Classic Tour

6 days

From: NZ$2999

Departure: Wellington

Destination: Christchurch

Check Dates

Join us on this guided scenic tour across the Cook Strait, past coastal beaches and through mountain valleys.

Highlights

  • Sail across the scenic Cook Strait
  • Sip world-class wine along the vines in Marlborough
  • Glide along untouched coastline by scenic rail
  • Whales, dolphins, and sea life – spend a day by the ocean in Kaikōura
  • Be captivated by the storytelling of your Tour Director throughout your great journey

 

What you get along the way

 

Transportation

  • Interislander Ferry journey across the Cook Strait
  • Coastal Pacific Scenic Train
  • Private Coaches to reach regional gems
  • Private shuttles (excluding airport arrival)
  • Porterage

 

Meals 

  • 5 Breakfasts
  • 2 Dinners
  • 1  Meal on the train

 

Accommodation

  • 3.5 - 4 Star Hotel (5 nights)
  • Twin Share 
  • Single Upgrade Available 

 

Minimum Age:

  • 16 years and over
  • Under 18 must be accompanied by an adult

 

Group Size

Maximum of 35 people. 

Itinerary

Explore Wellington

Kia Ora!

Welcome to Wellington – New Zealand’s capital city! Wellington is known for its world-class dining, great coffee and eccentric shops.


After checking into your hotel and reading your welcome letter from your Tour Director, head out and explore all that Wellington has to offer. This is the perfect opportunity to get cultured at Te Papa Museum or grab a drink at one of the many quirky bars on Cuba Street. You may even fancy a ride on the cable car!


After an exciting day on the town, your tour will officially begin as you join your fellow travellers and Tour Director at this evening’s welcome reception.

 

Accommodation

3.5 - 4 Star Accommodation(1 night)

Meals Included

A welcome drink is included in tonight's reception. 

Activities

Welcome Reception

Crossing the Cook Strait

This morning you will say poroporoaki ki te motu raki (good-bye to the North Island) as you sail to the South Island, crossing the Cook Strait on the Interislander Ferry. As the shores of the North Island slowly disappear, enjoy a hearty seafaring breakfast on board. 

Around midday, you will be spoiled with captivating harbour views as you enter the Queen Charlotte Sound. Admire the beauty of this coastal paradise as you arrive at the gateway of the South Island, Picton. Step off the Interislander Ferry and join your next world-class experience onboard a Marlborough Wine Tour!

 

Accommodation

3.5 - 4 Star Accommodation(1 night)

Meals

Breakfast

Activities

  • Interislander Ferry
  • Marlborough Wine Tour

The Coastal Pacific Scenic Train

After enjoying a delightful breakfast, the morning is yours to explore.

You’ll hear the hoot of the Coastal Pacific train as it pulls in, to bring you on yet another scenic experience. This time – along the rugged coastline of the South Island. On this train journey, you will glide across remote beaches, between mountains and sea, on a timeless voyage of breath-taking beauty. Keep an eye out for the fur seals lazing on the rocks! 

Once in Kaikoura, the evening will be yours to enjoy some iconic kai moana (seafood) either at the sublime Sudima Kaikoura or at one of the popular restaurants.  

restaurants. 

Accommodation

3.5 - 4 Star Accommodation(1 night)

Meals 

Breakfast

 Activities Included

Coastal Pacific Scenic Train Experience

Explore Kaikōura

 

A Whale of a Time 

Today will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You will have the opportunity to go whale watching!  Enjoy today’s optional thrill of an up-close encounter with the world's largest-toothed predator, the Giant Sperm Whale who live in the waters of Kaikoura year-round.

Want to get an aerial experience of the wildlife? Why not request a plane ride to capture the true grandeur of it all?

Whether you have decided to go whale watching or swimming with the dolphins and seals, we're sure you will be feeling peckish. Head to the hub of the action on the main street to sample some iconic New Zealand food - you can't go wrong with the humble Kiwiana fish and chips. Work off the deep-fried delights by wandering through the wonderful array of local artisan stores and souvenir shops. 

In the late afternoon, your journey will continue, once again, on the Coastal Pacific Train en route to Christchurch, or “The Garden City”.  The spectacular scenery won’t cease to amaze as you journey south through the rolling hills and extensive plains. Enjoy the relaxing journey with a glass of wine in hand.

