The Melbourn-based, locally owned and operated rail wholesaler is marking 21 years in market this year — and owner and managing director Jonathan Hume says 2026 is shaping up to be the business’s biggest revenue year on record.
‘After a softer March-May period due to traveller uncertainty around the Middle East, June has surged back,’ Hume says. ‘Sales were approximately 30% higher than the previous three months, marking a significant recovery in our traditional peak season.’
Hume says the uplift reflects strengthening European demand, strong response to recent Eurail promotions, and growing traction across the company’s expanding global portfolio.
‘Our broader international offering continues to perform exceptionally well. Japan and Amtrak are now available to book online, and that accessibility is driving new growth,’ he says.
International Rail’s NZ-based regional manager, Kirsty Blows, says Kiwi travellers have always embraced high speed rail and recognise the value of taking the train over flying or driving. ‘Because we don’t have high speed rail in New Zealand, it becomes an exciting part of the holiday – something to look forward to.’
Blows says advances in rail distribution technology over the past few years have also allowed the company to open up a wider range of destinations, making international rail travel more accessible than ever for New Zealand travellers.
‘We also have a new destination in the pipeline that will be coming online soon, and I’m confident it will be popular with the New Zealand market.’
