Your journey on the Whale Train can begin in Picton, Blenheim, Kaikoura or Christchurch (date dependant).
Check-in is at least 20-minutes prior departure at either Picton Railway Station, Blenheim Railway Station, Kaikoura Railway Station or Addington Station (Christchurch) platforms depending on where you are booked to depart from.
Due to the heritage nature of our carriages, we unfortunately do not have the ability to accommodate fixed wheelchairs or electric wheelchairs or electric scooters, however we can accommodate collapsible zimmer frames and walkers (and they must be fully collapsible). Passengers using collapsible zimmer frames, or walkers, should have the ability to board the train, unaided.
Yes, there are toilets on most of the carriages.
The carriages are refurbished heritage carriages built approximately 100 years ago in the same period as the locomotive.
Most seats are configured in a 2 x 2 arrangement. That is two seats on either side of a central aisle.
You are more than welcome to bring your own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages on the train during your steam train excursion. It is not permitted to bring your own alcohol on board the train for consumption during the journey.
Yes, passengers are welcome to move from car to car. However, care must be exercised when moving between cars, no bare feet and children must be accompanied by an adult. Passengers wearing sandals (or any shoes that are not properly enclosed) will not be permitted on the viewing balconies of the train. Standing on the gangways between carriages is not allowed. Restrictions on moving about the train while passing through tunnels may apply.
Smoking is not permitted on the train. This restriction applies to all areas of the train including outside on the open end balconies.
As long as children are accompanied by a responsible adult, children are welcome on board. Children 3yrs and under travel for free provided they are sitting on an adult’s lap and not occupying a seat.
