Latest Operational Schedule


 

  COASTAL PACIFIC Operating days: 29 SEPT 2022 –  | 02 February - 30th April 2023 7 days a week  | 21 SEPT 2023 - 29 April 2024 Thursday to Sunday

NOT OPERATING :01 MAY 2023 - 20 SEPT 2023 | 29 APRIL 2024 - 01 JULY 2024 
NORTHERN EXPLORER Operating days: Northbound (Wednesday, Friday & Sunday) | Southbound (Monday, Thursday & Saturday)
TRANZ ALPINE Operating days:  26 DEC 22 – 30 APRIL 23 7 days a week | 28 APRIL 2023 - 28 SEPT 2023 Friday to Monday | 29 SEPT 2023 - 6 MAY 2024 7 days a week | 10 MAY 2024 - 30 JUNE 2024 Friday to Monday
 Face masks are no longer mandatory on any of these train services Northern Explorer, Coastal Pacific, and Tranz Alpine trains. However, we do recommend you continue wearing facemasks for your own safety while moving around the train. On-board crews will continue to wear facemasks for the time being.

 

 
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Christchurch Kaikoura Train Rail Day Excursion | Trans Tranz Coastal Pacific Train Trip Journey Tour | TranzCoastal Transcoastal Express

THE NEXT COASTAL PACIFIC SEASON IS SCHEDULED TO RUN FROM 29 SEPTEMBER 2022 TO 31 MARCH 2023 AND WILL OPERATE THURSDAY to SUNDAY EXCEPT CHRISTMAS DAY.

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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Coastal Pacific Day Excursion - Christchurch-Kaikoura-Christchurch
Sun 28 Aug
Mon 29 Aug
Tue 30 Aug
Wed 31 Aug
Thu 01 Sep
Fri 02 Sep
Sat 03 Sep
Service is unavailable today, please select further day.