Captivating Coast; Wellington to Christchurch

Duration: 6 Days

Price: from NZ$4,999

Departure From: Wellington

Departure Date: Monthly Departures

Tour Type: Escorted Tour

Meal Plan: B&B and selected meals

Physical Grading: 2/5

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Join us on this guided captivating Wellington to Christchurch train tour. Glide across the magnificent Cook Strait, along coastal beaches and through mountain valleys.

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 on your Wellington to Christchurch train tour, meandering alongside secluded beaches on your way to Christchurch.

wellington to christchurch train tour map

Captivating Coast; Wellington to Christchurch Train Tour Highlights

  • Glide along untouched coastline by scenic rail on the Wellington to Christchurch train.
  • 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 Christchurch to Wellington train journey

Captivating Coast; Wellington to Christchurch Train Tour Included Excursions

Wellington Guided Tour – Your tour host will provide an intimate local view of our cool little capital on a Wellington tour.

Wellington-Cable-Car
Take a ride on the historic Wellington Cable Car

Marlborough Wine Tour – Get a taste for New Zealand’s world famous wines on relaxing day tour

Wildlife Experience Kaikoura – Head offshore for a fantastic display of marine wildlife in a stunning natural environment. Kaikoura whale watch is an exhilarating experience.

South Island Trains Kaikoura
Taking in the amazing marine wildlife in Kaikoura

Christchurch Tramway Restaurant – Enjoy a 4-course dinner aboard Christchurch’s historic Tramway restaurant and travelin heritage style through the city centre at night.

Christchurch Tramway
Enjoy a unique dining experience on Christchurch Tramway’s restaurant.

For a detailed itinerary of your Wellington to Christchurch train tour, departure details, and booking conditions, please see below.

Departure Dates from Wellington:

  • 5 November 2024 – Sold Out
  • 19 November 2024 – $4,999
  • 10 December 2024 – $4,999
  • 28 January 2025 – Sold Out
  • 2 February 2025 – Sold Out
  • 25 February 2025 – Enquire
  • 18 March 2025 – $4,999
  • 28 March 2025 – reverse trip only from Christchurch to Wellington – $4,999
  • 15 April 2025 – $4,999
  • 22 April 2025 – $4,999
  • 25 April 2025 – reverse trip only from Christchurch to Wellington – $4,999
  • 09 September 2025 – $4,999
  • 26 September 2025 – reverse trip only from Christchurch to Wellington – $4,999
  • 30 September 2025 – $4,999
  • 14 October 2025 – $4,999
  • 21 October 2025 – $4,999
  • 11 November 2025 – $4,999
  • 02 December 2025 – $4,999
  • 16 December 2025 – $4,999
  • 06 January 2026 – $4,999
  • 20 January 2026 – $4,999
  • 27 January 2026 – $4,999
  • 10 February 2026 – $4,999
  • 24 February 2026 – $4,999
  • 03 March 2026 – $4,999
  • 24 March 2026 – $4,999
  • 03 April 2026 – reverse trip only from Christchurch to Wellington – $4,999
  • 07 April 2026 – $4,999
  • 14 April 2026 – $4,999
  • 17 April 2026 – reverse trip only from Christchurch to Wellington – $4,999
  • 21 April 2026 – $4,999

All departure dates on the Wellington to Christchurch train tour are guaranteed to operate

Click here for alternate New Zealand tours.

Tour Inclusions

  • Coastal Pacific train journey
  • Inter-island ferry cruise
  • Services of our Experienced Tour Director
  • Marlborough Wine Experience
  • Wildlife Experience in Kaikōura
  • Christchurch Tramway Restaurant
  • Private Coaches to reach regional sightseeing
  • 5 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners and 1 meals on the train
  • 4 – 4.5 star hotel accommodation (twin share)
  • All sightseeing and entrance fees as specified in the itinerary.

Pricing Notes

  • Advertised price based on per person, twin share
  • Non-refundable deposit of 20% per person is due at the time of booking
  • Full non-refundable balance of tour payment is required 66 days prior to departure booking
  • A single supplement is available or you can choose to match up with another single traveller
  • Price is subject to change unless paid in full
  • Full terms and conditions will be advised at the time of booking.
  • Maximum group size of 20

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 | Wellington (D)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Your journey will end after enjoying a final breakfast at the hotel. Not ready to leave Christchurch? Reach out to our LOCO Journeys team to pre-organise your extended stay.

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