Rail Services

SouthGate Rail Service

Port Otago has two dedicated rail services under our SouthGate Brand. These services run between Timaru and Port Chalmers and between Southland (Invercargill, Clifton, Bluff) and Port Chalmers. To find out more, telephone SouthGate on 0508-SOUTHG8 (0508-7688448) or email SouthGateRail@portotago.co.nz

Making a SouthGate booking:

• Download and complete the form below to book your container on our rail service:
  Port-Otago-Rail-Booking-Form.xls
• Email the completed form to SouthGateRail@portotago.co.nz or telephone your booking to 0508 SOUTHG8 (0508 768 84 48).
• Once we have your booking the Service Centre will email a booking confirmation back so you can check that all details are correct.
• Call 0508 SOUTHG8 if you have any questions.

Other rail service bookings

All rail bookings and subsequent amendments ex Port Chalmers must be emailed to both Port Otago and Kiwirail by 1500 hours (3pm) the business day before rail ex Port Chalmers is required. 

• rail@portotago.co.nz
• southbookings@kiwirail.co.nz

For bookings ex Port Chalmers required on-site Monday, bookings must be made by 1500 hours (3pm) on the Thursday before the containers are required.

Prenoting

Prenotification (prenoting) is a requirement for all containers coming to Port Otago.

Port Otago offers several options for electronic prenoting including: the JMT RIA web system, JMT Thin Client, JMT Full Client, and Electronic Data Interchange (EDI).

Contact Port Otago’s customer services team to discuss options for prenoting.  We will work with you to determine the best prenoting option, and will help get you up and running.