What to expect on The Seasider
Planning your Seasider journey
Several coastal train experiences operate under The Seasider name.
The route you travel, how long you're onboard and whether you have a destination stop depend on the experience you choose.
Here's what to know before you travel.
First, choose your journey
The Seasider
The standard coastal experience travels from Dunedin to Merton and return.
- Duration: Approximately 3.5 hours
- Destination: Merton
- Typical operation: Every Saturday in summer
- Check-in opens: 2:00 pm
- Boarding closes: 2:45 pm
- Departure: 3:00 pm
- Arrival: 6:30 pm
Check-in
Check in at the ticket office inside Dunedin Railway Station.
You can show your digital booking confirmation or simply provide the name your booking was made under. There is no need to print your ticket.
Your allocated seating details will be provided at check-in.
Boarding
After checking in, our team will direct you to the platform and your allocated carriage.
Make sure you're onboard by the boarding cut-off shown on your booking confirmation.
During the journey
Depending on the experience you choose, you can:
- Relax in your allocated seat aboard a classic railway carriage.
- Step onto the viewing platforms.
- Listen to live onboard storytelling.
- Purchase food and drinks from Precinct's onboard café.
- Watch the Pacific coastline pass from the train.
- Spend 90 minutes at Arc Brewery.
- Explore Ōamaru for three or four hours on a Full Day journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear?
There is no dress code onboard The Seasider.
Comfortable clothing and flat footwear are recommended.
The coastline can be cooler or windier than central Dunedin, particularly when using the viewing platforms, so bring an extra layer even when conditions in the city are mild.
For Twilight journeys, consider bringing an additional warm layer as temperatures may drop later in the day.
What should I bring?
We recommend bringing:
- Your booking confirmation or booking name.
- Comfortable layers.
- A rain jacket if the forecast is uncertain.
- Cash for the onboard café where reception may be limited.
- Anything you need during your Arc Brewery or Ōamaru stop.
Can I bring children on The Seasider
Children are welcome aboard The Seasider.
Children can move throughout the train and visit the viewing platforms with an accompanying adult but must be supervised at all times.
Infants aged 0–2 years travel free on eligible standard journeys but must still be included in the booking.
Pram storage is limited. Contact the booking team at least 72 hours before departure if you plan to bring a pram.
What happens in bad weather?
The Seasider operates in a range of weather conditions.
Coastal weather can change quickly, and the views you experience will naturally vary depending on conditions.
The Seasider generally operates in a range of weather conditions. If Dunedin Railway Station needs to cancel a journey, passengers will receive a refund of the ticket price, excluding booking fees, in accordance with our cancellation policy.
If you're unsure whether your journey is operating due to severe weather or other conditions, check your booking communications or contact our team before travelling to the station.