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.
The Christchurch to Kaikoura day excursion is a scenic rail journey between Christchurch - the South Island's largest city to Kaikoura - home of whale watching and dolphin swimming.
Your journey takes you north through some of New Zealand's finest horticultural and farmland areas of the Canterbury Plains before travelling along the narrow Pacific Ocean coastline with views of marine wildlife such as seals and penguins to the town of Kaikoura.
You'll have 6 hours to either explore this marine town. We recommend the Whale Watch Excursion departing at 10.30 am and returning at 1.15 pm ( additional cost )
The Coastal Pacific carriages have advanced air bag suspension system for quieter and smoother travel, un-tinted, non-reflective, panoramic side and roof windows to capture the dramatic coastal and mountain views of the South Island, GPS triggered journey commentary in five languages at your seat via passenger headphones, plus overhead information displays.
All carriages are centrally heated, air-conditioned with on board washroom/toilet facilities, forward facing or 'Table' (4 people around a table) seating allowing you to share experiences through large panoramic windows.
There is an open air viewing carriage where all your senses are awakened with the clean, fresh, sea air and a Café Carriage with a selection of alcoholic and hot/cold drinks, snacks and light meals.
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