The Seasider Journey
From Dunedin Railway Station to the Pacific coast
The Seasider begins at Dunedin Railway Station in central Dunedin and travels north towards the Pacific coast.
The standard journey continues to Merton before returning to Dunedin, while passengers can also choose to leave the train along the way for a 90-minute stop at Arc Brewery.
Selected Seasider experiences follow the same journey later in the day aboard The Seasider Twilight or continue further north to Ōamaru aboard The Seasider Full Day and Full Day+.
The Journey
Leaving Dunedin
Your journey begins at Dunedin Railway Station.
After boarding your classic railway carriage, the train leaves central Dunedin and begins travelling north.
The city gradually gives way to coastal communities and open landscapes as the railway approaches the Pacific Ocean.
Reaching the coast
The character of the journey changes as the railway reaches the coastline.
The tracks follow sections of Dunedin's northern coast, opening up views across beaches, cliffs, headlands and the Pacific Ocean.
Viewing platforms provide another way to experience the landscape beyond your allocated seat.
Travelling through coastal Dunedin
The railway continues through communities north of Dunedin as it follows the coast towards Merton.
Along the way, travel through and alongside coastal settlements including Pūrākaunui, Waitati, Warrington, Seacliff and Karitane.
Live onboard storytelling introduces the history and stories connected with the railway, landscapes and communities along the route.
Choose how far you travel
Continue to Merton
Passengers travelling on the standard Seasider remain onboard as the train continues north to Merton.
Merton marks the destination of the standard coastal journey before the train turns around and begins travelling south towards Dunedin.
The complete return experience takes approximately 3.5 hours.
Step off at Arc Brewery
Passengers who have booked the Arc Brewery Stop-Off leave The Seasider on the journey north.
While the train continues towards Merton, you'll spend approximately 90 minutes at Arc Brewery.
The train turns around at Merton and collects Arc Brewery passengers as it travels back towards Dunedin.
Choosing the Arc Brewery Stop-Off means you do not travel the section of the railway between Arc Brewery and Merton.
Travel later aboard The Seasider Twilight
The Seasider Twilight follows the same route as the standard Seasider.
Travel from Dunedin Railway Station to Merton and return on the same approximately 3.5-hour coastal journey, scheduled later in the day.
The changing light creates a different way to experience the same coastline and railway.
Continue to Ōamaru
The Seasider Full Day and Full Day+ continue beyond the standard Seasider route and travel further north to Ōamaru.
Both journeys include time to leave the train and explore Ōamaru independently.
- Full Day: approximately 3 hours in Ōamaru
- Full Day+: approximately 4 hours in Ōamaru
After your stopover, reboard The Seasider for the return coastal journey to Dunedin.
Returning to Dunedin
The journey south gives you another opportunity to see the coastline before arriving back at Dunedin Railway Station.
From here, you're back in central Dunedin and can continue exploring the city.
Make the most of your journey
Everything you need to plan your journey, from checking departure times and check-in details to booking your experience. Get prepared before you arrive, then sit back and enjoy the spectacular scenery along the way.