Coastal Pacific – Picton to Christchurch
Rail Journey – from £105
Picton | Blenheim | Kaikoura | Rangiora | Christchurch
Travel by train between Christchurch, the South Island’s largest city, and Picton, from where you can catch the InterIslander Ferry.
- ‘Scenic Class’ carriages with comfortable seating and panoramic windows
- Access to open-air carriages perfect for scenic photography
- Locally sourced food and beverages available in onboard café
- Learn the stories behind the scenery with an informative audio commentary
- Enjoy rugged cliffs and remote beaches along this scenic train journey
Your Rail Journey
Travel in style between Christchurch, the South Island’s largest city, and the Interislander ferry port of Picton. The journey is a scenic feast, with the Kaikoura mountain ranges on one side of your train and the rugged Pacific Ocean coastline on the other. Along the way is the pretty coastal village of Kaikoura, where you can break your journey overnight to take in a whale watching cruise.
One of the world’s most scenic train journeys, the Coastal Pacific travels through 22 tunnels and crosses 175 bridges. Look out for seals, dolphins and even penguins from the comfort of your carriage.
Scenic Class
In Scenic Class on the Coastal Pacific you’ll enjoy:
- Comfortable and spacious seating
- Panoramic windows and skylights
- Air-conditioned ‘Scenic Class’ carriages
- Licensed ‘Scenic Café’ serving meals, snacks and refreshments
- Open-air viewing carriages for unobstructed scenic views
- Location triggered audio commentary available in all seats
Scenic Plus
Upgrade to Scenic Plus on the Coastal Pacific for:
- Comfortable and spacious, reclining seating
- Panoramic windows and skylights on all carriages
- Air-conditioning on all carriages
- Immersive dining experience with regionally inspired cuisine paired with wine, beer and soft drinks from the comfort of your seat
- Access to an exclusive open-air viewing carriages for unobstructed scenic views
- A dedicated host will bring the experience to life with local stories and insights
Coastal Pacific – Timetable
The Coastal Pacific is a seasonal service operating between September and May. All services are timed to connect with the InterIslander Ferry to and from Wellington on the North Island.
Picton to Christchurch Train
Operating daily January to 27 April 2025, then Thursday to Sunday September 19th to 31st December 2024. The Coastal Pacific does not operate May to 18th September or 28th April to 30th June 2025.
- Picton: 13:40
- Blenheim: 14:05
- Kaikoura: 16:25
- Rangiora: 18:45
- Christchurch: 19:30
Please confirm specific departures with your travel consultant.
Timetable correct as of June 2024.
Christchurch to Picton Train
Operating Thursday to Sunday, 21 September 2023 through to 31 January 2024 and daily 01 February through to 6 May 2024.
- Christchurch: 07:00
- Rangiora: 07:30
- Kaikoura: 10:00
- Blenheim: 12:10
- Picton: 12:40
Please confirm specific departures with your travel consultant.
Timetable correct as of June 2024.
Route Map
Train Tickets, Flights & More
With FREEDOM, you can book everything you need for your New Zealand rail holiday in one place; Coastal Pacific, TranzAlpine and Northern Explorer for 2024 or 2025, flights, hotels, tours and more.
Coastal Pacific – Picton to Christchurch
Rail Journey – from £105
Include this Rail Journey in a New Zealand holiday designed for youPlease note, train departure and arrival times may change. Seasonal variations may apply. Please call Freedom Destinations to confirm departure dates and availability.
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