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 • Kaikoura • Christchurch
Coastal Pacific | Returns 21 September 2023
The Coastal Pacific is currently on its scheduled winter break and will return to running long weekends, Thursday-Sunday, from 21 September 2023.
The service will run daily from 14 December 2023 to 28 April 2024.
Book your journey
Discover the onboard experience
There is more to the Coastal Pacific train experience than simply travelling through the spectacular heart of the South Island. Discover more about what lies ahead onboard.
Our Scenic Class Carriages
Glide through the heart of New Zealand's beautiful scenery in our Scenic Class carriages
Open-air Viewing Carriages
Get closer to nature by stepping outdoors and breathing in our magnificent scenery
Scenic Cafe
Savour the journey with locally sourced food & drink from our Scenic Cafe to accompany the views
Scenic Plus Dining Experience
EXPERIENCE THE FLAVOURS OF OUR LAND
Elevate your experience with Scenic Plus, a full-sensory exploration of the lands you travel through aboard your Coastal Pacific rail journey.
Using the finest ingredients carefully selected from the lands you see through your window, we've curated a menu of regional delicacies that are freshly prepared in our custom-built kitchen carriage and served at your seat throughout the journey.
Simply select a Scenic Plus fare when booking to upgrade to our dining experience.
SERVICE STARTS: 14 DECEMBER 2023
Coastal Pacific train timetable
The Coastal Pacific runs daily from late September to late April each year.
The Christchurch to Picton train service runs northbound in the morning, while the returning Picton to Christchurch train runs southbound in the afternoon.
This year, Coastal Pacific resumes on 21 September 2023 with a long weekend service running Thursday to Sunday.
Daily services return on 14 December 2023.
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 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:
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.
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:
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!
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