Coastal Pacific Train Journey from Christchurch to Picton
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Experience and immerse yourself in the rugged coastal architecture of New Zealand. The Coastal Pacific travels breathtakingly close to the Pacific Ocean, where the roaring, windblown sea meets enormous bush-clad mountains.
Additional Info
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Wheelchair accessible, please advise at time of booking if travelling with a wheelchair
Please arrive at least 20 minutes prior to scheduled departure and check in at the station to receive your boarding pass
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
What To Expect
With steeply soaring mountains on one side and the sweeping Pacific Ocean on the other, find yourself immersed in the rugged coastal architecture of the east coast of the South Island. Surrounded by a myriad of sea and birdlife, you’ll hug 98km of untouched coastline, winding your way through lush native bush, charming coastal towns and dramatic seascapes. While on board enjoy the journey in award winning world class carriages with specially designed seats. Awaken your senses in the open air viewing decks or sit back and enjoy the GPS triggered audio commentary available through headphones at every seat. All trains have a licensed café carriage providing snacks and light meals (at own expense).
What‘s Included
One way Rail Journey
GST (Goods and Services Tax)
All taxes, fees and handling charges
GPS-triggered audio commentary
Excess luggage charges (where applicable)
Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Food and drinks (available to purchase)
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Options
Scenic
Christchurch to Picton: 5.5 hour train journey from Christchurch to Picton
Scenic Plus
Scenic Plus
Includes Food and beverage
Reviews
92 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Do not book with Viator
William L,,Jan 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00Beautiful train journey that I would recommend to anyone. However, there is zero customer service support from Viator or the tour operator. The operator ignored countless emails from myself and from Viator. You are better off booking the train independently of Viator.
Excellent views especially the parts along the coast.
cjandjo,,Jan 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We booked Christchuch to Kaikoura where we stayed overnight and then Kaikoura to Blenheim. We were up very early to get to the railway station for the journey from Christchuch to Kaikora. The last hour of the trip was right along the coast where we spotted seals on the rocks. Very smooth journey efficient check in and disembarking. Open carriage was great to be in for part of the journey. To be honest all the seats had big windows and unobstructed views Kaikoura to Blenheim -Through countryside again for the first hour or so then back out along the coast to reach Blenheim. Very smooth, efficient check in and journey.
Amazing views and chill journey - highly recommended
Pavle123,,Dec 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We booked the Picton > Kaikoura and Kaikoura > Christchurch trips and we really enjoyed it. The views are amazing, the train was comfortable (surprisingly empty), the staff were great and the on board food/drinks were good. The transfer from the ferry to the train is also very well managed so you don't have to worry about missing it (the train actually waits for the ferry which is very convenient in case of bad weather). All in a all, one of the best ways to do the Picton > Christchurch journey!!
Beautiful train ride in any weather
C2076NLpetrah,,Dec 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Aside for a glitch on their website that I’m convinced changed my booking to a day I wasn’t been in the country…it was a wonderful trip. Poured with rain on the way to Picton but it enhanced the views in my opinion with beautiful sky and water contrasts. Sunny on the way back to Christchurch but I think I preferred the grey skies
A First Rate Day Trip
WorldTrav2024,,Dec 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Coastal Pacific's excursion from Christchurch to Wellington is quite fun. Check-in was easy and professional. The train equipment is relatively new and in good repair, the service is friendly and helpful throughout, and the scenery is spectacular. We traveled Scenic Class with a prepaid breakfast option (you still have to collect your breakfast at the Cafe car). Our seats were spacious, we quite enjoyed the open viewing car, and all of the seating appeared to have great views through large windows (no bad seats due to structural columns). We arrived in Picton about on schedule. The arrival station is directly at the Interislander ferry terminal, most convenient if one is transiting on to Wellington. Checked baggage was quickly detrained and easily collected. Altogether a first rate day trip.
Not Only Professional But Friendly & Helpful
Amy N,,Nov 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Team members other than was professional, they were friendly in rendering excellent services. During the journey team members were continuouly servicing us in their best abilities.
Luxury plus travel with enthralling views
GrandTour12110852090,,Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was clear from the moment we boarded the Scenic Plus carriage that we were in for a very special experience. The table was set for us with white linen and we were made to feel pampered from the moment we left the platform at Christchurch Railway Station. The scenery unfolded for us through the large windows, giving us a new perspective on our own city. We regularly cycle the track beside the railway line but seeing familiar territory from the elevation of the train carriage is fresh and interesting. The most delicious and fresh dishes were served throughout the journey by our enthusiastic and gracious hostess. The ever changing view as we passed was enthralling, I don’t know why I took my novel with me, I was much too busy admiring the view to think of opening it. We ended our journey at Blenheim as the purpose of our travel was to attend the Garden Marlborough event, but what a way to go by rail! So much better than by car which would be my normal mode of travel, this trip was such a treat - absolutely the trip of a lifetime with the most spectacular land and sea scapes!
Excellent journey
Elisabeth W,,Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing views and interesting information from the app. Excellent, relaxing way to travel between Christchurch and Picton.
train experience
Anja F,,Oct 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00I had a great spot by the window and really enjoyed the beautiful scenery. From green mountains to the beautiful ocean, everything was there.
great train ride
David J,,Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00train was smooth efficient staff and scenery excellent. departed on time food and beverage choice good
From NZ$265.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by Great Journeys New Zealand