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Great Journeys New Zealand (KiwiRail) · Escorted tour

Classic | Coastal Highlights Tour

Guided 6-day NZ rail tour, Wellington to Christchurch via Kaikōura

Illustration of Classic | Coastal Highlights Tour

Great Journeys New Zealand, which operates New Zealand's KiwiRail network, runs this 6-day escorted tour from Wellington to Christchurch, crossing from the North Island to the South Island by rail and ferry. An experienced tour director travels with the group throughout. After a night in Wellington, the Interislander ferry crosses Cook Strait via Queen Charlotte Sound to Marlborough, where a free morning in Picton or Blenheim precedes the Coastal Pacific train's run through the Marlborough wine region to Kaikōura, a coastal town known for whale watching and dolphin swimming. The train continues south the next day along the Pacific coastline to Christchurch, with dinner served on board, for a two-night stay that includes a free day for the historic tram, the Arts Centre, Botanical Gardens, or punting on the Avon. It suits travellers who want to see New Zealand's coastline by scenic rail without renting a car or planning the connections themselves.

What to know before you look closer

  • Private coaches and shuttles are included between tour stops, but airport arrival transfers are excluded.
  • Porterage is included only at selected locations, not across all 5 nights.
  • Free time on days 1, 3, 4, and 5 is built around optional activities such as whale watching, dolphin swimming, and an Akaroa trip that are not listed as included.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Wellington (1 night)

    Welcome to Wellington

    Welcome to Wellington, New Zealand's capital city. Check into your hotel, explore Te Papa Museum and Cuba Street. Tour begins this evening with a welcome reception.

  2. Day 2overnight: Marlborough (1 night)

    Crossing Cook Strait

    Interislander ferry crossing Cook Strait via Queen Charlotte Sound, arriving into Marlborough / Picton.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Kaikōura (1 night)

    The Coastal Pacific scenic train

    Free morning in Picton or the Omaka Aviation Museum in Blenheim, then the Coastal Pacific train through the Marlborough wine region to Kaikōura.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Christchurch (2 nights)

    Explore Kaikōura

    Optional whale watching or dolphin swimming, then the Coastal Pacific train continues south to Christchurch, dinner served on board.

  5. Day 5overnight: Christchurch (2 nights)

    Explore Christchurch

    Free day: historic tram, Arts Centre, Botanical Gardens, punting on the Avon, optional Akaroa trip. Farewell dinner in the evening.

  6. Day 6

    Departing Christchurch

    Tour ends after breakfast at the hotel.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2The Interislander ferry crosses Cook Strait via Queen Charlotte Sound from Wellington to Marlborough.
  • Day 3The Coastal Pacific train runs through the Marlborough wine region to Kaikōura.
  • Day 4The Coastal Pacific continues south along the coast to Christchurch, with dinner served on board.
  • Day 5A free day in Christchurch includes a historic tram ride, the Arts Centre, Botanical Gardens, and punting on the Avon.

Included

  • Experienced tour director
  • Christchurch city tour
  • Cook Strait ferry crossing
  • Coastal Pacific scenic train journey
  • Free time and optional excursions
  • 5 breakfasts
  • 2 dinners
  • 1 meal on the train
  • 3-4 star hotel accommodation, 5 nights, twin share
  • Private coaches and shuttles (excluding airport arrival)
  • Porterage at selected locations

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes, the Coastal Pacific scenic train from Marlborough to Christchurch via Kaikōura is included, with 1 meal served on board.
Is this tour escorted or independent?
It is a fully guided escorted tour with an experienced tour director throughout.
Which train is used?
The Coastal Pacific, running from Marlborough to Christchurch via Kaikōura.
What hotels are included?
3-4 star hotels for 5 nights, twin share: 1 night each in Wellington, Marlborough, and Kaikōura, and 2 nights in Christchurch.
When does this tour run?
Departures run from September 2026 through April 2027, with 20 scheduled departures, priced from NZD 3,499 (about USD 1,998).
What is not included?
Airport arrival transfers are not included, and porterage is included only at selected locations.

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