South Island Train Tours and Packages
Discover the scenically brilliant South Island of New Zealand through LOCO’s selection of enticing rail tours and packages. Choose from the famous Tranzalpine Train, the Coastal Pacific or other great rail tours which meet your desires. Our South Island train tours and packages visit popular areas such as the West Coast, traverse the Southern Alps, ride alongside Kaikoura’s coastline and can take you to Queenstown and stunning Milford Sound.
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Tours & Holidays
13 Day Twin Rail Journeys of NZ
Departure From: Queenstown
13 Days | from NZ$3,699
Tour Type: Independent Tour - Fully Flexible
Enjoy the premier twin rail journeys of New Zealand on each island on this succinct, independent 13 day countrywide tour from Queenstown to Auckland.
View Tour15 Day New Zealand Rail Highlights
Departure From: Auckland
15 Days | from NZ$9,999
Tour Type: Escorted Tour
Join us on this fabulous scenic guided New Zealand rail highlights tour through the heart and soul of New Zealand, featuring all three Great Rail Journeys.
View Tour20 Day New Zealand Rail Journey
Departure From: Auckland
20 Days | from NZ $5,999
Tour Type: Independent Tour - Fully Flexible
This NZ rail holiday will deliver you the best scenic attractions and memorable journeys on each of NZ’s three scenic rail experiences.
View Tour3 Great Journeys by LOCO
Departure From: Auckland or Christchurch.
from 3 Days | from NZ$1,869
Tour Type: Independent Tour - Fully Flexible
If your ambition is to travel on each of NZ’s scenic trains, this tour will achieve your dream. A fully flexible independent tour, LOCO will match your time, budget and expectations.
View Tour8 Day TranzAlpine Train, Glaciers & Fiords
Departure From: Christchurch
8 Days | from NZ$2,745
Tour Type: Independent Tour - Fully Flexible
The combination of TranzAlpine Train, Glaciers and Fiords offers one of the greatest lure’s of travelling in the South Island of New Zealand. The spectacular and diverse scenery catches your breathe at every turn.
View TourAuckland to Christchurch Rail Tour; Cities & Coastal Highlights
Departure From: Auckland
10 Days | from NZ$5,999
Tour Type: Escorted Tour
This 10-day city and coastal highlights tour will take you on a journey through the North and South Island’s from Auckland to Christchurch.
View TourChristchurch to Queenstown Train Tour
Departure From: Christchurch
5 Days | from $2,359
Tour Type: Independent Tour - Fully Flexible
An unforgettable adventure that combines the luxury of the TranzAlpine train with the natural beauty of Franz Josef Glacier and the world-renowned Milford Sound.
View TourChristchurch to Queenstown; Alpine Highlights
Departure From: Christchurch
7 Days | from NZ$4,999
Tour Type: Escorted Tour
Join us on this week long guided scenic train tour, through the mighty Southern Alps, to the wild West Coast and on to Queenstown.
View TourCoastal Pacific Train Wildlife Encounter
Departure From: Christchurch
2 Days | from NZ$749
Tour Type: Independent Tour
See the majestic seabirds or get up close to dolphins or whales and discover the spectacular wildlife of Kaikōura on the Coastal Pacific Train.
View TourMainlander Southern Rail and Coach Tour
Departure From: Christchurch
9 Days | from NZ$4,950
Tour Type: Escorted Tour
Discover the spectacular South Island on the Mainlander an unforgettable journey combining scenic rail travel, luxury coach touring, and iconic New Zealand destinations.
View TourMainlander Train 4 Day Tour
Departure From: Christchurch
4 Days | from NZ$1,199
Tour Type: Independent Tour
The Mainlander revives a classic route, bringing back the romance of Southerner rail trips to the South Island. Enjoy 3 luxury nights in Dunedin and the option of a Taieri Gorge Railway excursion.
View TourMainlander Train Winter Tour
Departure From: Christchurch
4 Days | from NZ$1,026
Tour Type: Independent Tour
Experience the magic of winter aboard The Mainlander, enjoying 3 nights in Dunedin with the option to add a Taieri Gorge Railway journey or a scenic rail day trip to Invercargill.
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NZ Rail Adventure – A 15 Day Rail Odyssey
Departure From: Auckland
15 Days | from NZ$8,595 - Includes $1,200 pp Saving
Tour Type: Escorted Tour
Discover New Zealand on a 15-day NZ Rail Adventure. Ride iconic trains, explore scenic highlights, and enjoy a seamless small-group travel experience.
View TourNZ Rail and Cruise 19 Day Discovery
Departure From: Christchurch
19 Days | from NZ$12,995 - Includes $1,200 pp saving
Tour Type: Escorted Tour
Join us on this comprehensive 19 day land, New Zealand rail and cruise journey from Christchurch to Wellington. Discover New Zealand on this wonderful tour.
View TourNZ’s Southern Rail Highlights from Wellington
Departure From: Wellington
11 Days | from NZ$7,399
Tour Type: Escorted Tour
Join us on tour across Cook Strait, past the mighty Southern Alps and through the Wild West Coast to beautiful Queenstown. This journey features the Coastal Pacific and TranzAlpine.
