The Kaikōura Rail Rendezvous

Two trains. Two routes. One destination.

Sunday 15th November 2026

For one special day, two heritage excursion trains will approach Kaikōura from opposite directions — bringing passengers from Canterbury and Marlborough together for a unique day on the spectacular Kaikōura Coast.

Departing Christchurch and Rangiora, our southern train will head north behind recently restored DC 4375, travelling through the North Canterbury surrounds before joining the dramatic Pacific coastline for the run into Kaikōura. This train shall consist of modern air conditioned passenger cars.

Meanwhile, from the north, Di 1102 will depart Blenheim, heading south through the Awatere Valley, across Dashwood Pass and through Seddon before reaching the rugged coastline south of Wharanui for its journey to Kaikōura. This train will consist of our vintage open balcony wooden cars.

Two Trains Meet at Kaikōura

The highlight of the day will see both excursion trains together at Kaikōura — a rare sight on New Zealand's railway network and a fantastic opportunity for passengers, photographers and railway enthusiasts alike.

With DC 4375 arriving from the south and Di 1102 from the north, the two trains will share the destination before later departing back towards their respective home bases.

It's not often you get the chance to see two independently operated heritage excursion trains converge on the same town on the same day.

Choose Your Journey:

CHRISTCHURCH → KAIKŌURA & RETURN - FARES
Travel behind DC 4375, enjoying a full-day rail journey north from Canterbury along one of New Zealand's great coastal railway routes.

Adult (13+ yrs) - $169
Child (3-12yrs) - $99
Infant (0-2yrs) - FREE provided they remain on the lap of a fare-paying adult.

BLENHEIM → KAIKŌURA & RETURN - FARES
Travel behind Di 1102, heading south through Marlborough and along the spectacular Pacific coastline to Kaikōura.

Adult (13+ yrs) - $129
Child (3-12yrs) - $89
Infant (0-2yrs) - FREE provided they remain on the lap of a fare-paying adult.

We’re happy to cater for larger group bookings, with arrangements tailored to make your journey as easy as possible. Group enquiries are best handled directly by our team — email admin@steaminc.org.nz or give us a call on 0800 783 264 to get the wheels in motion!

Enjoy Kaikōura

Once in Kaikōura, you'll have time to explore at your own pace. Head into town for lunch, enjoy some of the region's famous seafood, take a walk along the waterfront, or simply spend some time around the railway station taking in the unusual sight of two excursion trains meeting in Kaikōura.

Later in the day, the trains head their separate ways once again — DC 4375 south for Rangiora and Christchurch, and Di 1102 north for Blenheim.

Whether you're travelling from Canterbury or Marlborough, this promises to be a memorable day of heritage rail travel on the Kaikōura Coast.

Two trains. Two routes. One destination.

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Optional Pre-Ordered Lunch

Make things easy and have a lunch box waiting for you when we arrive in Kaikōura for $28 per person.

A freshly prepared lunch box featuring a grain-bread sandwich filled with roast beef, crisp lettuce, cheese, cucumber and pear & fig relish, accompanied by a savoury cheese & onion scone and finished with a delicious fruit, nut & dark chocolate June slice. (Subject to Change dependant on Stock Availability)

Book your Kaikōura Rail Rendezvous here!

All seating is reserved and allocated on these special experiences. Prior booking is essential.

Limited Mobility Disclaimer
Due to the age, design and nature of our heritage carriages, these are not suitable for passengers with limited mobility. If you have any concerns, please contact us on 0800 783 264 to discuss options with our bookings team!