Join us on one of the most picturesque journeys on New Zealand's railways. Throughout this scenic experience, you will meander along the Pacific coast between Picton and Christchurch.
Our Coastal Pacific train takes you along rugged coastlines, across remote beaches, between mountains and sea, on a timeless journey of breathtaking beauty.
Explore the stunning Kaikōura Coastline, famous for its marine life and whale watching. Voyage through the vineyards of Blenheim, dripping with New Zealand's premium crop. Canter amidst the idyllic Canterbury countryside to the Garden City of Christchurch.
Book a journey like no other by travelling in either direction from Christchurch to Picton or Picton to Christchurch.
Destinations include:
Picton • Blenheim • Kaikōura • Christchurch
Heads up, travellers!
From 24 November, check‑in for the Coastal Pacific train will move from the Picton Railway Station to the Interislander Picton terminal.
So if you’re heading off on your scenic rail adventure, make your way to the Interislander terminal for a smooth start to your journey.
- The Interislander terminal is located immediately to the left of the doors closest to the train station.
- Arrive at the Picton Interislander terminal from 11am onwards for check-in at the GJNZ desk
- Luggage will be collected and tagged at the check-in area
- Staff will ensure all wheeled bags, large backpacks, and suitcases will be taken to the train luggage carriage
- Collect your boarding passes
- Check-in closes 20 minutes (1:20pm) before departure at 1:40pm
- Passengers will be advised to return to the Picton rail platform by 1:25pm for boarding. Interislander will also make a boarding call within the terminal
- See our Check-in and luggage page for more details.
See the impact
Travel with care. Every journey leaves a footprint.
With Great Journeys of New Zealand’s carbon calculator, travellers can easily understand the emissions impact of their travel choices, even before they board.
Carbon Calculator
Use this calculator to estimate how much you could reduce your carbon emissions by travelling on the Coastal Pacific.
Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required
Discover true local gems with our Coastal Pacific packages
Let us take care of the details while you relax and enjoy the best of New Zealand with our spectacular Coastal Pacific short breaks and travel packages:
Scenic Plus dining experience
Experience the flavours of our land
Scenic Plus transforms your Coastal Pacific rail journey into a full sensory experience. As you take in the landscapes, enjoy a menu inspired by the very regions you travel through, on board our award-winning premium carriage.
Fresh, seasonal ingredients are prepared in our onboard kitchen and served at your seat, course by course, with matching New Zealand wines and beverages.
Simply choose a Scenic Plus fare when booking to upgrade your journey.
*Menus change seasonally. Dishes may differ from images shown. Please let us know any dietary requirements when booking.
Take a tour of discovery through authentic Aotearoa
Join one of our unique rail tours for an intimate experience of the people, places, scenery, history, and culture that makes the Pacific coast so special!
Discover the onboard experience
The Coastal Pacific train journey starts from just $219 NZD and offers more than just spectacular views along South Island's coastline.
Coastal Pacific train timetable
The Christchurch to Picton train service runs northbound in the morning, while the returning Picton to Christchurch train runs southbound in the afternoon.
Find our Coastal Pacific railway stations
View our Coastal Pacific station page to find out more about each of our stations.
Get directions, parking information, and check-in requirements for each of our Coastal Pacific Railway Stations, from Picton to Christchurch.
Explore the flavours of New Zealand
Experience the natural flavours of New Zealand with our Scenic Plus experiences, each offering a full-sensory exploration of the lands you travel through aboard your New Zealand rail journey.
Explore our Scenic trains
Glide through New Zealand in beautiful style with our world-famous scenic trains connecting you all the way from Auckland to the West Coast:
Ready to book?
You can book your Coastal Pacific train tickets online now or over the phone.
For Tour and Package enquiries, call our Travel Centre team now:
0800 872 467
Monday to Saturday: 8am - 5pm
Save 10% with our partner discounts
Save 10% on your Coastal Pacific Scenic train fares using one of our partner discounts:
Save 10% with your Senior Gold Card
Senior Gold Card members can save 10% on their Scenic and Scenic Plus train fares
Save 10% with your AA Membership
Use Code AACARD10 to save 10% when booking with your AA Membership Card
Save 10% with your NZMCA Card
Use code FA5239 to save 10% when booking with your NZMCA Membership Card