InterCity reinstates evening services between Dunedin and Christchurch as demand continues to rebound

InterCity, New Zealand’s national bus network, is bringing back three regular evening services between Dunedin and Christchurch, as demand continues to rebound after the COVID-19 pandemic.

The services, which operate between Dunedin and Christchurch on Friday and Sunday evenings, were popular with students looking to head home for the weekend before they were paused in 2020.

Sam Peate, Chief Operating Officer at InterCity, says bringing these services back is another milestone as people get back on the bus and the company’s services return to regular levels.

“We’re really happy that we’re in a position to bring these services back for customers in Otago and Canterbury, and particularly for the students who are the backbone of these routes,” says Peate.

“We’re constantly looking at areas which would benefit from extra services and it’s always an exciting moment when we can help more people get where they need to go in an affordable, environmentally friendly way.

“During Easter we had to put seven extra coaches on the Dunedin to Christchurch route to serve the extra demand for young people looking to get home. That was the lightbulb moment for us that people are really keen to take the bus again, and increasing our services reflects that.”

The services are perfect for people looking to travel either way from Dunedin to Christchurch for a weekend.

The services are:

• 8127: From Christchurch to Dunedin, operating on Sundays and departing at 5:15pm
• 8129: From Christchurch to Dunedin, operating on Fridays and departing at 5pm
• 8132: From Dunedin to Christchurch, operating on Fridays and Sundays, departing at 5pm

En route these services pass through 33 stops including Rolleston, Ashburton, Temuka, Timaru, Oamaru and Waikouaiti. Fares start at $27 (Price excludes booking fee).

The three services are available to book now on InterCity’s website and will be running from 31 May until 11 November 2024, returning again for the 2025 academic year.