You’ll love this tour
Explore the lower North and upper South Islands on the Classic coastal highlights tour, a 6-day guided rail journey with Great Journeys New Zealand. Cross Cook Strait, travel the spectacular Pacific coastline and enjoy vibrant city highlights, all in one easy, stress-free itinerary. With an experienced tour director guiding the journey, the Classic coastal highlights tour brings coastal views, cultural stories and scenic train moments together seamlessly.
Highlights
- Sail across the scenic Cook Strait
- 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's included
Activities
- Experienced tour director
- Christchurch city tour
- Cook Strait ferry crossing
- Coastal Pacific scenic train journey
- Free time and optional excursions to personalise your holiday
*Please note: Tour inclusions may vary depending on the season of departure.
Transport
- Interislander ferry journey across the Cook Strait
- Coastal Pacific scenic train
- Private coaches to reach regional gems
- Private shuttles (excluding airport arrival)
- Porterage at selected locations
Meals
- 5 Breakfasts
- 2 Dinners
- 1 Meal on the train
Accommodation
- 3–4 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 peopleIt was a fun trip, and a great way to see parts of Coastal New Zealand without renting a car. Our super fun tour guide handled glitches with humor and ease. Nice mix of time with group and time alone, with plenty of side tour options
- Nancy
Welcome to Christchurch
Kia Ora!
Welcome to Christchurch – New Zealand’s Garden City! The largest city in the South Island, Christchurch is known for its historical earthquake in 2011 and how it rebuilt itself into a charming, multicultural city that blends modern architecture and technology with the existing 19th-century Anglican influence.
After checking into your hotel and reading your welcome letter from your Tour Director, head out and explore all that Christchurch has to offer. This is the perfect opportunity to wander through the enticing stalls at Riverside Market or explore the botanical gardens before heading to the art gallery, museums, and other city attractions.
Your journey will officially begin as you join your fellow travelers and Tour Director at this evening’s welcome dinner.
Accommodation
3 - 4 Star Accommodation (1 night)
Meals Included
Dinner
Activities
Welcome Dinner
Coastal Pacific Train to Kaikōura
Your first train journey departs Christchurch on route to Kaikōura. Enjoy breakfast on board as the smell of aromatic coffee dances through the carriages. In a few short hours, you will step foot into marine wildlife paradise.
Kaikōura has a range of exciting activities to choose from. Will you seek the whale watching, albatross, or dolphin encounter, or simply peruse the local artisan and gift shops? The rest of the day is yours to explore.
Accommodation
3 - 4 Star Accommodation (1 night)
Meals Included
Breakfast
Activities Included
Coastal Pacific Scenic Train Experience
Coastal Pacific Train to Marlborough
After breakfast, your Tour Director will guide you back to the Kaikōura Railway Station to board the Coastal Pacific train for the next leg of your journey.
Relax and let the train glide you 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!
This afternoon you'll arrive into your final South Island destination. Soak up the views and maybe even join a wine tour to enjoy delicious wine amongst the vines. Listen to passionate wine makers describe the history and processes of these flavorful grapes. The evening is free for you to explore.
Accommodation
3 - 4 Star Accommodation (1 night)
Meals Included
Breakfast
Activities
Coastal Pacific Scenic Train Experience
Crossing Cook Strait
This morning you'll say good-bye to the South Island as you sail towards the capital. Crossing Cook Strait on the Interislander Ferry, the South Island shores will slowly disappear as you enjoy a hearty seafaring lunch onboard.
Spoiled with harbour views, admire the coastal paradise as you glide through the scenic Queen Charlotte Sound and arrive into Wellington. Step off the Interislander Ferry and start your North Island adventure by exploring Wellington city.
Accommodation
3 - 4 Star Accommodation (2 nights in Wellington)
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Activities
Interislander Ferry
Explore Wellington
The perfect day does exist – and it includes exploring Wellington!
Today is free for you to experience vibrant Wellington as you please. Start by joining a Te Papa Introduction Tour and then head off to explore Cuba Street’s cafes, bookstores, and eccentric shops. Zealandia Eco-Sanctuary is just around the corner where you can surround yourself by native birdlife and regenerating forest. You won’t get bored with the plethora of activities on offer. From coffee, culture, historic buildings botanic gardens and more, the list goes on! If you need any suggestions or recommendations, just reach out to your helpful Tour Director or our Travel Centre to pre-book an experience.
A farewell dinner awaits as you join your fellow travelers once again to tell them about the exciting places you have discovered.
Accommodation
3 - 4 Star Accommodation (2 nights in Wellington)
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Activities
Te Papa Museum Introduction Tour
Farewell Dinner
Departing Wellington
Your journey will end after enjoying a final breakfast at your hotel.
Not ready to leave Wellington? Reach out to our Travel Centre to pre-organise your extended stay.
Meals Included
Breakfast
Welcome to 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 - 4 star accommodation (1 night)
Meals Included
A welcome dinner, and welcome drink
Activities
Welcome reception
Crossing 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 experience Marlborough.
Accommodation
3 - 4 star accommodation (1 night)
Meals included
Breakfast
Activities
Interislander ferry
The Coastal Pacific scenic train
The morning is yours to explore. Meander through the local craft stores and coastal walks in Picton, or perhaps discover the Omaka Aviation Museum in Blenheim. Enjoy the waterfront cafés before boarding the Coastal Pacific train for a highlight rail journey through the Marlborough Wine Region.
