DC 4375 & the Inaugural Mainlander - January 2026 (HD)

In January 2026, Pounamu Tourism Group & Steam Incorporated operated the very first 'Mainlander' excursion using DC 4375 & Mainland Rail's recently acquired ex-British Rail S series carriages & AG viewing van. The sold out train travelled the route of the old 'Southerner' express passenger train from Christchurch to Invercargill over 4 days. We cover the southbound leg of the excursion on the first two days and the return to Christchurch on the final day, which includes the movement of the next S carriage to enter service to with Pounamu Tourism Group, which was having wheel lathe attention. 'The Mainlander' has proven that the idea of regional rail travel in the South Island is popular, with future trips being planned out of Christchurch to Timaru, Waipara and Invercargill. Sit back and enjoy the glory days of South Island passenger train travel from days gone by!