecting to flights or other transport. Great Journeys New Zealand is not responsible for missed connections due to train delays.

We offer a selection of delicious and nutritious meals and snacks—view the full menu here. You’re welcome to bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks, but we invite you to enjoy our licensed café available on all journeys.

No, all our journeys, including the open-air viewing carriage, are smoke-free. Our friendly train manager will let you know if there are stops where you can stretch your legs.

Only professionally trained service animals assisting customers with disabilities are permitted onboard.

• Scenic Class Passengers:
  • 1 Large checked bag (Max: 23kg, 158cm linear size)
  • 1 Cabin bag (Max: 7kg, 118cm linear size; wheeled/hard-sided suitcases must be checked in)
  • 1 Small bag or handbag for valuables and essentials
  • 1 Small infant bag (for passengers traveling with an infant; infants do not receive a separate luggage allowance)
• Scenic Plus Passengers:
  • 2 Large checked bags (Max: 23kg each, 158cm linear size)
  • 1 Cabin bag (Max: 7kg, 118cm linear size; wheeled/hard-sided suitcases must be checked in)
  • 1 Small bag or handbag for valuables and essentials
  • 1 Small infant bag (for passengers traveling with an infant; infants do not receive a separate luggage allowance)

The TranzAlpine departs generally Christchurch at 8:15 am and Greymouth at 2:15 pm, with scheduled stops at Rolleston, Darfield, Springfield, Arthur’s Pass and Moana. Daily services run except Anzac Weekend or Christmas Day, and all times should be reconfirmed when booking.

• Inclusive drinks and dining service throughout the journey
• Exclusive kitchen carriage preparing hot and cold meals
• Paddock-to-plate regionally inspired food menu
• Paired drinks menu
• Specialist table service and storytelling
• Specialist barista coffee service
• Exclusive Scenic Plus carriage
• Panoramic windows, spacious carriage, and comfortable table or paired seating
• Open-air viewing carriage
• Priority check-in and boarding
• Luggage check-in and drop-off
• Personal service

The Coastal Pacific travels north from Christchurch to Picton in the morning, with the return service running south from Picton to Christchurch in the afternoon. See the timetable below for scheduled departure times and stops. Timings may change, so confirm the current schedule when booking.

• Child age: 2 to 14 years
• Children under 2 years travel free if sharing a seat with an adult (i.e. sitting on a parents or guardians lap). If a seat is required for an infant, then a separate seat at the child rate must be purchased.
• For all other stops, please contact us for a quote. Pricing is correct at the time of booking and may change without prior notice.

The Northern Explorer travels south from Auckland to Wellington on Monday, Thursday and Saturday, with northbound services from Wellington to Auckland on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. See the timetable below for scheduled departure times and stops, and confirm the latest schedule when booking.

CONNECTIONS: if you are planning onward travel (e.g. flights), then please be aware that this service occasionally experiences delays of 30 minutes or more.

Yes, travellers with special needs or disabilities are welcome. However, please note the following:

• Disclosure Required at Booking: You must advise us at the time of booking if you have any medical, physical, or special needs requiring accommodation during the tour.
• Reasonable Adjustments: We will do our best to accommodate your needs where possible, unless doing so would significantly alter the nature of the services.
• Third-Party Services: We’ll pass on your requirements to our external providers, but any modifications by those providers are at their discretion.
• Travel Fitness: You must be medically and physically fit to undertake the tour and its activities.
• Mobility Assistance: If you need help boarding or disembarking vehicles or require special assistance, you must travel with a carer or support person. Tour staff and fellow travellers are not responsible for providing personal assistance.
• Medical Access: Some remote tour locations may have limited access to medical or dental services. GJNZ is not liable for costs or consequences related to this reduced access.

Yes, age restrictions apply to all tours unless otherwise stated:

• Minimum Age: Participants must be over 16 years of age. Children under 16 are not permitted unless the tour is specifically designed as family-friendly.
• Travellers Under 18: Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult who is responsible for their welfare for the entire duration of the tour.
• Tour Style: Tours are designed for specific age groups, as outlined in each tour’s terms.
• Third-Party Activities: Some included activities or services (e.g. wine tasting) may have separate age limits. You are responsible for meeting these restrictions, and no refunds or compensation will be given if you are unable to participate due to age.

Seats on scenic trains may face forward or backward, and there is no seat reservation system.

On coach travel days, we operate a seat rotation system to ensure fairness for all travellers. If you suffer from motion sickness, it is your responsibility to bring any necessary medication or remedies, as we are unable to guarantee specific seating positions or provide anti-nausea aids.

Wheelchair Accessibility on Our Scenic Class Carriages

We believe everyone should get to soak up New Zealand’s stunning scenery – that’s why our Scenic Class carriages are fully wheelchair accessible. Just a heads-up: the Scenic Plus dining experience isn’t wheelchair accessible at this stage.

If you're planning to travel on the Northern Explorer, Coastal Pacific, or TranzAlpine with a wheelchair, powerchair, or mobility scooter, you're all set for a smooth and comfortable ride. Our Scenic Café carriage has been specially designed with dedicated wheelchair spaces, making the journey both convenient and inclusive.

Each wheelchair space includes its own table, two companion seats, and a huge panoramic window – perfect for enjoying those breathtaking South Island or North Island views. There's also a second accessible space just across the aisle.

Wheelchair, Powerchair & Mobility Scooter Requirements

To keep things safe and comfy, here are the max dimensions and weight limits:

• Maximum combined weight (passenger + chair): 364kg
• Maximum length: 1295mm (51 inches)
• Maximum width: 762mm (30 inches)