Picton to Christchurch

Where to Stay

Traveling from Picton to Christchurch aboard the Coastal Pacific train offers a scenic and comfortable journey along New Zealand's picturesque east coast. Here's how you can plan your trip:

Schedule and Frequency:

Service Resumption:The Coastal Pacific train operates a four-day-a-week service starting September 19, 2024
Daily Operations:From January 1, 2025, to April 27, 2025, the train runs daily.

Departure and Arrival:

Picton Departure:The train departs from Picton Railway Station in the afternoon. Christchurch Arrival: It arrives at Christchurch Railway Station in the evening

Journey Duration:

The trip takes approximately 5 hours and 40 minutes, passing through Blenheim and Kaikōura.

Booking Tickets:

Advance Reservations:It's advisable to book your tickets in advance to secure a seat, as walk-on passengers may not be accommodated if the train is fully booked.
Online Booking:Tickets can be purchased through the official Great Journeys New Zealand website.

Onboard Experience:

Scenic Views:Enjoy panoramic views of the Pacific coastline, vineyards, and mountains through large windows and open-air viewing carriages.
Amenities:The train offers a Scenic Café with locally sourced food and beverages, as well as audio commentary to enrich your travel experience.

Additional Tips:

Check Timetables:Verify the latest schedules before planning your trip, as timetables may change.
Station Access:Picton Railway Station is centrally located, providing easy access to the town center and ferry terminals.

The Coastal Pacific train journey from Picton to Christchurch is one of New Zealand’s most breathtaking rail experiences. It travels along the rugged eastern coastline of the South Island, hugging the edge of the Pacific Ocean with the snow-capped Kaikōura Ranges rising dramatically on one side and the shimmering sea on the other. Starting from the charming port town of Picton, which connects to the North Island via the Interislander Ferry, the train winds south through Marlborough’s renowned wine country, past expansive vineyards and lush farmland. As the train approaches Kaikōura, passengers are often treated to glimpses of seals sunbathing on the rocks or dolphins playing in the surf just meters away—truly a photographer’s dream.

From Kaikōura, the Coastal Pacific continues its smooth descent south toward Christchurch, the South Island’s largest city, passing through sleepy seaside towns and crossing dozens of rivers fed by the Southern Alps. The train features large panoramic windows, an open-air viewing carriage, and an onboard café offering local snacks and wines, making the journey not just scenic but also incredibly comfortable. The total travel time is approximately 5.5 hours, with the train typically departing Picton around 1:00 PM and arriving in Christchurch by 6:30 PM, depending on the season. It’s a must-do for anyone looking to experience New Zealand’s natural beauty from a relaxed, luxurious perspective.

Schedule and Timings:

Picton Departure:1:40 PM
Blenheim Arrival:2:10 PM
Kaikōura Arrival:4:30 PM
Christchurch Arrival:7:00 PM

Seasonal Operations:

From January 1 to April 27, 2025, the Coastal Pacific train operates daily.
After April 27, 2025, services may be reduced or paused for the winter season. It's advisable to check the latest updates on the official website.

Route Highlights:

Blenheim: Located in the heart of the Marlborough wine region, Blenheim is renowned for its vineyards and wine tasting experiences.
Kaikoura: A coastal town famous for marine life encounters, including whale watching and swimming with dolphins
Rangiora: A charming town offering a glimpse into local New Zealand life before reaching Christchurch.

Booking and Additional Information:

Advance booking is recommended due to the popularity of the service.
Check-in procedures and station details can be found here
For inquiries, contact the customer service team via the official website.

Travel and Flights

Picton

Queen Charlotte Sound
Take a boat tour or hike part of the Queen Charlotte Track—amazing views, lush forest, and serene waters.
Edwin Fox Maritime Museum
See the 9th oldest surviving ship in the world.

Blenheim (Marlborough Wine Region)– 25 mins from Picton

Marlborough Wineries
Home of the world-famous Sauvignon Blanc. Do a wine tasting tour—Cloudy Bay, Villa Maria, and Wither Hills are top picks.
Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre
Incredible WWI & WWII aircraft with lifelike displays (Peter Jackson of LOTR fame is involved).

Kaikōura– ~1 hr 45 mins from Blenheim

Whale Watching Tours
One of the best spots on Earth to see sperm whales, dolphins, seals, and sometimes orcas.
Seal Colony Walk
Take the Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway for epic coastal views and fur seals chilling on the rocks.
Crayfish (Lobster) Shacks
Try fresh seafood at roadside spots like Nin’s Bin.

Christchurch– ~2.5 hrs from Kaikōura

Botanic Gardens
Gorgeous, peaceful and great for a walk or picnic.
Quake City
Interactive museum focused on the 2010–2011 earthquakes and the city's rebuild.
Riverside Market
A trendy indoor food market with local eats and craft goodies.
Christchurch Gondola
Ride to the top of Port Hills for panoramic views.
Punting on the Avon River
Super relaxing, very English-vibe activity.