What makes it 90% Solo-Friendly: The all-scenic route, free audio guide, café car and open viewing carriage give single travellers independent, low-stress sightseeing with social chances and zero planning hassle.
Why 4–5 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: The one-way journey takes about 4–5 hours, perfect for a focused half-day solo trip.
Scenic Class Panorama:
Sit in a Scenic Class seat with large windows
Tip: Book early to secure a window seat for unobstructed mountain views.
Onboard Café Car:
Grab a coffee or local beer
Tip: Head to the café car mid-journey to meet fellow travelers.
Christchurch Botanic Gardens:
Stroll themed gardens before boarding
Tip: Arrive 1 hour early at the station and walk 10 minutes to the gardens.
Punting on the Avon:
Take a 30 min punt ride through city parks
Tip: Reserve your slot online; tours leave every 30 minutes.
Monteith’s Brewery Tour:
Join a guided tasting in Greymouth
Tip: Book the 45 minute tour in advance to secure a spot.

Monique Blake
Part of our tour , we got to take this train from Christchurch to Arthur ‘s Pass .. Buy your tickets in advance, it’s busy and quite popular to do .. there is a locomotive that serves food and drinks , you pay with credit card.. what was Breathtaking, spectacular was the views.. the mountains , some with snowy tops, the rivers and lake with blue-green water .. this a must to do …
Sam Brun
Great trip on the coastal pacific, don't forget to bring snacks though, the cafe car is good but not great , it can get very busy too. The scenery is great, a must do for train enthusiasts or anyone wanting a relaxing way to see the island and coast.
Lillis Taylor
If I could, I'd give this scenic train line hundreds of stars. I had to stop off for a bourbon on my way back to the hotel because it just blew my mind. Train staff were so friendly and not one bend of the track disappointed. I took 2000 photos so that hopefully the experience is emblazoned on my mind.
Debcee
Great rail journey! Super helpful staff, great seating and very comfortable. There had been heavy rain the day before which meant less snow on the ground, but even so, spectacular scenery. Highly recommend!
Bindya Balakrishnan
Amazing service offered by everyone right from the ticket counter. It is always recommended to reserve your tickets online as there are limited seats. The topography changes quickly & beautifully in a way we feel some movie is on the screen. The coach was nice and comfortable with very clean & fresh interiors. The seats were spacious and comfortable with a table placed between every set of four s...
Summer (Dec–Feb) fills up fast—reserve seats early. Winter (Jun–Aug) shows snow-capped peaks—bring layers. Spring (Sep–Nov) highlights wildflowers along the route.
Explore These Activities
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Scenic Class one-way ticket | NZD 200 |
| Café car snack | NZD 10 |
| Punting on the Avon | NZD 42 |
| Monteith’s Brewery Tour | NZD 40 |
| Total Estimated | NZD 292 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Address: Troup Drive, Addington, Addington, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
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