The TranzCoastal train travels between the delightful port of Picton - gateway to the beautiful Marlborough Sounds and Christchurch - the South Island’s largest city. 

This journey is a scenic feast, with the wine growing region of Blenheim to the rugged 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 town 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 'Table Group' (4 people around a table) seating allowing you to experience the amazing views through large panoramic windows,  while enjoying the company of other passengers on-board. 

The TranzCoastal train includes an open air viewing carriage where all your senses are awakened with the clean, fresh, sea air.

The TranzCoastal train has 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 connects with the 8.25am Interislander ferry sailing from Wellington to Picton and the 1.10pm Interislander ferry sailing from Picton to Wellington.

You can use your Scenic Rail Pass to travel on The TranzCoastal train travelling between any of the 'Point to Point' travel sectors