Coastal Pacific Train Ticket Between Christchurch and Picton
- Hop aboard the Coastal Pacific train for an unforgettable sightseeing journey in New Zealand
- Get a view of the Pacific Ocean and awe-inspiring mountains as you travel between Christchurch and Picton
- Take advantage of the spacious compartments for your luggage so you can travel with ease
- Get to choose intermediate stations to get off on for your utmost convenience during the trip
- Pass by the astonishing Kaikōura Coastline which is famous for its marine mammals and whale watching
What to expect
Have a memorable adventure in New Zealand when you book a ride on the Coastal Pacific train. Running daily throughout the summer season, get to sightsee stunning locations as you travel between Christchurch and Picton. Feel the breeze in the open air carriage as you get to see the famous Kaikōura Coastline, famous for the majestic marine mammals that inhabit the area. Get a closer look at the Pacific Ocean as well including the surrounding mountains. If you’re traveling with luggage, there’s no need to worry. There is enough space in the compartments of the carriages for you to travel with ease and comfort. Book now, and enjoy a wonderful sightseeing trip between Christchurch and Picton.
























Good to know
Confirmation
- You'll get confirmation within 24 hours. If you don't receive a confirmation email, reach out to our customer support.
Confirmation:
- You will receive confirmation of your booking's availability within 1 business day. Once confirmed, we will send you the voucher via email
- In the event that you do not receive an email from us, please check your Spam folder or notify us via email
Additional Information:
- Child ticket: Age 2-14
- Infants aged 0-2 can join free of charge as long as they do not require their own seats or space for luggage
- Children aged 0-14 must be accompanied by a paying adult
- Smoking is forbidden inside the train
- Passengers are prohibited from drinking alcoholic beverages while on board. Alcoholic beverages must be stored inside your luggage during the trip
- The departure time may change due to weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances
- If you would like to stop over at any intermediate station during the journey, please indicate your leaving station and departure date upon check out
- Please note: The departure times are fixed daily. There are no extra fees for stop overs at intermediate stations
- This activity is wheelchair and stroller-friendly
- Please note: This activity does not include insurance. Although not required, it is recommended that you purchase before booking
Luggage Information:
- Wheeled bags and cabin bags are not allowed inside the carriages and must be checked in. Please bring a small bag for items such as cameras, wallets, phones, medication, coats/jumpers, etc.
- The maximum weight for check in luggage per person is 23kg
- Bags over 23kg will not be accepted and must be repacked. Repack bags can be purchased for NZD10 in addition to the NZD20 extra bag charge
- You may carry a maximum of two additional pieces of luggage per person for a surcharge of NZD20 per piece
- Maximum volume per bag is 158cm. This can be calculated by adding the height, length, and width of the bag all together
- Additional luggage (per piece), bikes (maximum of 2, subject to availability), golf clubs, ski equipment, and surfboards will incur a surcharge of NZD20
- Extra luggage can be paid at check-in
- Bikes with trailers (maximum of 1, subject to availability) will incur a surcharge of NZD50
- Please indicate if you have excess luggage upon check out
Train Schedule:
- Please arrive at your preferred location 25 minutes before the departure time. No refunds will be issued for latecomers and no-shows
Christchurch to Picton
- 7:00am depart from Christchurch Railway Station
- 7:30am arrive at Rangiora Station
- 7:30am depart from Rangiora Station
- 09:50am arrive at Kaikoura Station
- 10:00am depart from Kaikoura Station
- 12:10pm arrive at Blenheim Railway Station
- 12:10pm depart from Blenheim Railway Station
- 12:40pm arrive at Picton Station
Picton to Christchurch
- 1:40pm depart from Picton Station
- 2:05pm arrive at Blenheim Railway Station
- 2:05pm depart from Blenheim Railway Station
- 4:15pm arrive at Kaikoura Station
- 4:25pm depart from Kaikoura Station
- 6:45pm arrives at Rangiora Station
- 6:45pm depart from Rangiora Station
- 7:30pm arrive at Christchurch Railway Station
Location

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Reviews
We had a wonderful time on the Coastal Pacific train from Picton to Christchurch. We sat in Scenic plus. On the Northern Pacific we sat in ‘scenic’. The ‘plus’ was very enjoyable with extra luggage allowance, lots of food from the different regions we were traveling through. The sweetest host who put smiles on the faces of all passengers. And the carriage had wonderful scenic windows. Klook came through and made this such an easy transaction. Thank you
Scenic views with audio commentary on free provided headphones. Comfortable seats with USB charging under the table. Good selection of tasty fresh food and affordable drinks on board. Very convenient to check bags through to Wellington (if travelling on the connecting InterIslander ferry at 14:15 from Picton). Be sure to request seats on the right side of the train (Christchurch to Picton) for best views - call beforehand or check in early (from 6am for 7am departure).
What an unforgettable experience! This picturesque six-hour journey travels the east coast of the South Island, which offers incredible views of the Kaikōura Ranges on one side and the swells of the Pacific Ocean on the other. Also carries us through 22 tunnels and across 175 bridges. This is the purest and most healing.
Kaikoura is a must go place in South New Zealand, and the costal railway is definitely a must to take! very beautiful view
Overall, the experience on this train was quite good. The train arrived very punctually, and the staff were friendly and professional. When boarding, passengers were asked to place large luggage in the designated luggage area, and upon arrival the staff used a conveyor belt system to bring the luggage down, which made the process organized and easy. The train itself is a scenic route, with views on both sides—the ocean on one side and grasslands on the other. On a clear day, the scenery is beautiful and very relaxing. The train is also equipped with a restaurant, café, and clean restrooms, making the journey comfortable. However, the ticket price is relatively high. If you mainly need transportation, the experience is not dramatically different from taking an InterCity bus. If the weather is cloudy or rainy, the scenic value may be reduced.
The wind passing by was very beautiful❤️ When we were about to reach Kaikoura, we took the last pass and there was no window so we could see the scenery very clearly😍 It was so beautiful! Moreover, the seats are large and you can buy coffee and bread🥯, which is a great enjoyment🥰
Worth doing this if you are in new zealand. Beautiful views of the coast for over 100 kms. Process was very straight forward - call them and request for seats on the left side if you are going to christchurch, right side if you are going to picton
Plesant & unique ride with magnificent coastline views on one side & snow-capped mountains on the other. Better experience overall than the TranzAlpine.
we had a very relaxing trip on the train. The staff was fantastic and being able to look out of the open car was pretty neat.
This is the perfect train to travel along the east coast of New Zealand. You can see farms, wineries, and the ocean. If you're lucky, you can even see whales or dolphins. I've seen them too. Picton is a small city, so it's easy to get around.
FAQs
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