There are no suburban commuter passenger train/rail services within Christchurch or in the greater Christchurch area.

The Coastal Pacific train (formally The TranzCoastal train) travels between Christchurch, Kaikoura, Blenheim to Picton - the gateway to the Marlborough Sounds. 

Your journey is a scenic feast, with the Kaikoura mountain ranges on one side of your train and the rugged Pacific Ocean coastline on the other. Travel through some of New Zealand’s finest horticultural and farmland areas, plus seals and penguins from the comfort of your carriage.

Along the way you pass though the village of Kaikoura, where you can break your journey to take in the whale watching or dare to get closer and swim with the dolphins.

All carriages are centrally heated/air conditioned, with 'Table Group' (4 people around a table) seating that allow you to experience the amazing views through large panoramic windows.

The Coastal Pacific includes an open air viewing carriage where all your senses are awakened with the clean, fresh, sea air and a Buffet Carriage, offering a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, snacks and light meals.

There are connecting bus/coach services at Blenheim to Nelson and Motueka (Marahua).

The Coastal Pacific train is reserved seating 'One Class/Non Smoking' service.

The Coastal Pacific train does not operate of Christmas Day - 25 December.

The Coastal Pacific train connects with Interislander and Bluebridge ferry sailings between Picton and Wellington.

Please click for timetable information and online reservations.

The TranzAlpine train travels between Christchurch, Arthurs Pass and Greymouth, from one coast of New Zealand to the other.

From your carriage you’ll see the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland, followed by the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River before ascending through the Southern Alps and descending through lush beech rain forest to the West Coast town of Greymouth – a great base for  visits to Punakaiki and the always popular glaciers - Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier.

The TranzAlpine carriages are centrally heated in winter and air conditioned in summer, with 'Airline' style reclining seats and 'Table Group' (4 people around a table) seating. Both styles allow you to experience the amazing views through large panoramic windows,  while enjoying the company of other passengers on-board. 

The TranzAlpine has an open air viewing carriage allows you to get even closer to the stunning scenery and provides many opportunities to photograph your favourite spots plus a Buffet Carriage offering a range of hot/cold drinks, snacks and light meals on route.

There are connecting bus/coach services at Greymouth to Fox Glacier, Franz Josef, Punakaiki, Westport and Nelson.

The TranzAlpine train is reserved seating 'One Class/Non Smoking' service.

The TranzAlpine train does not operate of Christmas Day - 25 December.

Please click for timetable information and online reservations.

One of the world's most scenic train journeys, this rail journey takes you from New Zealand's capital - Wellington, crossing  Cook Strait - a 30 km strip of water that separates the North and South Islands of New Zealand, through the picturesque Marlborough Sounds, where you board the TranzCoastal train from Picton to Christchurch.

Full Day Travel - Wellington to Christchurch -

Your travel from Wellington to Christchurch begins with a 3-hour stunning ferry ride across the Cook Strait, which separates the North and South Islands of New Zealand, it is one of the most beautiful crossings in the world.

Sail on the Interislander ferry from Wellington in the North Island, across to Picton - located in a sheltered marine harbour town, which is nestled in the heart of the Marlborough Sounds in the South Island.

At Picton, your board the Coastal Pacific train travelling South along the eastern coast of the South Island, passing through the local Marlborough vineyards, Lake Grassmere Salt Ponds and Kaikoura - famous for viewing whales and sea life before heading inland through the northern Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.

Wellington to Christchurch - Depart Wellington 8.25am/Arrive Christchurch 6.21pm

Christchurch to Wellington - Depart Christchurch 7.00am/Arrive Wellington 4.25pm

Click for further information, fares and reservations

This service does not operate on Christmas Day - 25 December