Kaikoura Experience from Wellington

Duration: 2 Days

Price: from NZ$655

Departure From: Wellington

Departure Date: Weekends in Summer

Tour Type: Independent Tour - Fully Flexible

Tour Operator: LOCO Journeys

Physical Grading: 1

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Travel by ferry and scenic train from Wellington to Christchurch, and enjoy a wondrous Kaikoura experience including the natural wonders of this marine paradise.

Departing Wellington onboard the Interislander ferry, you cross the Cook Strait and cruise into the Marlborough Sounds – be on the look out for wildlife from one of the viewing decks or sit back with a morning coffee in the lounge!

The ferry arrives into the pretty seaside town of Picton at lunchtime, where you board the Coastal Pacific scenic train to journey south along the stunning rugged Kaikoura coastline, where the sea meets the mountains. Your Kaikoura Experience has begun in earnest.

Coastal Pacific

Once in Kaikoura, you overnight before an exciting day exploring awaits you the next day. We have included Whale Watch Kaikoura experience in your package but should this not suit you, you can choose from one of the other wildlife activities that Kaikoura offers including Dolphin Encounter, Swim with the Seals, Wings over Whales or even if you fancy catching your own fish of the day!

In the afternoon you will then be whisked away for a 2 hour sightseeing tour of all the local highlights before being dropped off at the Kaikoura railway station for your final evening journey to the garden city of Christchurch.

Should you wish to continue your journey, add Christchurch accommodation, or book a return to Wellington, please let LOCO know at the time of your enquiry. The Kaikoura Experience can also begin from Christchurch and operate as a return journey to Christchurch or continue on to Wellington.

LOCO Journeys can tailor-make this tour to a journey that delivers you to your desired destinations, your time, budget and the train timetable.

Fully Flexible Tour

Kaikoura Experience Highlights

  • Coastal Pacific Train Journey (one way)
  • Whale Watch Kaikoura whale spotting boat tour
  • Afternoon 2 hour sightseeing tour of Kaikoura
  • Visit Fyffe House
  • Explore the Kaikoura Peninsular
  • See the changes in the coastline from the 2016 earthquake
  • View the Fur Seal Colony
kaikoura experience
A fun representation of your Kaikoura Experience!

Coastal Pacific Scenic Class

For your Kaikoura Experience you will be booked in Scenic Class where you will enjoy spacious reclined seats with generous amounts of legroom and comfort, panoramic windows, glass shelves and skylights. And to heighten your comfort, state-of-the-art airbag suspension has been used to guarantee a smooth ride across our rugged New Zealand terrain.

While onboard, you might like a stroll to the Coastal Pacific Scenic Cafe carriage where you’ll find a great selection of hot and cold snacks, drinks and ice creams. Indulge in a freshly brewed specialty tea or barista coffee married with a sumptuous cake? Or perhaps toast your special journey with a bottle of bubbles or craft beer?

Enjoying great journeys of New Zealand

The Open-air Viewing Carriage is also great place to get some fresh air and enjoy the great outdoors while on the move. Capture the magical views on camera and let your short break begin!

Northern Explorer View from the Open Air Carriage

Your Kaikoura Experience Accommodation

Four star rated Bella Vista Kaikoura is situated overlooking Kaikoura town with amazing views out to the Kaikoura ranges and the sea. It is situated only a few minutes stroll from restaurants, shops and attractions. This is a perfect setting for your Kaikoura escape.

Kaikoura Bella Vista

For a detail itinerary, the Coastal Pacific timetable, departure days, and Coastal Pacific fare conditions, please see below.

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Departure Dates & Timetable

  • The Interislander departs Wellington at 09.00 and arrives into Picton at 12.30
  • Coastal Pacific operating days are Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday
  • There is one departure on operating days.
  • The Coastal Pacific departs Picton at 13.40 arriving into Kaikoura at 16.20.
  • The Coastal Pacific departs Kaikoura at 16.25 arriving in Christchurch at 19.20.
  • You must be at the station at least 30 minutes prior to departure.

Tour Inclusions

  • Oneway journey on the Interislander Ferry
  • Oneway train journey on the Coastal Pacific in Scenic Class
  • 1 nights accommodation at the Bella Vista Kaikoura in a Superior Studio
  • Transfer from Kaikoura train station to your accommodation
  • Whale Watch Kaikoura – Tour By Boat
  • Afternoon 2 hour sightseeing tour of Kaikoura
  • Dropoff Transfer at the Kaikoura Railway Station

Pricing Notes

  • Advertised price based on per person twin share, subject to availability
  • Based on Saturday departures.
  • Based on a oneway trip from Wellington to Christchurch.
  • If you would like a return Kaikoura trip, or flight from Christchurch please contact LOCO for pricing.
  • Single supplements available on request
  • Whale Watch Kaikoura can be switched for a 3 hour fishing charter, min 2 pax.
  • Upgrade accommodation to the Kaikoura Boutique Hotel in an Historic Waterfront Room for an additional supplement of NZD$70 per person, based on double share, subject to availability
  • Upgrade to Wings over Whales – Whale Watch Flight for an additional supplement of NZD$45 per person, subject to availability
  • Price is subject to change unless paid in full

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 | Wellington - Inter-island Ferry - Picton - Coastal Pacific Train - Kaikoura
Begin your journey in Wellington checking in at the Interislander Ferry Terminal. Onboard enjoy the views of the city as the ferry departs the Harbour before cruising across the Cook Strait. The ferry weaves its way through Queen Charlotte Sound to the port town of Picton. On arrival into Picton, you will check-in for your Coastal Pacific Scenic Train journey to Kaikoura. Onboard you can grab yourself a bite to eat or relax with a beverage in the cafe carriage. The open-air carriage is a great place to take some amazing photos of the rugged Kaikoura coast. Keep an eye out for Dolphins playing near the coastline! On arrival into Kaikoura you will be met and transferred to your accommodation. You have the evening free, a great opportunity to dine out at one of the local establishments. There is seafood in abundance. Try a nice meal at the Historic Pier Hotel on the waterfront
This morning, you will be picked up at your accommodation and transferred to Whale Watch for your morning boat trip. Seeing the Whales in their own environment will have you buzzing for the rest of the day. Back on land, you have time to wander and grab some lunch before being taken on a 2 hour sightseeing tour of Kaikoura. On this introductory tour you’ll first visit a fragrant Lavender Farm (seasonal) that grows more than 45 varieties of lavender. Then we have a short stop and brief talk on the historic Whalers Cottage "Fyffe House" on our way to Point Kean where you will view a large Fur Seal Colony. We then travel to our spectacular Peninsula Lookout Point with a chance to take some amazing photos, finishing with a drive around South Bay and Marina area. At the end of your tour you will be dropped at the Kaikoura Railway Station for your final journey on the Coastal Pacific to Christchurch. Should you wish to return to Wellington by flight or a return journey on the Coastal Pacific, please ask at the time of booking.

For more information about this tour, price queries and updates on specials, please Enquire Now.