The Coastal Pacific 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 TranzCoastal 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.

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

The TranzCoastal train does not operate on Christmas Day - 25 December.

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

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

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 Kaikoura.

The following are travel options for travelling between Wellington and Kaikoura -

Full Day Travel - Wellington to Kaikoura -

Your travel from Wellington to Kaikoura 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 Connect the TranzCoastal train travelling south along the eastern coast of the South Island, passing through the local Marlborough vineyards, Lake Grassmere Salt Ponds and on to Kaikoura - famous for viewing whales and sea life.

Wellington to Kaikoura - Depart Wellington 8.25am/Arrive Kaikoura 3.28pm

Kaikoura to Wellington - Depart Kaikoura 9.50am/Arrive Wellington 4.25pm

Click for further information, fares and reservations

This service does not operate on Christmas Day - 25 December