One of the world's most scenic train journeys, this rail journey takes you from New Zealand's capital - Wellington, crossing  Cook Strait - a 30 km strip of water that separates the North and South Islands of New Zealand, through the picturesque Marlborough Sounds, where you board the TranzCoastal train from Picton to Christchurch.

The following are travel options for travelling between Wellington and Christchurch -

Full Day Travel - Wellington to Christchurch -

Your travel from Wellington to Christchurch begins with a 3-hour stunning ferry ride across the Cook Strait, which separates the North and South Islands of New Zealand, it is one of the most beautiful crossings in the world. Sail on the Interislander ferry from Wellington in the North Island, across to Picton - located in a sheltered marine harbour town, which is nestled in the heart of the Marlborough Sounds in the South Island.

At Picton, your board Connect the TranzCoastal train from travelling South along the eastern coast of the South Island, passing through the local Marlborough vineyards, Lake Grassmere Salt Ponds and Kaikoura - famous for viewing whales and sea life before heading inland through the northern Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.

Wellington to Christchurch - Depart Wellington 8.25am/Arrive Christchurch 6.21pm

Christchurch to Wellington - Depart Christchurch 7.00am/Arrive Wellington 4.35pm

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2 Day Travel - Wellington to Kaikoura and Christchurch -

Day One - Your Kaikoura Whale Discovery Train Journey begins with a 3-hour stunning ferry ride across the Cook Strait, which separates the North and South Islands of New Zealand, it is one of the most beautiful crossings in the world. Sail on the Interislander ferry from Wellington in the North Island, across to Picton, which is nestled in the heart of the Marlborough Sounds in the South Island.

Connect with the TranzCoastal train from Picton to Kaikoura for an overnight stay in Kaikoura.

Day Two - You will experience a whale watch boat tour, where you have the opportunity to see whales at close range and encounter a wide range of other marine life including the worlds rarest dolphin, the tiny Hector Dolphin.  In the afternoon, you will travel by train from Kaikoura to Christchurch.

3 Days Travel - Wellington to Kaikoura and Christchurch -

Day One - Your Kaikoura Whale Discovery Train Journey begins with a 3-hour stunning ferry ride across the Cook Strait, which separates the North and South Islands of New Zealand, it is one of the most beautiful crossings in the world. Sail on the Interislander ferry from Wellington in the North Island, across to Picton, which is nestled in the heart of the Marlborough Sounds in the South Island.

Connect with the TranzCoastal train from Picton to Kaikoura for an overnight stay in Kaikoura.

Day Two - A free day in Kaikoura to experience the many attractions that are available in Kaikoura and the surrounding area. Experience a whale watch boat tour, where you have the opportunity to see whales at close range and encounter a wide range of other marine life including the worlds rarest dolphin, the tiny Hector Dolphin or swim with a dolphin..

Day Three - A free morning to relax.  In the afternoon, you will travel by train from Kaikoura to Christchurch.

The above suggested travel itinerary can be include as travel sectors if you are using a Scenic Rail Pass.

The above suggested itinerary does not include any accommodation in Kaikoura or a whale watch or swim with the dolphin tour.