The Coastal Pacific, New Zealand
The Coastal Pacific train is one of the best day train trips in the world. You will travel between New Zealand’s port of Picton, via the whale-watching town of Kaikoura and on to the south Island’s largest city, Christchurch. On the journey you will get to enjoy views of the sea to the east and the stunning Kaikoura mountains to the west.
Train travellers can enjoy spotting seals and penguins and marvelling at the well-tended farmland on Canterbury Plains. If you’ve got the time, you can break your journey at Kaikoura, to do a spot of whale watching off the coast or swim with dolphins. This five-hour must-do trip operates from Spring to Autumn.
Prices from: NZ $179
Departing from: Picton Station
Journey length: 5 hours
The Coastal Pacific route
Travelling on specially designed trains with large picture windows, you will get to see New Zealand’s stunning Kaikoura Coastline in its full glory. The journey will take you close to the Pacific Ocean and also the bush-clad mountains in the region. This is one of New Zealand’s most picturesque routes and you’ll marvel at the great views from both sides of the train. If you’ve never seen a whale close-up, don’t miss the opportunity to stop off at Kaikoura, where you can enjoy a whale-watching boat trip.
The Coastal Pacific trains
The Coastal Pacific train’s carriages have been specially designed for sightseeing with non-reflective side and roof windows. You can also enjoy the sights from an open-air carriage too. On the air conditioned and centrally heated carriages, headphones are provided so you can listen to commentary in five languages. On board you’ll also find a licensed café which serves hot and cold food, as well as tea and coffee, wine and beer. The Coastal Pacific train is a reserved seating ‘One Class’ service.
Why we love it
New Zealand is one of the world’s most beautiful countries and this trip on the South Island will give you the chance to see it in its full glory. The specially designed train makes the most of your sightseeing opportunities and it’s a very comfortable and informative way to travel.