Join us on this guided adventure between Wellington and Christchurch. Glide across the magnificent Cook Strait, along coastal beaches and through mountain valleys.
Highlights
- Glide along untouched coastline by scenic rail
- Cruise alongside magnificent views while crossing the Cook Strait
- Sip world-class wine among the vines in Marlborough
- Whales, dolphins, and sea life – spend a day by the ocean in Kaikōura
- Be captivated by the storytelling of your local Tour Director along this great journey
You'll love this tour
This adventure is an enviable trip designed for those who want a stress-free, scenic journey like no other. Meet like-minded travellers while experiencing world-class activities in charming locations.
Inclusions
- Experienced Tour Director
- Cook Strait Ferry Crossing
- Marlborough Wine Experience
- Wildlife Experience in Kaikōura
- Christchurch Tramway Restaurant
- Coastal Pacific Scenic Train 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 Meals on the train
Accommodation
- 4 to 4.5 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 20 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 dinner.
Accommodation
4 - 4.5 Star Accommodation (1 Night)
Meals Included
Dinner
Crossing the Cook Strait
Adventure to the South - Haere ra to Te Ika a Maui
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, settle down in the comfy seats in the Premium Lounge. Treat yourself to a mimosa and enjoy a hearty seafaring breakfast, but save some room for morning tea!
On your journey across Cook Strait you may spot pods of dolphins playing in the wake or, if you are very lucky, a whale. Don’t spend all your time inside – as you enter the stunning Queen Charlotte Sound enjoy the views as you cruise past the remnants of whaling stations, remote working sheep farms, pristine native bush and mussel farms. Admire the beauty of this coastal paradise as you arrive into the gateway of the South Island, Picton. Step off the Interislander Ferry and join your next world-class experience aboard a Marlborough Wine Tour.
Accommodation
4 - 4.5 Star Accommodation (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Activities
- Interislander Ferry
- Marlborough Wine Tour
The Coastal Pacific Scenic Train
The morning is yours to explore Picton. Meander through the impressive Edwin Fox- the world’s oldest surviving merchant sailing ships, the local craft stores, and coastal walks. Enjoy the waterfront cafés before boarding the Coastal Pacific train for another highlight rail journey through the Marlborough Wine Region.
Today you will be travelling into Kaikōura. Relax as the train glides across remote beaches, between mountains and sea, on a timeless journey of breath-taking beauty. Keep an eye out for the fur seals lazing on the rocks!
Once in Kaikōura, the evening will be yours to enjoy some iconic kai moana (seafood) at one of the quaint restaurants before enjoying your luxurious ocean-front hotel.
Accommodation
4 - 4.5 Star Accommodation (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Activities
Coastal Pacific Scenic Train Journey
Explore Kaikōura
Today will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience of whale, dolphin, or albatross watching! Enjoy today’s thrill of an up-close encounter with the world's largest-toothed predator, the Giant Sperm Whale, who reside in Kaikōura’s waters year-round. If you would prefer to gain an aerial experience of the wildlife, why not request a plane ride to capture the true grandeur of it all?
After this outstanding experience, we're sure you will be feeling peckish. Head to the beach 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 highlight day will continue as you rejoin the Coastal Pacific Train en route to Christchurch. The spectacular scenery doesn’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 as you indulge in a gourmet meal from the onboard scenic café.
Sit back and relax for the remainder of the evening before hitting the town the following day.
Accommodation
4 - 4.5 Star Accommodation (2 night)
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner on the train
Activities
- Choice of Whale, Dolphin, or Albatross Experience
- Coastal Pacific Train Journey
Explore Christchurch
Christchurch, the hub for South Island exploration, is also a wonderful city that blends modern architecture and technology with the 19th-century Anglican 'gothic revival' architectural influence. Often remembered for its earthquake in 2011, the city is rebuilding itself into a multicultural haven.
Today you are free to explore the museums, Riverside Markets, Punting on the Avon, Gondola and botanical gardens. There is also a multitude of delicious cafés tucked into quaint side streets we're sure you will love.
