Coastal Pacific Train Journey from Christchurch to Picton

Christchurch, New Zealand

Coastal Pacific Christchurch to Picton by Train

5 hours 40 minutes
Offered in: English

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Overview

Perhaps New Zealand’s most scenic railway, the Coastal Pacific follows the South Island’s rugged Kaikoura coastline, with dramatic windblown seascapes to the right and enormous, native bush-clad mountains to the left. The journey by train from Christchurch to Picton offers an unrivaled opportunity to enjoy this landscape’s rugged beauty in comfort and class.

Cruise along tracks breathtakingly close to the expansive and wild Pacific Ocean
Lookout for myriad sea and birdlife, including fur seals and maybe even dolphins
Enjoy the comfort, luxury and style of award-winning, world-class carriages
Listen to GPS-triggered audio commentary with headphones attached to every seat

What's Included

All taxes, fees and handling charges
GST (Goods and Services Tax)
GPS-triggered audio commentary
One way Rail Journey

Excess luggage charges (where applicable)
Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Food and drinks (available to purchase)
Hotel pickup and drop-off

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Christchurch Railway Station
Addington, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand

Start time

07:00 AM

End point

Picton Railway Station
Picton 7220, New Zealand

What To Expect

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
Infants must sit on laps
Wheelchair accessible
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Wheelchair accessible, please advise at time of booking if travelling with a wheelchair
Stroller accessible

Please arrive at least 20 minutes prior to scheduled departure and check in at the station to receive your boarding pass
Service animals allowed
Near public transportation
Transportation is wheelchair accessible
Most travelers can participate
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.

Traveler Photos

Featured review

Marilyn_S

The views were stunning. I appreciate being told we were getting near the coast, so I could go to the open viewing car. I even saw a seal on the Beach. It was a comfortable and enjoyable ride with friendly staff.

Reviews

4.5

56 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

We perform checks on reviews

Showing 1-10 of 56 reviews

A great way to travel!

Lauren_K, Apr 2024

The views, especially along the coast, are wonderful. Friendly staff and fellow travelers were also a plus. And the open air car was fantastic. Unfortunately the commentary wasn’t functioning, which was quite a disappointment. And the food options could be better, though they were adequate.

Totally worth it!

AnnaCatharina_K, Mar 2024

The best way to travel through remarkable New Zealand, would do it again! We enjoyed it and even got lucky to see seals 😍

Ataahua❤🤍❤ 🤍

Danette_H, Mar 2024

The entire journey was wonderful however the highlights: the coastal panaroma view on one side and the mountain ranges on the other - stunning landscape; beautiful brown rolling hills of Marlborough, the winery and seaviews; the array of pink colours of Lake Grassmere, the lovely glimpse of picturesque Picton as you descend towards the township - so blessed to live in such a beautiful land. Absolutely incredible stunningly beautiful landscape 💕✨💕✨💕✨

A relaxing ride up the Pacific Coast

Deborah_J, Mar 2024

We experienced a very enjoyable ride. The views were wonderful and especially loved seeing the dolphins frolicking south of Kaikoura. Not to be missed!

The train ride was...

Chris_S, Feb 2024

The train ride was wonderful! Got to see the dolphins dancing and playing in the sea. The views from the train were breathtaking.

Excellent

Sid_M, Feb 2024

Very enjoyable trip along the coast, viewing seals, dolphins and the sea scape. Train journey was very relaxing.

yes, highly recommended!!

Fritz_L, Jan 2024

awesome trip, Christchurch to Picton. really enjoyed the audio along the way. the crew were excellent.

Fun travel

Dennis_S, Jan 2024

Seeing the seals on the rocks at Kaikoura was magnificent! Staff were friendly,happy and informative,great relaxing way to travel,loved it!

We saw Seals and Dolphins...

Yanlin_S, Jan 2024

We saw Seals and Dolphins cheering for us right after we enter Canterbury plains. Very impressive experience.

Excellent way to see this area of NZ.

Graeme_H, Dec 2023

Very comfortable train, commentary was easy to hear and understand and was valuable in learning about the area along the route of the train. This is an excellent way to experience the land and seascape of this area. Brilliant views.

Stunning scenery

Marilyn_S, Nov 2023

Do it, it’s fantastic

Tracy_P, Oct 2023

Fantastic journey. Great sights, friendly staff and a lovely train. Best money I have spent on transport yet.

Good journey

stephenerobertson, Apr 2023

Passes through wonderful scenery; comfortable journey, good commentary. Starts a little early in the morning!

Fantastic

Kenneth_M, Mar 2023

Great, fantastic, fabulous and just plan gorgeous ride to Picton. Crew did a outstanding job and was very informative about the stops that we made

Stunning Beauty

Elizabeth_V, Mar 2023

The train to Picton went up the East coast, revealing mountains, ocean, vineyards, seal colonies along the rocky shores and beautiful streams with sparkling clear waters.

Would highly recommended

Janet_Y, Mar 2023

We had train issues that led to me being late for the ferry.. however lucky enough my ferry was delayed as well so the day worked out well to get from Christchurch to Wellington in a day.. the journey itself was wonderful was a few hours before we saw the coastline but was amazing not to be driving and enjoy the scenery.. the lady who was on the train was wonderful as I was a bit panick about veing late for my train so was going to sort my bag out to be collected 1st.. however no longer needed as ferry was delayed as,well.. excellent customer service by the two girls serving in the cafeteria area as well.. thank-you

Coastal Pacific Train Journey

andrine_d, Feb 2023

Awesome views. Good way to travel from Christchurch to Picton. Nice and comfortable ride with viewing area to take pictures. There is cafe on board that sells food. Nice setting with table and large viewing windows. If you’re not in a hurry, this is a nice way to relax.

Opportunity to see...

SujathaThadakamalla, Jan 2023

Opportunity to see beautiful picture perfect part of the country in the comfort of the train. Break from driving.

Unforgettable Coastal Pacific Train Journey

SSP, Jan 2023

What an experience - MIND BLOWING... Amazing scenic view from Christchurch to Picton. The best was the view of Kaikoura coast and the train passing through the tunnels. Excellent commentary and great customer service in the train.

Wonderful trip

Zhou_M, Dec 2022

One side is mountain, one side the ocean. Best ever experience. They also give my kid some paper and colour pencils to sketch.