View TourPremium Auckland to Christchurch Rail Tour
Departure From: Auckland
13 Days | from NZ $10,749
Tour Type: Escorted Tour
Explore New Zealand’s cities and sea journey via its remote regions, travelling on this premium, luxury Auckland to Christchurch rail tour. It doesn’t get much better.
View TourPremium Christchurch to Queenstown Train Tour
Departure From: Christchurch
6 Days | from NZ$6,499
Tour Type: Escorted Tours
Join us on an unforgettable journey through the South Island on a Christchurch to Queenstown train adventure.
View TourPremium New Zealand Rail Tour – Auckland to Queenstown
Departure From: Auckland
17 Days | from NZ$15,499
Tour Type: Escorted Tour
Indulge in luxury New Zealand rail as you journey through iconic landscapes and vibrant cities on three world-famous trains from Auckland to Queenstown.
View TourPremium Wellington to Christchurch Train Tour
Departure From: Wellington
7 Days | from NZ$5,699
Tour Type: Escorted Tour
Join us on this guided captivating Wellington to Christchurch train tour. Glide across the magnificent Cook Strait, along coastal beaches and through mountain valleys.
View TourPremium Wellington to Queenstown Rail Tour
Departure From: Wellington
11 Days | from NZ$9,999
Tour Type: Escorted Tour
Discover the South Island in style on this luxury rail tour. Journey in comfort across the majestic Southern Alps, trace wild coastlines, and conclude with the awe-inspiring Milford Sound.
View TourSignature Rail, Cruise and Coach Tour 2026/2027
Departure From: Auckland
19 Days | from NZD $12,109 includes $500 pp saving
Tour Type: Escorted
Enjoy this 19 day mid size group rail cruise and coach adventure, a premium journey that delivers the best of New Zealand’s rail experiences.
View TourSir Edmund Hillary Explorer Pinnacle Tour with Peter Hillary
Departure From: Christchurch
15 Days | NZ$25,995
Tour Type: Escorted Tour
The Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer Pinnacle Tour is an exclusive 15-day luxury journey through New Zealand’s South Island, hosted by Peter Hillary and reserved for a select group of discerning travellers.
View TourSir Edmund Hillary Explorer Rail Tour 2026/2027
Departure From: Christchurch
11 or 14 Days | from NZ$7,495 - FREE Cable Car Ride*
Tour Type: Escorted Tour
This epic journey circumnavigates New Zealand’s South Island, combining luxury coach travel with six remarkable rail experiences, including heritage steam – inspired by New Zealand’s most celebrated explorer.
View TourSir Edmund Hillary Explorer Winter 2027
Departure From: Christchurch
12 Days | from NZ$8,495
Tour Type: Escorted Tour
Taking inspiration from one of the world’s most celebrated explorers, this Winter Edition offers NZ’s best rail adventure tour with snow on top!
View TourSouth Island Rail Tour in Summer
Departure From: Auckland
14 Days | NZ$7,295
Tour Type: Escorted
This summer South Island Rail Tour provides a stunning panorama of magnificent southern mountain scenery, meandering rivers and coastal plains. Escorted touring at its best including all three major New Zealand scenic trains
View TourThe ‘Ultimate’ New Zealand Train Journey
Departure From: Auckland
13 Days | NZ $7,895
Tour Type: Escorted Tour
Join us for a rail tour that can easily boast to be the Ultimate New Zealand Train Journey. Including all of NZ’s scenic rail trips and a private charter, it doesn’t get better than this. Travel overland from Auckland to Christchurch through deepest reaches of NZ.
View TourThree Great Rail Journeys – Luxury Rail Tour New Zealand
Departure From: Auckland or Christchurch
from 3 Days | from NZ$4,889
Tour Type: Independent Tour - Fully Flexible
Our Premium Three Great Rail Journeys itinerary delivers a fully encompassing luxury, independent, rail travel experience. Take your time and enjoy the very best New Zealand has to offer.
View TourTop of the South Island Train Tour
Departure From: Christchurch
7 Days | from NZ$1,655
Tour Type: Independent Tour - Fully Flexible
Enjoy the Top of the South Island train tour on this succinct 7 day independent journey that includes TranzAlpine and Coastal Explorer rail journeys.
View TourTranzAlpine Winter Wonderland
Departure From: Christchurch
7 Days | from NZ $1,399
Tour Type: Independent Tour - Fully Flexible
Winter is a magical time to experience the South Island, and there is something romantic and dreamy about the TranzApine Winter Wonderland rail journey set against a backdrop of snow.
View TourUltimate Rail, Cruise and Coach 2026/2027
Departure From: Auckland
19 Days | from NZD $14,919 includes $250 pp saving
Tour Type: Luxury Escorted
Embark on the 19 day ultimate rail cruise and coach adventure, a seamless journey that blends New Zealand’s most iconic rail experiences.