 

Accommodation

3.5 - 4 Star Accommodation (2 nights in Christchurch)

Meals 

Breakfast, Dinner on train 

Activities

Coastal Pacific Scenic Train Journey

Explore Christchurch

Exploring The Garden City

Christchurch, the hub for South Island exploration, is also a wonderful city that blends modern architecture and technology with the existing 19th-century Anglican ‘gothic revival’ architectural influence. Often remembered for its earthquake in 2011, the city is rebuilding itself as a multicultural haven. So, without further delay, jump on the historic tram to learn the history, tales and culture of Ōtautahi Christchurch.

Enjoy your free time as you explore the Arts Centre, Quake City Museum, Christchurch Art Gallery, and Botanical Gardens. Ride on the city tram to uncover Christchurch's great history, or relax as you punt on the Avon River. There is also a multitude of delicious cafés tucked into quaint side streets we're sure you will love. If you are in the mood for something different, set off for Akaroa, an ‘incroyable’ French coastal settlement just an hour and half from the city centre.  

This evening is your final hurrah as you enjoy a farewell dinner. This is the perfect time to reminisce and share photos and phone numbers with your new friends. 

Accommodation

3.5 - 4 Star Accommodation(2 nights in Christchurch)

Meals

Breakfast, Dinner

Activities

  • Christchurch Tram City Tour 
  • Farewell Dinner

Departing Christchurch

Your journey will end after enjoying a final breakfast with your fellow travellers.

Not ready to leave Christchurch? Reach out to our Travel Centre to pre-organise your extended stay.

 

Meals Included

Breakfast

Activities

Transfer to airport

Available Dates

Product Code: CWC

Our Classic Coastal Highlights Tour departs on the following dates. To book your place, either call us on 0800 872 467 (+64 4 495 0775) or click the Book Now button and complete the enquiry form. You can choose to pay 20% and then pay the balance 66 days before departure.

Start Wellington

25 APR 2023

 
 

days

6

 
 
 

Finish Christchurch

30 APR 2023

NZ$

2999

per person

twin/share

Start Christchurch

6 OCT 2023

 
 

days

6

 
 
 

Finish Wellington

11 OCT 2023

NZ$

2999

per person

twin/share

Start Wellington

10 OCT 2023

 
 

days

6

 
 
 

Finish Christchurch

15 OCT 2023

NZ$

2999

per person

twin/share

Start Wellington

28 NOV 2023

 
 

days

6

 
 
 

Finish Christchurch

3 DEC 2023

NZ$

2999

per person

twin/share

Start Wellington

12 DEC 2023

 
 

days

6

 
 
 

Finish Christchurch

17 DEC 2023

NZ$

2999

per person

twin/share

Start Wellington

2 JAN 2024

 
 

days

6

 
 
 

Finish Christchurch

7 JAN 2024

NZ$

2999

per person

twin/share

Start Wellington

30 JAN 2024

 
 

days

6

 
 
 

Finish Christchurch

4 FEB 2024

NZ$

2999

per person

twin/share

Start Wellington

27 FEB 2024

 
 

days

6

 
 
 

Finish Christchurch

3 MAR 2024

NZ$

2999

per person

twin/share

Start Wellington

5 MAR 2024

 
 

days

6

 
 
 

Finish Christchurch

10 MAR 2024

NZ$

2999

per person

twin/share

Start Wellington

26 MAR 2024

 
 

days

6

 
 
 

Finish Christchurch

31 MAR 2024

NZ$

2999

per person

twin/share

Looking for more dates?

Sign up for updates and we'll contact you!

 
 
 

Solo Traveller Options

Guaranteed Share: If you are a solo traveller, you can choose the guaranteed Share option, and we will match you with another solo traveller of the same gender in a twin-bedded room. If we can't match you with another solo traveller, we will cover the Single Supplement cost.

Single Supplement: If you are a Solo Traveller and would like a room to yourself, you can select to pay the Single Supplement when confirming your booking.

 

Symbol Key

This tour date is guaranteed to depart

Single supplement available 

Hurry! This tour is either almost sold out or close to departure

Last chance to grab this special offer! Confirmation is on request, subject to availability

Earlybird price! Get 2022/23 season pricing on bookings and deposits received by 31 March 2023.

Important Information

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