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 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
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
Options
Scenic Plus
Scenic Plus
Includes Food and Beverage
Scenic
Picton to Christchurch: 6.25 hour train journey from Picton to Christchurch
Reviews
345 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Highly recommended
Departure55452428391,,Jan 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The 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
5.00Today 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
5.00Hi, 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
5.00Sensational 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
5.00Absolutely 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
Stunning
Janice W,,Dec 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00A wonderful way to experience the best of East coast South Island. Relaxing, beautiful and comfortable.
A nice ride
birgit s,,Dec 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We unfortunately had bad weather, which only got better towards the end of the ride. Nevertheless, it was a very nice ride
Scenic Plus service from Picton to Christchurch
F8650QHlindak,,Dec 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We booked the Scenic Plus and were very pleased with the journey, service, food and drinks. We had a table for 4 on our own and the car only had one other couple until Blenheim when a small tour group boarded. The scenery was beautiful, the boarding very quick and disembarking was quick with the luggage on a conveyor belt right next to the restaurant. Anie and Beth were very attentive and informative about what we were seeing as we went south. We would definitely do this trip again!
Amazing views, you really are next to the ocean, also do the scenic plus upgrade
Ancamna,,Dec 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We rode the Coastal Explorer on a Wednesday and had a whole table to ourselves in the scenic plus carriage. More than half of the scenic plus carriage was empty, which made for a lovely quiet trip. (Quite possibly due to it being a Wednesday, as our other two train trips were much more full.) The food was delicious and the views of the ocean were absolutely amazing. You really are right next to the water for at least half of the trip. They seated everyone on the ocean view side of the train since there was enough seating to go around, but you were also allowed to move to any open seat if you wanted a different view. We even saw some seals at multiple points during the train ride! We rode all three of the train trips, and added on the scenic plus upgrade, and it was DEFINITELY worth it. They feed you basically every 1.5-2 hours and you get a paired wine plus any additional tea, coffee, or juice that you want with each meal. All the food was delicious and well prepared. Also the scenic plus carriage has bigger windows and higher levels of insulation for a quieter ride. All the train journeys were definitely worth it - it was a lovely way to see a lot of the country, plus the audio tour if you download the app is a good addition. (There are also written books of info available but they don’t have as much as the audio tour.) The open air carriage is also very fun, even just for taking pictures without having glare from the windows. But if you have allergies then make sure you bring eye drops and allergy medication before going out to the open air carriage.
Bucket list
Colleen S,,Nov 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Bucket list from west Australia first time and all amazing so glad we booked and so inviting the staff were awesome and the food vegan was first class
From NZ$265.00
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Operated by Great Journeys New Zealand