I am undecided between doing that leg with the coastal train or by car.?
Which of the two gives you better views of the coastline?
Does the rail line follow the coastline closer that the road or else?/
Car has the advantage of stopping whenever you want and most likely its overlooking the coast at higher elevation. like I suppose PCH 1 between Big Sur and Cambria in California
Thanks

We have done both the Picton - Christchurch and the Cambria - Big Sur drives an IMO Highway 1 wins hands down IMO! Haven't done the rail trip in NZ as we always use a camper van . If you do drive (and possibly if you took the train) I would take a break in Kaikoura.

Thanks . I plan to stop in Kaikoura

I'd drive. More flexibility. The tracks follow pretty close to the road as I recall, although it's been a few years since I drove that stretch.

Can you clarify because both are HWY 1 between Big Sur and Cambria as well as between Picton and chistrchurch
Thank you

When are you traveling?

Service runs daily until May 5, 2024 then pauses for a winter break, and then resumes its four-day service on September 19, 2024.

April 2025!