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Mainlander Train Winter Tour

Mainlander Train Winter Tour

Duration: 4 Days

Price: from NZ$1,026

Departure From: Christchurch

Departure Date: July - September 2026

Tour Type: Independent Tour

Meal Plan: B&B

Physical Grading: 2/5

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Experience the beauty of New Zealand’s South Island on our Mainlander Train Winter Tour Package, a 4 Day Winter Rail short break combining spectacular scenery, comfortable accommodation and unforgettable rail travel.

Travel aboard the iconic Mainlander on a memorable winter rail holiday in New Zealand, journeying from Christchurch to Dunedin through the rolling Canterbury Plains, rugged Otago coastline and ever-changing southern landscapes. Winter brings a unique charm to the journey, with crisp mornings, dramatic skies and peaceful scenery creating an unforgettable rail experience.

Combining breathtaking scenery, quality accommodation and time to explore Dunedin at your own pace, this scenic winter South Island rail tour is the perfect way to experience the South Island without the stress of driving. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or a memorable 4 Day Winter Rail Tour, this package offers the ideal blend of comfort, scenery and classic rail travel.

Mainlander Train 4 Day Winter Tour Map

Mainlander Train Winter Tour Highlights

• Experience the iconic Mainlander on a relaxing 4-day Scenic Winter South Island rail holiday

• Travel in comfort with return Mainlander rail journeys included

• Choose from packages featuring the Taieri Gorge Railway or a Southland rail journey to Invercargill

• Enjoy a seamless holiday with rail travel, accommodation and itinerary included

Taieri Gorge Railway Snow Winter
Journey through the snow-dusted landscapes of the Taieri Gorge Railway

Package Options

Tour PackageInclusionsPricing
Mainlander Rail & Stay

Christchurch ↔ Dunedin

Perfect for travellers wanting a relaxing South Island rail escape.		• Return travel aboard The Mainlander
• 3 nights’ accommodation in Dunedin Leisure Lodge
• 3 hotel breakfasts
• Free time to explore the city		$1,026 pp twin share

$1,546 single traveller
Mainlander Rail & Taieri Gorge

Christchurch ↔ Dunedin

Enjoy everything in the Rail & Stay package + the spectacular Taieri Gorge Railway experience.		• Return travel aboard The Mainlander
• 3 nights’ accommodation in Dunedin Leisure Lodge
• 3 hotel breakfasts
• Taieri Gorge Rail Experience		$1,126 pp twin share

$1,746 single traveller
Mainlander Rail & Southland

Christchurch ↔ Dunedin

Discover more of the deep south with a scenic rail day trip to Invercargill.		• Return travel aboard The Mainlander
• 3 nights’ accommodation in Dunedin Leisure Lodge
• 3 hotel breakfasts
• Southland Rail Excursion		$1,126 pp twin share

$1,646 single traveller

Planning a summer escape? See our Mainlander Train 4 Day Tour.

Mainlander Train Winter Tour Invercargill Snow
Experience the crisp beauty of winter in Invercargill

For a detailed itinerary, departure details, and booking conditions for your Mainlander Train Winter Tour, please see below. Pricing is shown as per person.

Option 1 – Mainlander Rail & Stay
Christchurch → Dunedin (Return)

Departure Date From ChristchurchPricing & Notes
3 July 2026SOLD OUT
24 July 2026from $1,026 pp – FEW SEATS LEFT
31 July 2026SOLD OUT
7 August 2026SOLD OUT
11 September 2026from $1,026 pp
18 September 2026from $1,026 pp – FEW SEATS LEFT
16 October 2026from $1,026 pp
23 October 2026from $1,026 pp
30 October 2026from $1,026 pp
6 November 2026from $1,026 pp
13 November 2026from $1,026 pp
20 November 2026from $1,026 pp
27 November 2026from $1,026 pp
4 December 2026from $1,026 pp

Option 2 – Mainlander Rail & Taieri Gorge
Christchurch → Dunedin (Return) + Taieri Gorge Day Trip

Departure Date From ChristchurchPricing & Notes
31 July 2026SOLD OUT
7 August 2026SOLD OUT
11 September 2026from $1,126 pp – SELLING FAST
18 September 2026from $1,126 pp – FEW SEATS LEFT
16 October 2026from $1,126 pp
23 October 2026from $1,126 pp
30 October 2026from $1,126 pp
6 November 2026from $1,126 pp
13 November 2026from $1,126 pp
20 November 2026from $1,126 pp
27 November 2026from $1,126 pp
4 December 2026from $1,126 pp

Option 3 – Mainlander Rail & Southland
Christchurch → Dunedin (Return) + Invercargill Day Trip

Departure Date From ChristchurchPricing & Notes
3 July 2026SOLD OUT
24 July 2026from $1,126 pp – FEW SEATS LEFT
31 July 2026SOLD OUT
7 August 2026SOLD OUT
11 September 2026from $1,126 pp – SELLING FAST
18 September 2026from $1,126 pp – FEW SEATS LEFT
16 October 2026from $1,126 pp
23 October 2026from $1,126 pp
30 October 2026from $1,126 pp
6 November 2026from $1,126 pp
13 November 2026from $1,126 pp
20 November 2026from $1,126 pp
27 November 2026from $1,126 pp
4 December 2026from $1,126 pp

Enquire now or click here for alternate Short Breaks by Rail in New Zealand.

Mainlander Train Winter Tour – Optional Excursions

Each option is highly recommended to make the most of your Mainlander Train Winter tour. Ask at the time of booking.

Christchurch Pre-Tour Package – Enhance your journey when arriving in Christchurch. Enjoy airport transfers, centrally located accommodation within distance of the train station, and a Christchurch Tram pass. Complete your stay by choosing one included attraction, such as the Christchurch Gondola, the Botanic Gardens, or another popular local experience.

Christchurch Tram
Take time to enjoy Christchurch before you start your tour or at the end of your tour.

Akaroa Day Tour – Visit the charming French settlement of Akaroa, enjoy panoramic harbour views, sample local cheeses at Barry’s Bay, and cruise the harbour in search of dolphins, penguins and seals. The perfect day tour to add to your Mainlander journey.

akaroa-new-zealand

TranzAlpine Train – Many would argue your journey is not complete without experiencing New Zealand’s premier rail trip. Add a day return ride to your tour from Christchurch once you have completed your Mainlander Train Winter Tour.

Make your rail holiday even more memorable with the optional TranzAlpine Train experience

Contact us for a detailed itinerary depending on the package option you are most interested in.

For other Mainlander tour options visit either Mainlander Southern Rail and Coach Tour for a wonderful 8 day guided South Island tour including visits to Mount Cook and Doubtful Sound. Alternatively, consider the Mainlander Train 4 Day Tour that departs during spring and summer.

Tour Inclusions

  • The Mainlander scenic train journey
  • 3 night accommodation (twin share) at Dunedin Leisure Lodge – A Distinction Hotel (or similar)
  • South Island rail journeys as shown
  • Sightseeing and rail excursions, including the Taieri Gorge Railway or the Saturday Southland Rail Experience
  • Air-conditioned coach transportation
  • Comprehensive travel documentation and itinerary

Pricing Notes

  • Advertised price based on per person, twin share
  • Non-refundable deposit of 20% per person is due at the time of booking
  • Full non-refundable balance of tour payment date will be advised at the time of booking
  • A single supplement is available or you can choose to match up with another single traveller
  • Price is subject to change unless paid in full
  • Full terms and conditions will be advised at the time of booking
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