The Kaikōura Coast Express

Join Steam Incorporated for a spectacular day cruising the Main North Line between Blenheim and Kaikōura. From the rolling hills and vineyards of the Awatere to the breathtaking Pacific coastline south of Wharanui, this is one of New Zealand's great rail journeys — and one not to be missed.

Departing Blenheim, we climb up and over the Dashwood Pass towards Seddon, surrounded by the vineyards of southern Marlborough. Dropping down from Seddon, we cross the remarkable salt lakes at Grassmere, where more than half of New Zealand's salt is produced, before continuing south through some wonderfully remote countryside.

South of Wharanui, we meet the Pacific Ocean, where our classic 1966-built Di 1102 locomotive settles in for a spectacular run down the Kaikōura Coast. With the mountains on one side and ocean on the other, take in the dramatic landscape shaped by the 2016 Kaikōura Earthquake and the impressive new road and rail infrastructure built in its wake.

As we draw closer to Kaikōura, step outside onto the open-air balconies at either end of our heritage carriages and truly immerse yourself in the coastal experience. Feel the sea air, hear the train beneath you and watch the Pacific coastline roll by.

Choose one of the 2 options below:

Option 1 - Kaikoura at your leisure

Enjoy some time to explore — wander into town for a coffee and a bite, stretch your legs, or pack the jandals and head down to the beach.

Then jump back aboard, settle in and enjoy the northbound cruise to Blenheim, retracing one of the most spectacular stretches of railway in the country.

Train Fares

Adult (12+ yrs) - $129
Child (3-12yrs) - $89
Infant (0-2yrs) - FREE

Above fares include your return train travel

Option 2 - Lunch at the Pier Hotel

Make the most of your time in Kaikōura with a relaxed lunch at the famous Pier Hotel, spectacularly positioned on the edge of the Pacific Ocean with views across the water and towards the Kaikōura Ranges.

It’s a quintessential Kaikōura experience — good food, a relaxed seaside setting and the chance to enjoy some of the region’s famous seafood before rejoining the train for the journey home.

Option 2 - Train Fares

Adult (12+ yrs) - $129 | Child (3-12yrs) - $89
Infant (0-2yrs) - FREE

The above train fares exclude the meal selection.

Passengers aboard the Kaikōura Coast Express can pre-book lunch and enjoy one of two classic coastal favourites:

• Kaikōura Half Crayfish - $70
  Fresh Kaikōura half crayfish, served with salad and fries.

• Battered Fish - $40
  Battered fish served with chips and fresh salad.

Option 2 is limited to venue capacity. Get in quick before it sells out!

Please see a provisional timetable below:

Please be at your boarding station at least 10 minutes prior ready to roll