Experience and immerse yourself in the rugged coastal architecture of New Zealand. The Coastal Pacific travels breathtakingly close to the Pacific Ocean, where the roaring, windblown sea meets enormous bush-clad mountains.
Posted By : Yanlin_S
We saw Seals and Dolphins cheering for us right after we enter Canterbury plains. Very impressive experience.
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-01-06 04:10:18 
Posted By : Graeme_H
Very comfortable train, commentary was easy to hear and understand and was valuable in learning about the area along the route of the train. This is an excellent way to experience the land and seascape of this area. Brilliant views.
Rating :
Posted On : 2023-12-24 22:31:31
Posted By : lavenderd2017
We did not regret choosing to spend our time here. Outstanding views for a 4 hour train ride. We saw dolphin playing in the waves, and baby seals waddling into the water. We came prepared with our warm coats to see the views on the open car as we were seated opposite side of the coast side in the closed car (a bummer, but again we came prepared just in case our request was denied which it was). I was so surprised how good the food was. I saw previous reviews reporting it was good, so we brought cliff bars in case it sucked. The packaging was misleading that the food wouldn't be tasty. The sandiches delicous, no tired veg on overly dried out or soggie bread. The breads themselves on the sammies delicous same for the muffins/scone. The meats where delicate and savory, the veg with the right amount of crunch, but still properly cooked. Wish we had gotten the veggie hand pie on this trip, we enjoyed it on our Northern Explorer ride that we did the next day. Makes one wonder how air lines can get it so very bad when these trains get it so right.
The only gross thing noticed was a white man running the show while women of color ran the cafe :/ this was true on the other train line and is disgusting.
Rating :
Posted On : 2023-11-14 18:03:33 
Posted By : Marilyn_S
The views were stunning. I appreciate being told we were getting near the coast, so I could go to the open viewing car. I even saw a seal on the Beach. It was a comfortable and enjoyable ride with friendly staff.
Rating :
Posted On : 2023-11-12 14:47:02
Posted By : gopalb319
The journey on coastal train from Christchurch to Picton is awesome. The views are stunning once the coastline starts. The train itself is clean with big windows and a separate viewing cart at the end. The train was not too crowded when I travelled so the viewing cart was less crowded throughout the journey. The first hour can be a bit boring. Food and beverages are available in plenty on the train.
The only issue with the journey is the accessibility to the Christchurch railway station early in the morning. There are no buses connecting the city to the railway station, your only option will be to prebook a taxi or Uber early in the morning.
Overall, a remarkable journey along the coastline!
Rating :
Posted On : 2023-10-30 01:27:22
Posted By : Tracy_P
Fantastic journey. Great sights, friendly staff and a lovely train. Best money I have spent on transport yet.
Rating :
Posted On : 2023-10-24 23:31:20
Posted By : schumi197
Great ride and service. Amazing views and experience of open wagon ride. Prepare some cash if you wanna by some things from cafeteria when there is no signal ?
Rating :
Posted On : 2023-04-22 04:06:01
Posted By : stephenerobertson
Passes through wonderful scenery; comfortable journey, good commentary. Starts a little early in the morning!
Rating :
Posted On : 2023-04-11 00:04:42
Posted By : pamelasY14NE
A very pleasant experience. Comfortable train with awesome viewing windows to enjoy our beautiful coastal scenery. Great food at reasonable prices. Friendly, helpful staff. The ultimate in train travel.
Rating :
Posted On : 2023-04-03 19:34:15
Posted By : Gwen008
This is one of New Zealand's brilliant train journeys. For part of the trip the line runs close to the coast and we were lucky to see dolphins close inshore.
Check in is easy, all announcements at the station and on the train are clear and easy to hear. Staff are excellent- very friendly and efficient.
The onboard cafe opens very soon after departure and offers an excellent range of food/drinks/snacks. It is also acceptable to bring your own food. Rubbish is collected frequently which means the carriages are always clean.
At the rear of the train is an open-air viewing carriage which is brilliant - offering clear views of the countryside and ocean. It can be chilly outside so be sure to have a warm jacket.
Rating :
Posted On : 2023-03-31 02:36:44
