The TranzCoastal Train

The TranzCoastal train travels between the port of Picton located in the Marlborough Sounds and Christchurch - the South Island's largest city.

This 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.

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.

Travel through some of New Zealand's finest horticultural and farmland areas, and see amazing wildlife such as dolphins, seals and penguins from the comfort of your carriage.

The TranzCoastal train travels through 22 tunnels and crosses 175 bridges, one of them being New Zealand's only road-rail bridge.

All carriages are centrally heated/air conditioned, with 'Airline' style reclining seats, with large panoramic windows for sweeping scenic views. The TranzCoastal train includes an open air viewing carriage where all your senses are awakened with the clean, fresh, sea air.

The Buffet Carriage has a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, snacks and light meals. The TranzCoastal train connects with the 8.25am Interislander ferry sailing Wellington to Picton and the 1.10pm Interislander ferry sailing Picton to Wellington .

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

The TranzCoastal train operates daily except for Christmas Day - 25 December.

The TranzCoastal train connects at Blenheim with coach/bus services to: Motueka, Marahau, Takaka and Nelson

You can add to your Scenic Rail Pass a range of bus and coach passes for travel within New Zealand after traveling on the TranzAlpine train