Do I need a Reservation

All long passenger train services in New Zealand are 'Reserved Seating/One Class' services, so it is recommend that you make a reservation in advance, as there is no guarantee that there will be seats available on the day you want to travel.

In all cases there is only one long distance passenger train service a day.

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How do I make a reservation?

To search for online fares, timetable information and make 'Instant Confirmation' Reservation/s, click on the 'Online Bookings' link located top left of this page or on the 'Long Distance Trains' link .

Use the search box on the top of the page, select the city you want to depart ('Departure City') from and the 'Arrival City', press the 'Search' button and a page will appear with all train/rail services departing from your 'Departure City.

Click on the 'Book' link and a pop window or a new tab will appear with 'Price, Availability and Reservations' functions. Please make sure that the 'Pop Up' block is switched off in your web browser.

If an orange 'Book Now' button shows, that means there are seats available and once you have filled out your reservation details and press the 'Confirm' button, your reservation will be instantly confirmed. You will receive an email advising you that your reservation has been confirmed and is waiting for payment verification.

Once payment has been verified, you will also receive an email confirmation containing a link to print out your 'Travel Voucher/Itinerary. Click on the 'Travel Voucher' link and print out your 'Travel Voucher/Itinerary' and include it with your other travel documents.

Failure to do so, may result in disruption to your travel and may incur additional fare charges.

When making an 'Instant Confirmation Reservation' you have acknowledged that you are fully aware of the 'Booking/Amendment/Cancellation/Refund' Conditions of your reservation/s.

If you are making a reservation for the Auckland to Wellington train train from Auckland International Airport, the nearest railway station to Auckland International Airport to board the train is Middlemore Railway Station approximately 15-20 minutes by taxi/shuttle bus. The cost of the taxi or shuttle bus is additional to The Overlander train fare.

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How do I pay for my reservation

Payment can be made by the following credit/debit cards -

          a. Visa (Not Visa Electron Debit Card)
          b. Mastercard
          c. Westpac Visa DebitPlus (New Zealand only)
          d. New Zealand Post Visa 'Prezzy' card (New Zealand only)
          e. New Zealand Post Prepaid Reloadable Visa card (New Zealand only)

For an 'Instant Confirmation Reservation' booking a credit card/debit card from the above list is required to confirm the reservation.

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Can I make a reservation in advance and pay for it on the day of travel

The answer is no.

You can not make a reservation and pay for it on the day of travel.

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How do I receive my Ticket if I live overseas

You will be traveling on an 'Electronic' Ticket so there is no need to have a ticket.

If you make an 'Instant Confirmation Reservation' you will receive an email confirmation by email.

It is strongly recommended that you print out your 'E-Ticket/Itinerary' and include it with your other travel documents. Failure to do so, may result in disruption of your travel plans and/or additional fare/s to be paid.

Valid photo ID may be required on check in

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Luggage Requirements

You are entitled to check in 2 pieces suitcases per person with a maximum total weight of 40kgs (or 20kgs per suitcase) per person.

If you are travelling in an international airline ticket, the luggage/suitcase allowance will be of the airline issuing your international airline ticket.

Size must be no more than 200 linear cm (height plus length plus width).

Each fare paying passenger can take one small hand bag and/or personal items such as camera, coat, etc, on board. Passengers are responsible for all carry on luggage.

Unaccommpanied luggage will not be carried on any long distance passenger train services or on any Cook Strait ferry service..

All luggage should be covered by insurance.

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Carriage of Bicycles, Pets, Un-accompanied Luggage, Freight, etc

Bicycles can be carried on any long distance passenger train service or Cook Strait ferry service but will incur a charge for each train and/or ferry sector travelled.

There is one bicycle per passenger. Bicycles need to have removable pedals, folding handlebars and chains to be covered.

Passengers are advised to pre-book their bicycles in advance, especially on any long distance passenger train services as space is limited. Bicycles that have not been pre-booked, carriage of the bicycle can not be guaranteed.

Animals or pets are not permitted on any long distance passenger trains except for seeing-eye dogs.

Long distance passenger train services do not carry un-accompanied luggage or freight.

Pets (except for see-eye dogs) are not allowed in the passenger areas of any Cook Strait ferry.

Other animals can be carried on any Cook Strait ferry but are subject to the terms of carriage of the ferry operator.

Cook Strait ferries do not carry un-accompanied luggage.

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Requiring Extra Assistance

Both train and ferry staff are highly trained in supporting passengers to make their trip enjoyable.

However, if you have any specific requirements that may assist their staff to make your journey more comfortable, please enter your requirements, like wheel chair assistance, walker assistance, etc, in the 'Remarks' or 'Comments' field when making your train and/or ferry reservation.

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Smoking

Under New Zealand law all long distance passenger train services are non smoking services.

There are short smoking stops at Hamilton, National Park, Ohakune, Palmerston North, Kaikoura, Arthurs Pass and Greymouth if travelling by a long distance passenger train.

On Cook Strait ferry services, there is a smoking area on each ferry.

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Do I need to have travel insurance

It is recommended that you have travel insurance when traveling, to cover your luggage, personal belongings, medical/hospital care and trip disruption and trip cancellation.

If you have medical insurance in your own country, please check with your medical insurer as to what level your insurer will cover you to before leaving your country.

If you require travel insurance or require to top up your medical/travel insurance, please contact your professional travel agent for advice.

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Seating Requirements on Train Services

Seating assignment on all long distance passenger trains services is done on 'Check In' on the day of travel.

Seating requirements can be requested at the time of a reservation being made. Any seating request can not be guaranteed unless it is for medical reasons.

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Check In Times

Final check in time for all long distance passenger train services is 30 minutes before schedule departure time.

Final check in time for foot passenger's on a Cook Strait ferry service is 45 minutes before schedule sailing time.

Final check in time for passengers with a vehicle on a Cook Strait ferry service is 60 minutes before schedule sailing time.

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