Travel Update: Coastal Pacific unscheduled maintenance between Blenheim and Picton 18, 21, 22, 23, 24 September 2023

 

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.

 

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Mount Cook Day Tour: Christchurch to Queenstown - (from 1st October - 30th May 24')

Experience the beauty and grandeur of the Southern Alps on a sightseeing day tour to Mount Cook

Leaving Christchurch in the morning, we travel through the fertile farmland of the Canterbury Plains to the shores of the stunning, glacier-fed Lake Tekapo, where you can view the solitary Church of the Good Shepherd and take in the sights of the spectacular Southern Alps. We then continue to the location of New Zealand's tallest mountain, Aoraki / Mount Cook, situated in a national park and UNESCO World Heritage site. Rising to 3,754 meters high, Aoraki certainly lives up to its name, which in Maori can be translated as 'cloud piercer'. Legend tells of a young boy named Aoraki who was stranded with his brothers when their canoe struck a reef. As it tilted, the brothers climbed to the high side, where they were frozen by the south wind and turned into stone. Aoraki and his brothers now form the Southern Alps.

Enjoy lunch (optional extra) at the famous Hermitage Hotel in Mount Cook Village. After lunch, you'll have time to explore the village and soak up the view. Alternatively, there is time to experience a scenic helicopter or ski plane flight for incredible views of mountain peaks and glaciers (additional cost, weather permitting – this flight can be arranged with your driver guide on the day).

The tour continues south, past Lake Pukaki and through the tawny tussock of the Mackenzie Country. En route, enjoy afternoon tea (own expense) in the quaint village of Omarama and if time permits, visit the Jones Family Orchard near Cromwell. Your tour concludes in the evening upon reaching Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand.

Tour details:

  • Full day tour
  • Operates daily
  • Departs Christchurch and arrives in Queenstown
  • Complimentary hotel pick-up/drop-off is available

Tour includes:

  • Canterbury Plains
  • Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki
  • Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park
  • Mackenzie Country scenery

free wifi iconFree WiFi available on board

Mount Cook Day Tour: Christchurch to Queenstown
Mon 25 Sep
Tue 26 Sep
Wed 27 Sep
Thu 28 Sep
Fri 29 Sep
Sat 30 Sep
Sun 01 Oct
Service is unavailable today, please select further day.