Coastal Pacific Train Journey from Picton to Christchurch
Overview
Available languages
5 hours 40 minutes
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‘s Included
GST (Goods and Services Tax)
All taxes, fees and handling charges
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
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).
Options
Scenic Plus
Scenic Plus
Includes Food and Beverage
Scenic
Picton to Christchurch: 6.25 hour train journey from Picton to Christchurch
Reviews
332 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
It was a truly wonderful...
Kerrin D,
Sep 30, 2025
- Viator
5.00It was a truly wonderful trip from beautiful Picton to the gorgeous Christchurch. We passed towns, black sand lined beaches, blue seas, snow capped mountains, cows, sheep and even spotted whales and seals. The staff were very accommodating and friendly, the kiosk on board was filled with reheatable packaged meals, snacks, wine and treats of all sorts! Unbeknown to us, there was an outside observation deck we we able to visit and did so often. We would thoroughly recommend doing the Pacific Coastal train trip. 10/10
It was a nice ride. The...
Janine M,
Sep 29, 2025
- Viator
4.00It was a nice ride. The staff are fantastic and the train is clean with plenty of windows to look out. As usual the cost of food and drink is overpriced. The scenery is lovely but there is only just over an hour of actual coastal scenery. The rest is rolling green hills and plenty of sheep and cattle. To say it is spectacular is slightly exaggerated.
Solo
Paul P,
Sep 5, 2025
- Viator
5.00The viewing car is awesome take some water and pictures lot's of pictures it is a trip to remember the staff are amazing
Scenic and relaxing trip; beats driving
Bob C,
Apr 9, 2025
- Viator
5.00Skip the car and get on the train for some incredible scenery. Vineyards turn into spectacular ocean vistas, seals on rocks, then back into lush green forested hills. Really nice way to spend an afternoon getting from Picton to Christchurch.
Beautiful scenery
Ellen F,
Mar 30, 2025
- Viator
4.00Comfortable seats with beautiful views. Coastal views amazing. Good food and snacks. Very nice workers onboard. Downside, just this run were AC made it too cold and the train was 20+ minutes late which meant it was dark when we arrived. Also to know, the outdoor viewing car had no seating so I’d standing is an issue don’t go out there.
Related Experiences
Operated by Great Journeys New Zealand