Today you will be travelling to Kaikōura. Relax and let the train glide you across remote beaches, between mountains and sea, on a timeless journey of breathtaking 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.
Accommodation
3 - 4 star accommodation (1 night)
Meals included
Breakfast
Activities
Coastal Pacific scenic train experience
Explore Kaikōura
Today will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. when you 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 Kaikōura year-round.
Want to get an aerial experience of the wildlife? You can request a flight 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 - 4 star accommodation (2 nights in Christchurch)
Meals included
Breakfast, dinner on train
Activities
Coastal Pacific scenic train experience
Explore Christchurch
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.
A farewell dinner awaits as you join your fellow travellers once again to tell them about the exciting places you have discovered.
Accommodation
3 - 4 star accommodation (2 nights in Christchurch)
Meals included
Breakfast, dinner
Activities
Christchurch Tram city tour
Farewell dinner
Departing Christchurch
Your journey will end after breakfast at your hotel.
Not ready to leave Christchurch? Reach out to our Travel Centre to pre-organise your extended stay.
Meals included
Breakfast
Add more to your tour
There are dozens of optional activities you can enjoy on your Coastal highlights tour, but these are our top four must-do activities:
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
17 MAR 2026
days
6
Finish Christchurch
22 MAR 2026
NZ$
3399
per person
twin/share
Start Wellington
31 MAR 2026
days
6
Finish Christchurch
5 APR 2026
NZ$
3399
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
24 APR 2026
days
6
Finish Wellington
29 APR 2026
NZ$
3399
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
19 SEPT 2026
days
7
Finish Queenstown
25 SEPT 2026
NZ$
4999
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
3 OCT 2026
days
7
Finish Queenstown
9 OCT 2026
NZ$
4999
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
17 OCT 2026
days
7
Finish Queenstown
23 OCT 2026
NZ$
4999
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
7 NOV 2026
days
7
Finish Queenstown
13 NOV 2026
NZ$
4999
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
21 NOV 2026
days
7
Finish Queenstown
27 NOV 2026
NZ$
4999
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
28 NOV 2026
days
7
Finish Queenstown
4 DEC 2026
NZ$
4999
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
12 DEC 2026
days
7
Finish Queenstown
18 DEC 2026
NZ$
4999
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
19 DEC 2026
days
7
Finish Queenstown
25 DEC 2026
NZ$
4999
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
2 JAN 2027
days
7
Finish Queenstown
8 JAN 2027
NZ$
4999
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
9 JAN 2027
days
7
Finish Queenstown
15 JAN 2027
NZ$
4999
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
23 JAN 2027
days
7
Finish Queenstown
29 JAN 2027
NZ$
4999
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
30 JAN 2027
days
7
Finish Queenstown
5 FEB 2027
NZ$
4999
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
6 FEB 2027
days
7
Finish Queenstown
12 FEB 2027
NZ$
4999
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
20 FEB 2027
days
7
Finish Queenstown
26 FEB 2027
NZ$
4999
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
27 FEB 2027
days
7
Finish Queenstown
5 MAR 2027
NZ$
4999
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
6 MAR 2027
days
7
Finish Queenstown
12 MAR 2027
NZ$
4999
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
13 MAR 2027
days
7
Finish Queenstown
19 MAR 2027
NZ$
4999
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
20 MAR 2027
days
7
Finish Queenstown
26 MAR 2027
NZ$
4999
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
10 APR 2027
days
7
Finish Queenstown
16 APR 2027
NZ$
4999
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
17 APR 2027
days
7
Finish Queenstown
23 APR 2027
NZ$
4999
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
24 APR 2027
days
7
Finish Queenstown
30 APR 2027
NZ$
4999
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
1 MAY 2027
days
7
Finish Queenstown
7 MAY 2027
NZ$
4999
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
Northbound Tour: This tour travels from South to North
Important Information
Tales from the tours
Get the inside story by travelling with us from Auckland to Queenstown aboard one of our New Zealand rail tours in our “Tales from the tours” blog series!
FAQS
The Classic Wellington to Christchurch Tour is a 6-day guided rail journey linking the North and South Islands with the Cook Strait ferry and the Coastal Pacific scenic train.
- Cook Strait crossing
- Kaikōura coastal scenery
- Christchurch city experience
- Expert tour director
- Optional activities available in select destinations.
- Easy short guided rail tour
- Coastal scenic train experience
- Small group travel
- No self-driving required
This guided experience runs for 6 days.
The Coastal Pacific scenic train and Cook Strait ferry crossing.
Included highlights:
The tour starts in Wellington and finishes in Christchurch. Reverse departures may also operate.
Ideal for travellers aged 16+ wanting a shorter guided rail holiday showcasing South Island coastal highlights.
Includes daily breakfast and 5 nights in 3 - 4 star accommodation (twin share).
Seasonal departures operate from September through April.
Yes, free time allows you to add optional excursions.
Any questions?
Whether it's pricing, availability, future dates, tour options or extended itineraries, our super-friendly and knowledgeable New Zealand travel specialists are here to help.
Our Travel Centre are on hand to answer your questions and help you build your perfect New Zealand holiday.
Give us a call or contact us online; we can't wait to hear from you.