The Seasider FAQs

Find answers to common questions about The Seasider

What is The Seasider?

The Seasider is a family of scenic coastal train journeys departing from Dunedin Railway Station and travelling north along Dunedin's Pacific coastline.

The standard journey travels to Merton, while other Seasider experiences include the Arc Brewery Stop-Off, The Seasider Twilight and Full Day journeys to Ōamaru.

Where does The Seasider leave from?

The Seasider departs from Dunedin Railway Station in central Dunedin, New Zealand.

Where does The Seasider go?

The standard Seasider travels from Dunedin Railway Station to Merton and return.

Passengers can also choose to leave the train at Arc Brewery for a 90-minute stop rather than continuing to Merton.

The Seasider Twilight follows the same route to Merton later in the day.

Full Day and Full Day+ journeys continue further north to Ōamaru.

How long is The Seasider?

It depends on the journey you choose.

The Seasider: approximately 3 hours 30 minutes

Arc Brewery Stop-Off: operates as part of the standard Seasider service, including a 90-minute brewery stop

The Seasider Twilight: approximately 3 hours 30 minutes

The Seasider Full Day: approximately 8 hours 30 minutes

The Seasider Full Day+: approximately 9 hours 30 minutes

What is the Arc Brewery Stop-Off?

The Arc Brewery Stop-Off is an alternative way to travel on the standard Seasider service.

You'll travel north from Dunedin aboard The Seasider before leaving the train at Arc Brewery.

You'll have approximately 90 minutes at the brewery while the train continues to Merton.

The train then turns around at Merton and collects you on its return journey to Dunedin.

If you choose the Arc Brewery Stop-Off, you will not travel the section of the route between Arc Brewery and Merton.

Can I visit Arc Brewery and still travel to Merton?

No. The Arc Brewery Stop-Off and the full journey to Merton are two different ways to experience the same standard Seasider service.

Passengers who choose Arc Brewery leave the train before Merton and rejoin it on the return journey.

What is The Seasider Twilight?

The Seasider Twilight is the standard Seasider journey operating later in the day.

It follows the same route from Dunedin Railway Station to Merton and return and takes approximately 3.5 hours.

The main difference is the later departure, giving you a different way to experience the coastline as the light and conditions change.

What is The Seasider Full Day?

The Seasider Full Day travels from Dunedin Railway Station along the coast to Ōamaru.

The complete journey takes approximately 8 hours 30 minutes and includes around three hours to explore Ōamaru before returning to Dunedin.

What is The Seasider Full Day+?

The Seasider Full Day+ also travels to Ōamaru but gives passengers an additional hour at the destination.

The journey takes approximately 9 hours 30 minutes and includes around four hours to explore Ōamaru.

Some Full Day+ journeys may operate around selected events and festivals.

What's the difference between Full Day and Full Day+?

Both journeys travel from Dunedin to Ōamaru and return on the same day.

The difference is the amount of time you have in Ōamaru.

Full Day: approximately 3-hour stopover and 8-hour 30-minute overall journey.

Full Day+: approximately 4-hour stopover and 9-hour 30-minute overall journey.

What can I see from The Seasider?

The Seasider includes views of the Pacific Ocean, beaches, cliffs, coastal landscapes and communities north of Dunedin.

Full Day and Full Day+ passengers experience an extended section of the coastal railway as the train continues north towards Ōamaru.

Are there viewing platforms?

Yes. Viewing platforms are available on the carriages, allowing passengers to experience the coastline from another perspective during the journey.

A dedicated viewing carriage is also planned.

Is there food onboard?

Yes. Food and drinks are available to purchase from the onboard café operated by Precinct.

Can I bring my own food?

You can bring your own snacks.

Hot takeaway food and meals from fast-food restaurants are not permitted onboard.

Are there toilets onboard?

Yes. Toilet facilities are available onboard The Seasider.

Is there heating and air conditioning?

Yes. The carriages have heating and air conditioning.

Is seating allocated?

Yes. Seating is allocated before check-in and your seat details are provided when you arrive.

If you have a seating request, contact the booking team at least 72 hours before departure. Requests cannot be guaranteed.

Is The Seasider wheelchair accessible?

A wheelchair-accessible carriage and wheelchair lift are available on selected services.

Accessibility at Merton, Arc Brewery and Ōamaru may differ, so please contact our team before booking if you require wheelchair access or have other accessibility requirements.

Can I bring a pram?

Prams can be accommodated where storage space is available.

Please contact the team at least 72 hours before departure so we can confirm space.

Is The Seasider suitable for children?

Children are welcome aboard The Seasider.

The standard 3.5-hour journey can be a good option for families wanting to experience Dunedin's coastline by rail.

[CONFIRM AGE / CHILD POLICY FOR ARC BREWERY AND SELECTED EVENT DEPARTURES]

Can cruise passengers take The Seasider?

Yes, when the operating date and departure time fit within your ship's schedule.

Because Seasider departures vary, cruise passengers should check the specific journey time carefully before booking.

Passengers booking independently need to allow enough time to travel between Port Chalmers and Dunedin Railway Station and return to the ship before its all-aboard time.

How do I get to Dunedin Railway Station?

Dunedin Railway Station is located on Anzac Avenue in central Dunedin.

It is approximately 500 metres from the Octagon and can be reached on foot, by car, taxi or other local transport.

Public pay-and-display parking is available nearby.

Does The Seasider operate every day?

No. The Seasider operates on selected dates, and different Seasider experiences operate at different times throughout the year.

Check current availability when planning your visit.

Does The Seasider run in bad weather?

[INSERT CONFIRMED SEASIDER WEATHER POLICY]

Do I need to book in advance?

We recommend booking ahead.

Seasider services operate on selected dates, and Full Day, Full Day+ and event departures may have limited availability.

Same-day bookings may be possible when seats remain available.

What is the cancellation policy?

[USE APPROVED BOOKING AND CANCELLATION POLICY, WITH CLEAR EXCEPTIONS FOR SPECIAL AND EVENT SERVICES WHERE APPLICABLE]

Still have a question?

Our team at Dunedin Railway Station can help you choose the Seasider journey that best suits your plans.