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 Coastal Pacific train operates between the delightful port of Picton - the gateway to the beautiful Marlborough Sounds - to Kaikoura - the home of whale watching and onto Christchurch - the South Island's largest city.
Your journey takes you through the wine growing region of Blenheim to the rugged Kaikoura mountain ranges on one side of your train, the Pacific Ocean coastline on the other with views of marine wildlife such as seals and penguins to some of New Zealand's finest horticultural and farmland areas of the Canterbury Plains, all from the comfort of your carriage.
Along the way you pass through the town of Kaikoura, where you can break your journey to take in whale watching or get up and close by swimming with the dolphins.
Scenic Plus Experience
Scenic Plus will be available on the Coastal Pacific train from 14 December 2023. When you take your Scenic Plus seat, in the exclusive carriage, you'll enjoy an enhanced dining experience where both hot and cold dishes are freshly made in the custom built kitchen carriage. The locally inspired, seasonal dishes are served at your seat, while you sit back and enjoy the sensational scenery. The complimentary drinks menu is carefully selected to match the sumptuous lunch and afternoon tea. Enjoy New Zealand's world famous Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Noir wines or sit back with a cold beer or freshly made coffee and tea. Scenic Plus dedicated hosts are on hand to answer questions, add local knowledge and ensure you have the best journey possible.
The Coastal Pacific train's carriages have advanced air bag suspension for quieter and smoother travel, un-tinted, non-reflective, panoramic side and roof windows to capture the dramatic coastal and mountain views of the magnificent South Island, GPS-triggered journey commentary in five languages at your seat via passenger headphones, plus information displays and overhead HD video.
All carriages are centrally heated, air-conditioned with onboard 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 by the clean, fresh sea air and a Café Carriage offering a selection of alcoholic and nonalcoholic hot/cold drinks, snacks, and light meals.
The Coastal Pacific train is a non-smoking, reserved seating service.
For mobility-impaired passengers, there are spaces for wheelchairs and a disabled public toilet. Wheelchair hoists provide access to the café carriage from track level. For hearing-impaired passengers - a hearing loop covers all of the café carriage saloon and serving area.
COASTAL PACIFIC operating days: 21 Sept – 28 Jan Thursday to Sunday, 1st Feb – 28 Apr Monday to Sunday
Stops along the route include Blenheim, Kaikoura, and Rangiora.
The Coastal Pacific train connects at Picton with various Cook Strait ferry sailings to and from Wellington on the North Island.
This train connects Blenheim with bus and coach services to Nelson and services from Nelson to Blenheim.
You can take a day excursion from Christchurch to Kaikoura travelling on the Coastal Pacific train.
So, sit back and enjoy a genuine Kiwi rail experience through the South Island's northeastern rugged coastline.
