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
- Spend a day by the ocean in Kaikōura
- Be captivated by the storytelling of your Tour Director along this great journey
Travel Northbound: Christchurch to Wellington Tours Available
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 Plus
*Please note: Tour inclusions may vary depending on the season of departure.
What you get along the way
Transportation
- Interislander Ferry journey across the Cook Strait
- Coastal Pacific Scenic Plus
- 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.
- Interislander Ferry
- 1hr Guided Tour Knights of the Sky at Omaka Aviation Museum
- Te Papa Introduction Tour
- Group Dinner
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.
Enjoy exploring the city onboard the Hop on Hop off Tram service.
Your journey 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
Activities
Welcome Dinner – Christchurch Historic Dinner Tram
Hop on Hop off Tram Service
The Coastal Pacific Train to Kaikōura
Your first train journey departs Christchurch on route to Kaikoura in the luxurious Scenic Plus. Enjoy barista coffee and pastries, followed by a hot breakfast on board. In a few short hours, you will step foot into marine wildlife paradise.
Today will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience of whale 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.
Enjoy your stay this evening at the luxurious Sudima Hotel Kaikōura. Indulge in the views, and amenities as you rest up for tomorrow’s adventures.
Accommodation
4 – 4.5 Star Accommodation (1 night)
Meals Included
Breakfast, Scenic Plus Train Dining Experience
Activities Included
Coastal Pacific Scenic Plus Train Journey
Whale Watching in Kaikōura
The Coastal Pacific Train to Blenheim
After breakfast, your Tour Director will guide you back to the Kaikoura Railway Station to board the Coastal Pacific train for the next leg of your journey.
Embark on a journey aboard the Coastal Pacific, where every moment is elevated in the Scenic Plus class. Delight in a light lunch complemented by beverages, followed by dessert amidst breathtaking vistas.
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, soak up the views and enjoy the tastings as you sip delicious wine amongst the vines. Listen to passionate wine makers describe the history and processes of these flavorful grapes.
Arriving in to Picton, the evening is free to explore.
Accommodation
4 – 4.5 Star Accommodation (1 night)
Meals Included
Breakfast, Scenic Plus Train Dining Experience
Activities
Coastal Pacific Scenic Plus Train Journey
Marlborough Wine Tour
Crossing the Cook Strait
Adventure to the North
This morning you'll head off to the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre near Blenheim which offers a glimpse into New Zealand's role in World Wars I and II, featuring vintage aircraft and exhibits like 'Knights of the Sky' and 'Dangerous Skies,' complete with memorabilia and pilot stories.
After your insightful tour, embark on a journey from the South to North Island via the Interislander Ferry. Enjoy a lunch onboard as you cross Cook Strait, watching the South Island fade into the distance. The ferry offers stunning views through Queen Charlotte Sound before docking in Wellington, where your North Island adventure begins.
Accommodation
4 – 4.5 Star Accommodation (2 nights Wellington)
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch in Premium Ferry Lounge
Activities
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 Museum 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.
Dinner awaits as you join your fellow travellers once again to tell them about the exciting places you have discovered.
Accommodation
4 – 4.5 Star Accommodation (2 nights in Wellington)
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Activities
Departing Wellington
Your journey will end after enjoying a final breakfast with your fellow travelers.
Not ready to leave Wellington? Reach out to our Travel Centre to pre-organise your extended stay.
Meals Included
Breakfast
Activities
Transfer to airport
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. Embark on a journey aboard the Coastal Pacific, where every moment is elevated in the Scenic Plus class. 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!
Delight in a light lunch complemented by beverages, followed by afternoon tea amidst breathtaking vistas.
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, Light Lunch
Activities
Coastal Pacific Scenic Plus Train Journey
Explore Kaikōura
Today will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience of whalewatching! 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.
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.
Gather again for the next leg of your journey. Late afternoon, board the Coastal Pacific for the Scenic Plus experience, treating yourself to unparalleled vistas as you glide along the coastline. Revel in dinner and drinks, included with your Scenic Plus package, as you unwind and soak in the breathtaking scenery.
Relax for the remainder of the evening before hitting the town the following day.
Accommodation
4 - 4.5 Star Accommodation (2 nights in Christchurch)
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Activities
Whale Watching Experience
Coastal Pacific Scenic Plus 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.
Enjoy exploring the city onboard the Hop on Hop off Tram service.
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
Hop on Hop off Tram Service
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.