This evening, you will re-join your fellow travellers for a ‘final hurrah’ and a special dinner on Christchurch’s historic dinner tram. Enjoy a wonderful circuit of the city while indulging in fantastic conversation and seasonal cuisine.
Accommodation
4 - 4.5 Star Accommodation (2 Nights in Christchurch)
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Activities
Christchurch Historic Tramway Dinner
Departing Christchurch
Your journey will end after enjoying a final breakfast at the hotel.
Not ready to leave Christchurch? Reach out to our Travel Centre to pre-organise your extended stay.
Meals
Breakfast
Activities
Transfer to airport
Included activities
Our Signature Captivating Coast Tour between Wellington and Christchurch tour includes several of New Zealand's must-do activities:
Included journeys
Our Signature Wellington to Christchurch tour includes two of the greatest journeys in New Zealand - the Interislander Cook Strait crossing and the Coastal Pacific train.
Journey highlights
The journey is part of the destination on our tours, and our Scenic trains and ferries are the ultimate way to see New Zealand.
On our Signature Captivating Coast tour, your journey will begin with a cruise by ferry through Wellington Harbour and across Cook Strait to the magnificent Marlborough Sounds.
From Picton, you'll voyage through vineyards and along the Pacific Coast to Kaikoura aboard the Coastal Pacific train.
Your final journey is again aboard the Coastal Pacific train, meandering alongside secluded beaches on your way to Christchurch.
Led by a local
From the moment you arrive, your talented Tour Director will be on hand to lead and guide you through New Zealand.
Armed with all the local knowledge you could ever need and years of experience leading tours, your Tour Director will take you behind the scenery and lead you deep into our wonderful New Zealand culture.
Whenever you have a question or need help, your Tour Director will be at your side. They'll also organise optional activities on your behalf if you wish and help with any little issues that pop up along the way.
You'll never be left wondering or wandering with our Tour Director around.
Available Dates
Tour Code: SWC
Our Signature Captivating Coast Tour departs on the following dates. To book your spot, either call us on +64 3 341 2698 or click the Book Now button and complete the enquiry form. You can choose to pay a 20% deposit and then pay the balance 66 days before departure.
Start Wellington
21 FEB 2023
days
6
Finish Christchurch
26 FEB 2023
NZ$
4499
per person
twin/share
Start Wellington
4 APR 2023
days
6
Finish Christchurch
9 APR 2023
NZ$
4499
per person
twin/share
Start Wellington
19 SEP 2023
days
6
Finish Christchurch
24 SEP 2023
NZ$
4499
per person
twin/share
Start Wellington
31 OCT 2023
days
6
Finish Christchurch
5 NOV 2023
NZ$
4499
per person
twin/share
Start Wellington
21 NOV 2023
days
6
Finish Christchurch
26 NOV 2023
NZ$
4499
per person
twin/share
Start Wellington
16 JAN 2024
days
6
Finish Christchurch
21 JAN 2024
NZ$
4499
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
2 FEB 2024
days
6
Finish Wellington
7 FEB 2024
NZ$
4499
per person
twin/share
Start Wellington
20 FEB 2024
days
6
Finish Christchurch
25 FEB 2024
NZ$
4499
per person
twin/share
Start Wellington
12 MAR 2024
days
6
Finish Christchurch
17 MAR 2024
NZ$
4499
per person
twin/share
Start Wellington
2 APR 2024
days
6
Finish Christchurch
7 APR 2024
NZ$
4499
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
12 APR 2024
days
6
Finish Wellington
17 APR 2024
NZ$
4499
per person
twin/share
Start Wellington
23 APR 2024
days
6
Finish Christchurch
28 APR 2024
NZ$
4499
per person
twin/share
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
Any questions?
Whether it's pricing, availability, future dates, tour options or extended itineraries, our super-friendly and knowledgeable Travel Centre team is on hand to answer your questions and help build your perfect New Zealand holiday.
Give us a call or contact us online, we can't wait to hear from you.