The TranzCoastal Train

The TranzCoastal Train is your gateway to the adventurous South Island region in New Zealand. It is run by Tranz Scenic, the only long distance passenger railway services provider in New Zealand.

About The TranzCoastal Train

At the time of its inception, The TranzCoastal Train was known as the Coastal Pacific. It is a daily service which runs from Christchurch to Picton. It principally serves the upper South Island region of New Zealand. There are 6 intermediate stops in the whole TranzCoastal Train route.

The TranzCoastal Train goes across Kaikoura and Blenheim down the Main North Line. The train commenced its operations on 25th September, 1988 and the duration of its first journey was 5 hours 20 minutes. According to the current timetable, the journey towards the south takes 5 hours and 21 minutes and the journey towards the north takes 5 hours and 13 minutes.

The TranzCoastal Train takes you from Christchurch, the biggest city in South Island to the pleasant port of Picton. This sojourn is a visual feast of this picturesque country with the rocky Pacific Ocean shoreline on one side and the Kaikoura mountain ranges on the other side.

The TranzCoastal Train gives you the opportunity to visit places in the South Island where you can watch whales and swim with dolphins. You will also travel across some of the most stunning landscapes of New Zealand and view the wonderful wildlife in the country. There are 22 tunnels and 175 viaducts falling in the route. There is also an open air coach which helps you enjoy the clean environment.

Facilities offered by The TranzCoastal Train

The TranzCoastal Train offers the following facilities to the passengers:

• Disabled access – Limited because of age of rolling stock

• Class(es) - Only Standard class

• Catering facilities - Café on the train

• Seating arrangements – Recess with table and Airline style

• Luggage facilities – Overhead shelves and luggage coach

• Observation facilities - Big windows in all coaches and alfresco viewing coach

The TranzCoastal Train Stations

The TranzCoastal Train stops at the following stations:

• Picton - Auckland Street, Picton

• Blenheim - Sinclair Street, Blenheim

• Seddon - Mills Street, Seddon

• Kaikoura - Whaleway Station Road, Kaikoura

• Mina - Campbell Road, Mina

• Waipara - Ferguson Street, Waipara

• Rangiora - Blackett Street, Rangiora

• Christchurch - Troup Drive, Christchurch

Fare for the TranzCoastal Train

The fare for the TranzCoastal Train is as follows:

Wellington - Christchurch (collective train + ferry fare) NZ$ 130 (US$89 or £61)

Wellington - Kaikoura (collective train + ferry fare) NZ$ 95 (US$67 or £45)

Picton - Christchurch (usual fare) NZ$ 118 (US$80 or £55)

Children aged between 2 and 14 can travel at discounted fare, children below 2 years can travel free of cost.

Timetable of the TranzCoastal Train

Given below is the detailed timetable of the TranzCoastal Train:

• Christchurch departure 7.00am

• Rangiora departure 7.28am

• Waipara departure 7.56am

• Mina departure 8.45am

• Kaikoura departure 9.54am

• Seddon departure 11.18am

• Blenheim departure 11.46am

• Picton arrival 12.13pm

• Picton departure 1.00pm

• Blenheim departure 1.33pm

• Seddon departure 2.02pm

• Kaikoura departure 3.28pm

• Mina departure 4.37pm

• Waipara departure 5.30pm

• Rangiora departure 5.57pm

• Christchurch arrival 6.21pm

The TranzCoastal Train blends charming train journeys with world class facilities and relaxation.