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
17 SEPT 2024
days
6
Finish Christchurch
22 SEPT 2024
NZ$
4999
per person
twin/share
Start Wellington
8 OCT 2024
days
6
Finish Christchurch
13 OCT 2024
NZ$
4999
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
25 OCT 2024
days
6
Finish Wellington
30 OCT 2024
NZ$
4999
per person
twin/share
Start Wellington
5 NOV 2025
days
6
Finish Christchurch
10 NOV 2025
NZ$
4999
per person
twin/share
Start Wellington
19 NOV 2024
days
6
Finish Christchurch
24 NOV 2024
NZ$
4999
per person
twin/share
Start Wellington
10 DEC 2024
days
6
Finish Christchurch
15 DEC 2024
NZ$
4999
per person
twin/share
Start Wellington
28 JAN 2025
days
6
Finish Christchurch
2 FEB 2025
NZ$
4999
per person
twin/share
Start Wellington
2 FEB 2025
days
6
Finish Christchurch
7 FEB 2025
NZ$
4999
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
21 FEB 2025
days
6
Finish Wellington
26 FEB 2025
NZ$
4999
per person
twin/share
Start Wellington
25 FEB 2025
days
6
Finish Christchurch
2 MAR 2025
NZ$
4999
per person
twin/share
Start Wellington
18 MAR 2025
days
6
Finish Christchurch
23 MAR 2025
NZ$
4999
per person
twin/share
Start Wellington
8 APR 2025
days
6
Finish Christchurch
13 APR 2025
NZ$
4999
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
28 MAR 2025
days
6
Finish Wellington
2 APR 2025
NZ$
4999
per person
twin/share
Start Wellington
15 APR 2025
days
6
Finish Christchurch
20 APR 2025
NZ$
4999
per person
twin/share
Start Wellington
22 APR 2025
days
6
Finish Christchurch
27 APR 2025
NZ$
4999
per person
twin/share
Start Wellington
9 SEPT 2025
days
6
Finish Christchurch
14 SEPT 2025
NZ$
4999
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
26 SEPT 2025
days
6
Finish Wellington
1 OCT 2025
NZ$
4999
per person
twin/share
Start Wellington
30 SEPT 2025
days
6
Finish Christchurch
5 OCT 2025
NZ$
4999
per person
twin/share
Start Wellington
14 OCT 2025
days
6
Finish Christchurch
19 OCT 2025
NZ$
4999
per person
twin/share
Start Wellington
21 OCT 2025
days
6
Finish Christchurch
26 OCT 2025
NZ$
4999
per person
twin/share
Start Wellington
11 NOV 2025
days
6
Finish Christchurch
16 NOV 2025
NZ$
4999
per person
twin/share
Start Wellington
2 DEC 2025
days
6
Finish Christchurch
7 DEC 2025
NZ$
4999
per person
twin/share
Start Wellington
16 DEC 2025
days
6
Finish Christchurch
21 DEC 2025
NZ$
4999
per person
twin/share
Start Wellington
6 JAN 2026
days
6
Finish Christchurch
11 JAN 2026
NZ$
4999
per person
twin/share
Start Wellington
20 JAN 2026
days
6
Finish Christchurch
25 JAN 2026
NZ$
4999
per person
twin/share
Start Wellington
27 JAN 2026
days
6
Finish Christchurch
1 FEB 2026
NZ$
4999
per person
twin/share
Start Wellington
10 FEB 2026
days
6
Finish Christchurch
15 FEB 2026
NZ$
4999
per person
twin/share
Start Wellington
24 FEB 2026
days
6
Finish Christchurch
1 MAR 2026
NZ$
4999
per person
twin/share
Start Wellington
3 MAR 2026
days
6
Finish Christchurch
8 MAR 2026
NZ$
4999
per person
twin/share
Start Wellington
24 MAR 2026
days
6
Finish Christchurch
29 MAR 2026
NZ$
4999
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
3 APR 2026
days
6
Finish Wellington
8 APR 2026
NZ$
4999
per person
twin/share
Start Wellington
7 APR 2026
days
6
Finish Christchurch
12 APR 2026
NZ$
4999
per person
twin/share
Start Wellington
14 APR 2026
days
6
Finish Christchurch
19 APR 2026
NZ$
4999
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
17 APR 2026
days
6
Finish Wellington
22 APR 2026
NZ$
4999
per person
twin/share
Start Wellington
21 APR 2026
days
6
Finish Christchurch
26 APR 2026
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
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.
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