Great Journeys New Zealand, the tourist arm of KiwiRail, said in a statement yesterday The Southerner had returned for another year.
The Southerner ran daily between Invercargill and Christchurch for many years but dropped out of favour and had its last daily service in 2002.
But as train travel has got more popular, companies are getting in on the action.
Last week, it was announced the Mainlander would do a trip along the main trunk line next year with the first series of journeys running during the January school holidays, with services operating from January 20-23.
Rail and Tourism Group chief executive Paul Jackson said more dates for 2026 would be announced shortly.
Great Journeys NZ had revived The Southerner last year and it was again on the rails earlier this year, when it was sold out both times.
Next year, The Southerner will offer daily return special departures across four dates: May 22-25 with additional 2026 dates to be announced soon, giving passengers another opportunity to experience one of the country’s most storied rail routes.
Originally introduced in the 1970s, The Southerner’s modern revival offers a new era of slow, scenic travel.
Great Journeys New Zealand head of product and customer experience Nadine Koszler said the continued demand for The Southerner showed just how strongly the journey resonated with travellers across generations.
"Demand for unique, meaningful travel experiences is growing fast and The Southerner offers exactly that."
Dunedin Mayor Sophie Barker said it was fantastic to hear there had been so much demand for the Southerner that it had prompted the release of more dates next year.
“Rail continues to grow as one of the most popular modes of transport for tourists globally, and with current access between southern cities being mostly by road, it allows for a slower, more scenic and convenient option which turns a traveller’s commute into an unforgettable experience."
Dunedin Railways general manager Rebekah Jenkins said The Southerner’s return for a third time was a sign of the momentum building around rail tourism. — Allied Media
