Good food, good views. If you are looking for anything else from this train trip you will sadly be disappointed. Picton station is shabby and hasn't been updated for a lifetime. The train carriage is much the same. No working PA system, most headsets connections don't work, and amateurish staff who add zero to the experience - I was a bit embarrassed as a NZer to be honest if this is the trip visitors to our country are experiencing on a daily basis. The seat tables and seat back storage nets need repaired, and the train travels at a painfully slow speed - including multiple stops as other train traffic get priority (which seems crazy given there is one scenic train a day). Overall the train needs significant upgrade and general repairs.
This took the stress out of driving. The commentary was really good. The dining car and food was great, reasonably priced food. Fully recommend.
Loved this train trip journey and experience from Christchurch to Picton New Zealand. The views were magnificent, mountain peaks, the ocean so close to the train where seals and sea birds were aplenty. Acres and acres of grape vines as far as the eye could see a vista of richness and cultivated splendour to feast ones eyes upon. On arriving at the train station it was a bonus to find that the car renyal depots were just across the road and the Interilander Ferry was right next door to the station.
The ocean road and scenery was spectacular! I enjoyed sipping on some NZ wine and watching the beautiful scenery. Very relaxing and I enjoyed the whole trip until it became dark at 6pm.
Very nice time with a beautiful view of the beautiful landscapes of the south island . Small point less well, as night falls faster in this period and we were on the train for two hours at night.