What To Expect

What‘s Included

Reviews

• Comfortable way to get from Wellington/Picton ferry to Christchurch.

  Simon B,,Feb 27, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  Seated in groups of 4 in assigned seats - so 2 travelling backwards. Large windows give a good view. Food and drink to purchase on board.

• Coach replacement and poor communication

  ffionb436,,Feb 26, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  1.00

  I am sure the train trip was amazing, but due to storm damage (only to standard carriages, first class carriages were okay) this trip was cancelled for us with less than 24 hours to go. We were given the option of a full refund or a partial refund and coach tickets purchased for us. My partner and I were getting the early ferry to Picton and needed to make our way to Christchurch for that same evening so had no choice but to take the coach option. Even though I quickly emailed back to let them know this is the option I had chosen, I was sent no information regarding pick up time/location for the coach travel. I was given an incorrect refund - which I flagged straight away but was told by Viator to contact Kiwi Rail Ltd about this. After contacting them they told me to contact Viator (still waiting for my correct refund and response from both companies!) After arriving on the ferry and locating the train desk ourselves, the member of staff who checked us in was very friendly and helpful despite a lot of other customers being (rightly) annoyed by the situation of being bumped to coach replacement. He then told us to come back for 1:20 for departure at 1:40 (we did not depart until 2pm!) Once we were finally on the coach we were told we should arrive in Christchurch around 19:40 (with stops) but we did not arrive until 20:30. There were no toilet facilities on the coach, the driver did make stops but I still find this an issue due to the fact people paid for a train (which would have facilities). At each stop we made there was further delay getting passengers on/off. Once we were finally in Christchurch, the member of staff from Kiwi Rail on our bus told us that our luggage may have been put on the other coach or the train (we were not told this at the beginning!) she assured us that if this was the case, a member of her team would not leave the bags unattended until we collected them. As we pulled into the train station, there were crowds of people and I could see a pile of luggage on the platform, unattended, and soaked by the rain. Of course, our luggage was in this pile. After travelling for over 6 hours on the coach all we wanted to do was get to our accomodation (as it seemed all the railway staff did too) so there was nobody to complain to. One woman on the other coach actually had her luggage lost! It is unacceptable that the bags were left unattended. Very disappointed with the service we recieved with this - what should have been a highlight of our trip turned into a low light. We understood that the weather cannot be helped but the last minute poor communication and also the fact that the train did still run for first class passengers, left a very sour taste in the mouth for many.

• Unfortunate train journey

  L8659HUstevew,,Feb 19, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  3.00

  Train broke down! It was going well until then, but stuck on it for 13 hours. Offered free drinks and ice cream. No money returned.

• Troubled journey.

  Wander522820,,Feb 16, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  1.00

  Train broke down and stranded for 6 hours. Arrived at our destination 7 hours late. Accidents happen but very uncomfortable.

• Great train journey

  Go183467,,Feb 15, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  Great trip with good seats on train. Lots of lovely views throughout, good value for money

• Highly recommended

  Departure55452428391,,Jan 26, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  The service from the staff was exemplary and the views of the country speak for themselves x well worth the effort. We had a relaxing and exhilarating journey . You feel Immersed in the countryside .

  

  

  

  

• Great train journey !! Great Staff 🌟

  winnifred192,,Jan 12, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  Today we travelled up from Kaikoura to Picton and had the most amazing Staff and service . Matt actually greeted us at the station by name and made sure we had an amazing seat with a view . His commentary on the journey was very informative and interesting and we really enjoyed our trip . Great staff make or break your trip and Matt is a shining star on your fleet . Thank you to the wonderful girls also Bev and Susan xx

  

  

• Great Train Journey on the Coastal Pacific

  X9743QDbernardm,,Jan 11, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  Hi, just to say we had an absolutely delightful two days travelling on the Coastal Pacific Train from Picton to Kaikora, then on to Christchurch. The journey and views are amazing ( especially with the open air carriage which is very exciting ), the train was clean and tidy, the food and drinks were very nice. And credit where credit was is due - the train staff were fantastic - polite, helpful, professional and very friendly. We could not wished for more - highly recommended ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

• Sensational Scenic South Island Trip

  colh2018,,Jan 7, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  Sensational scenic trip from Picton to Christchurch … shell out the extra $ for the scenic plus wine and food ticket - well worth it ! Great food Great Service Friendly Staff Air conditioned comfort for the journey with great commentary highlights. … and what a wonderful host is Sophie Worth every cent - why would you drive ? ;-)

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

• FANTASTIC TRIP of a lifetime really

  c0lleenbrian,,Dec 28, 2025

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  Absolutely fabulous trip - went to Christchurch on 23 December and returned to Blenheim on 27th. Staff all very helpful and friendly but Ashley was the "cherry on the top" for me as she just was so thoughtful, kind, helpful, caring in SO MANY ways. Thank you Ashley - look after yourself you're a lovely young woman and I wish you well with all your plans. Take care, Colleen

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