View TourWellington to Christchurch; Coastal Highlights
Departure From: Wellington
6 Days | from NZ $3,499
Tour Type: Escorted Tour
Join us on this guided scenic Wellington to Christchurch rail tour across the Cook Strait, past coastal beaches and through mountain valleys.
View TourShort Breaks
3 Great Journeys by LOCO
Departure From: Auckland or Christchurch.
from 3 Days | from NZ$1,869
Tour Type: Independent Tour - Fully Flexible
If your ambition is to travel on each of NZ’s scenic trains, this tour will achieve your dream. A fully flexible independent tour, LOCO will match your time, budget and expectations.
View TourBlenheim Rail Break; Wine & Wings
Departure From: Christchurch
2 Days | from NZ$1,139
Tour Type: Independent Tour
Departing from Christchurch, this delightful journey takes you along remote beaches, between mountains and sea to the Marlborough wine region.
View TourCoastal Pacific Train Wildlife Encounter
Departure From: Christchurch
2 Days | from NZ$749
Tour Type: Independent Tour
See the majestic seabirds or get up close to dolphins or whales and discover the spectacular wildlife of Kaikōura on the Coastal Pacific Train.
View TourKaikoura Experience from Wellington
Departure From: Wellington
2 Days | from NZ$1,069
Tour Type: Independent Tour - Fully Flexible
Travel by ferry and scenic train from Wellington to Christchurch, and enjoy a wonderous Kaikoura experience including the natural wonders of this marine paradise.
View TourLuxury TranzAlpine Glacier Experience
Departure From: Christchurch
4 Days | from NZ$3,899
Tour Type: Independent Tour
Enjoy a heavenly escape into a world filled with fascination and grandeur on this premium TranzAlpine Glacier Experience including 5-star accommodation.
View TourMainlander Train 4 Day Tour
Departure From: Christchurch
4 Days | from NZ$1,199
Tour Type: Independent Tour
The Mainlander revives a classic route, bringing back the romance of Southerner rail trips to the South Island. Enjoy 3 luxury nights in Dunedin and the option of a Taieri Gorge Railway excursion.
View TourMainlander Train Winter Tour
Departure From: Christchurch
4 Days | from NZ$1,026
Tour Type: Independent Tour
Experience the magic of winter aboard The Mainlander, enjoying 3 nights in Dunedin with the option to add a Taieri Gorge Railway journey or a scenic rail day trip to Invercargill.
View TourTranzAlpine – Explore Hokitika
Departure From: Christchurch
3 Days | from NZ$1,099
Tour Type: Independent Tour - Fully Flexible
Jump aboard the TranzAlpine scenic train and explore Hokitika in style. Travel via rail through the Southern Alps to Greymouth enjoying the views from your window.
View TourTranzAlpine – Taste of the West Coast
Departure From: Christchurch
2 Days | from NZ$1,119
Tour Type: Independent Tour - Fully Flexible
The TranzAlpine is a scenic rail trip running from the East Coast to the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand.
View TourTranzAlpine & West Coast Glaciers to Queenstown
Departure From: Christchurch
2 Days | from NZ$759
Tour Type: Independent Tour - Fully Flexible
Ride New Zealand’s premier rail journey on this two-day train tour from Christchurch to the West Coast. Discover the Glaciers and then head further south to the stunning lakes district and finally Queenstown.
View TourTranzAlpine Glacier Experience
Departure From: Christchurch
4 Days | from NZ$1,999
Tour Type: Independent Tour
Be amazed at this exploration of the West Coast on the stunning TranzAlpine Glacier Experience. Discover the ancient world of Glacier Country and its natural wonders, where ice rivers carve through mountains and rainforests thrive.
View TourTranzAlpine Overnight
Departure From: Christchurch
2 Days | from NZ$899
Tour Type: Independent Tour
Journey to Greymouth on this TranzAlpine overnight adventure. Escape the city and travel to New Zealand’s famous West Coast. This rail break will take you through the heart of the Southern Alps to a land of timeless beauty.
View TourTranzAlpine West Coast Explorer
Departure From: Christchurch
4 Days | from NZ$1,949
Tour Type: Independent Tour
The 4 day TranzAlpine West Coast Explorer is a timeless and enjoyable escape to Lake Brunner, Punakaiki, & Hokitika. Break free from the ordinary and visit some great West Coast destinations.
View TourDay Trips
The Coastal Pacific
Departure From: Christchurch or Picton
1 Day | from NZ$259 One-Way
Tour Type: Day Tour
Join the Coastal Pacific and explore the stunning Kaikōura coastline, through the idyllic Canterbury Plains to the Garden City of Christchurch.
View TourThe TranzAlpine Train
Departure From: Christchurch or Greymouth
1 Day | from NZ$249 One-Way
Tour Type: Day Tour
Journey across the Southern Alps on one of the world’s great train rides. The TranzAlpine offers breathtaking views of mountains, rivers, and rainforests — an unforgettable way to experience the South Island’s natural beauty.
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