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
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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
327 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
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.
Picton to Christchurch train journey
Erika B,
Mar 24, 2025
- Viator
5.00Lovely train trip along the east coast of the South Island. Very scenic - great to see the seals. Comfortable journey.
Squarely average trip with some gorgeous views
MImi H,
Mar 18, 2025
- Viator
3.00It's an extremely long trip and the food choices on the train are very limited. There were some beautiful views but it's say that 30% was stunning and 70% was nothing special. I'm glad that I did it but I was so underwhelmed that I ended up cancelling my other bookings for their other scenic trains.
A ‘must do’ trip, so relaxing
Margaret W,
Mar 10, 2025
- Viator
5.00Great trip with so much to see. Great to sit back and let someone else drive for a change. Super comfortable seats
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Operated by Great Journeys New Zealand