Search

Great Journeys New Zealand (KiwiRail) · Escorted tour (premium / small group)

Signature | Captivating Coast Tour

Seven-day New Zealand rail journey from Wellington to Christchurch with ferry and coach

Illustration of Signature | Captivating Coast Tour

Great Journeys New Zealand operates this 7-day fully guided tour across both islands, departing Wellington and arriving in Christchurch. The journey combines rail, ferry, and coach travel in a carefully sequenced itinerary: you start in New Zealand's capital, cross the Cook Strait by ferry in the Premium Lounge, tour the Marlborough wine region, explore the Marlborough Sounds by water taxi, then ride the Coastal Pacific Scenic Plus train along the Pacific coastline to Kaikōura for a dolphin encounter, and finish in Christchurch with city exploration and dining. Throughout, an experienced tour director coordinates all logistics while you stay in 4 to 5-star hotels and enjoy included meals, tastings at a pāua pearl farm, and curated activities. This tour suits travellers seeking a premium, guided experience without driving, with particular appeal to couples and wine enthusiasts.

What to know before you look closer

  • Group size reaches up to 20 participants, not a small group by some definitions
  • Tour director and guided experiences anchor the pace; limited independent exploration time except in Christchurch and the Sounds

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Wellington (1 night)

    Explore Wellington

    Welcome to Wellington, New Zealand's capital. Check in, explore Te Papa Museum and Cuba Street. Welcome dinner with a welcome drink this evening.

  2. Day 2overnight: Blenheim, Marlborough (1 night)

    Crossing Cook Strait & wine country indulgence

    Interislander ferry crossing in the Premium Lounge, then a Marlborough wine tour with a three-course lunch at Allan Scott Wines Bistro.

  3. Day 3overnight: Marlborough Sounds (1 night)

    Aviation, art & arrival in the Sounds

    Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, then a scenic water taxi into the Marlborough Sounds resort with free leisure time.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Kaikōura (1 night)

    The Coastal Pacific scenic train

    Pāua Pearl Farm tour with a tasting, then board the Coastal Pacific Scenic Train to Kaikōura.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Christchurch (2 nights)

    Explore Kaikōura

    Dolphin Encounter experience in Kaikōura, then the Coastal Pacific Scenic Plus train continues to Christchurch, dinner and dessert included.

  6. Day 6overnight: Christchurch (2 nights)

    Explore Christchurch

    Hop-On Hop-Off Tram, a custom walking tour with a Great Journeys New Zealand guide, and dinner at Earl restaurant.

  7. Day 7

    Departing Christchurch

    Tour ends after a final breakfast; transfer to airport.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Interislander ferry crossing in the Premium Lounge, linking the North and South Islands
  • Day 2Marlborough wine tour with three-course lunch at Allan Scott Wines Bistro
  • Day 4Board the Coastal Pacific Scenic Train from the Marlborough region toward Kaikōura
  • Day 5Dolphin Encounter experience in Kaikōura before continuing to Christchurch by rail

Included

  • Experienced tour director
  • Marlborough Wine Tour custom experience
  • Pāua Pearl Tour with pāua tasting
  • Dolphin Encounter in Kaikōura
  • Hop-on hop-off tram in Christchurch
  • Cook Strait ferry crossing in Premium Lounge
  • Coastal Pacific Scenic Plus
  • 5 breakfasts
  • 2 dinners
  • 1 meal on the train
  • 4-5 star hotel accommodation, 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 Plus train is included, along with the Interislander ferry crossing in the Premium Lounge and private coaches for other legs.
Is the tour escorted?
Yes. Great Journeys New Zealand provides an experienced tour director throughout the journey.
What is included in the price?
Hotel accommodation in 4 to 5-star properties, five breakfasts, two dinners plus one train meal, the Coastal Pacific train, ferry crossing, all included excursions (wine tour, pāua pearl farm, dolphin encounter, Christchurch tram and walking tour), and private transport excluding airport arrival.
When does the tour run?
Great Journeys New Zealand operates departures from September 2026 through April 2027.
What is the price?
From NZD 5,699 (approximately USD 3,254) per person on a twin-share basis.

Similar journeys