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.
Experience New Zealand's Maori culture, geothermal landscapes and native wildlife on this morning sightseeing tour of Rotorua, ending with a scenic lake cruise.
The first stop on your tour is Te Puia, one of New Zealand's foremost cultural venues. Immerse yourself in Maori tradition, see master carvers and weavers at work, then enter the neighbouring Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley – an extraordinary landscape of geysers, steam and bubbling pools of boiling mud.
Meet New Zealand's national bird, the world famous kiwi, at Rainbow Springs Nature Park. See kiwi in the nocturnal viewing house and learn about conservation efforts to protect these endangered birds. You can also get up close to a wide range of native and exotic birds, fish, reptiles and other animals.
Then get a taste of New Zealand's agricultural industry at the Agrodome, a working farm where you can see all kinds of rural action! See sheep-shearing and watch sheep dogs being put through their paces in this entertaining and informative show about farming in New Zealand.
Your tour concludes with a one hour lunch cruise around Lake Rotorua on board a historic paddle boat, the Lakeland Queen. Take in the sights of Sulphur Bay, Hinemoa's Point, Mokoia Island and Kawaha Point, while enjoying a tasty buffet lunch.
Free WiFi available on board
