Due to unscheduled maintenance between Blenheim and Picton, our train is unable to travel on a small section of the line while repairs take place. We are very pleased to advise that the Coastal Pacific service will go ahead as planned however a 25-minute portion of your journey, between Blenheim & Picton, will be replaced by Bus.
If you are starting your journey from Picton, you are able to check in at the train station as usual and will be advised by train staff on the location of our private bus transfer.
For those doing a day return from Christchurch, you will have your break time in Blenheim. The station is in the centre of town, so lots of time to explore.
Discover the real Middle-earth with a guided tour of the Hobbiton movie set, as seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film trilogies.
Highlights:
Guided tour of The Shire film set at Hobbiton
See Hobbit holes, The Green Dragon Inn, the Mill, the Party Tree and much more
Explore the rural township of Matamata
Travel to Matamata, a quintessentially rural Kiwi town in the Waikato region of the North Island, well-known for its thoroughbred industry and dairy farming. Nearby, hidden in picturesque private farmland with spectacular views of the Kaimai Ranges, is the famous Hobbiton movie set, where Sir Peter Jackson filmed his award-winning 'The Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' movies.
The charming countryside of The Shire, as described in JRR Tolkien's books, was painstakingly recreated on a working sheep and beef farm. The home of plucky little hobbits like Bilbo, Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin has been preserved since filming wrapped, and now draws visitors from around the world.
Visit Hobbiton and see where the movie magic was created with a guided tour. You'll get the chance to see Hobbit holes, the Mill, the Green Dragon Inn and many other structures created for the films, and learn how farmland was transformed into a living, breathing piece of Middle-earth.
Please note that coach travel is onboard our scheduled InterCity services and does not include commentary.
