Passenger Train Services
Auckland-Wellington Train
Wellington-Auckland Train
Christchurch-Greymouth Train
Greymouth-Christchurch Train
Picton-Christchurch Train

Information
Rail / Ferry Travel
Accommodation
Railway Stations
Bus / Coach Services

Day Excursions
Arthurs Pass Excursion
Kaikoura Excursion
Greymouth Excursion

Quick Answers
How to Book
Luggage
Bikes, Pets, Etc
Extra Assistance
Seating Request
Check In Times

The Christchurch to Picton train operates between Christchurch  - the South Island’s largest city to Kaikoura - home of whale watching and the delightful port of Picton - the gateway to the beautiful Marlborough Sounds. 

Your journey takes you north through horticultural and farmland areas of the northern Canterbury Plains to the rugged coastline with the Kaikoura mountain ranges on one side of your train, the Pacific Ocean coastline on the other,  with views of marine wildlife such as seals and penguins to the wine growing region of Blenheim, all  from the comfort of your carriage. 

Along the way you pass though the town of Kaikoura, where you can break your journey to take in whale watching or get up and close by swimming with the dolphins.

All carriages are centrally heated, air conditioned with on board washroom/toilet facilities and 'Table' (4 people around a table) seating allowing you to share experiences through large panoramic windows. 

There is an open air viewing carriage where all your senses are awakened with the clean, fresh, sea air and a Buffet Carriage with a selection of alcoholic and hot/cold drinks, snacks and light meals.

This train is a reserved seating 'One Class/Non Smoking' service.

This train connects at Picton with various Cook Strait ferry sailings to Wellington in the North Island.

The train connects at Blenheim for various bus/coach services to Nelson, Motueka, Takaka and Able Tasman National Park.

So, sit back and enjoy a genuine kiwi rail experience through the South Island's north eastern rugged coastline.

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