Join this guided scenic tour across the Cook Strait, past coastal beaches, and through mountain valleys. Sip world-class wine among the vines in Marlborough, explore coastal New Zealand as you soar across rugged beaches and through mountain valleys, spend a day by the ocean in Kaikōura, and explore New Zealand’s city life in Wellington and Christchurch.
Guided Coach & Train Tours
This suggested tour costs from NZD$2,969 per person (twin share, low season)
Starts in Wellington, finishes in Christchurch
6 days/5 nights
Hotel 3 star
Pre and post tour options? YES
Viewed 76 times in the last 7 days
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.
Your accommodation: 3-3.5 Star Hotel
This morning you will say poroporoaki ki te motu raki (goodbye 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 harbor 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.
Your accommodation: 3-3.5 Star Hotel
After enjoying a delightful breakfast, the morning is yours to explore sunny Blenheim. Enjoy the roses at Upton Oaks Garden or perhaps learn a thing or two about aviation at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre.
You’ll hear the hoot of the Coastal Pacific train as it pulls in to bring you on yet another scenic experience. This time – along the rugged coastline of the South Island. On this train journey, you will glide across remote beaches, between mountains and sea, on a timeless voyage of breath-taking beauty. Keep an eye out for the fur seals lazing on the rocks!
Once in Kaikoura, the evening will be yours to enjoy some iconic kai moana (seafood) at one of the well-known restaurants.
Your accommodation: 3-3.5 Star Hotel
Today will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You will have the opportunity to go whale watching! Enjoy today’s optional thrill of an up-close encounter with the world's largest-toothed predator, the Giant Sperm Whale. Want to get an aerial experience of the wildlife? Why not request a plane or helicopter ride to capture the true grandeur of it all?
Whether you have decided to go llama trekking or swimming with the dolphins and seals, 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 journey will continue, once again, on the Coastal Pacific Train en route to Christchurch, or “The Garden City”. The spectacular scenery doesn’t cease to amaze as you journey south through the rolling hills and flat plains. Enjoy the relaxing journey with a glass of wine in hand from the scenic café.
Your accommodation: 3-3.5 Star Hotel
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. Dinner awaits as you join your fellow travelers once again to tell them about the exciting places you have discovered.
Your accommodation: 3-3.5 Star Hotel
Your journey will finish after breakfast. You will be transferred to Christchurch Airport for your departing flight.
Starts | Status | Double (2 people sharing) | Single occupancy | You save | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Nov 26, 2024
(Tuesday) |
Guaranteed
limited space left
|
Enquire Book |
was
NZD$3,299
now
NZD$2,969
|
was
NZD$4,148
now
NZD$3,818
|
save
NZD$330 |
|
Dec 17, 2024
(Tuesday) |
Guaranteed
departure date
|
Enquire Book | NZD$3,299 | NZD$4,148 | ||
Jan 21, 2025
(Tuesday) |
Guaranteed
departure date
|
Enquire Book | NZD$3,299 | NZD$4,148 | ||
Feb 11, 2025
(Tuesday) |
Guaranteed
departure date
|
Enquire Book | NZD$3,299 | NZD$4,148 | ||
Sep 9, 2025
(Tuesday) |
Guaranteed
departure date
|
Enquire Book | NZD$3,399 | NZD$4,448 | ||
Sep 16, 2025
(Tuesday) |
Guaranteed
departure date
|
Enquire Book | NZD$3,399 | NZD$4,448 | ||
Oct 7, 2025
(Tuesday) |
Guaranteed
departure date
|
Enquire Book | NZD$3,399 | NZD$4,448 | ||
Oct 28, 2025
(Tuesday) |
Guaranteed
departure date
|
Enquire Book | NZD$3,399 | NZD$4,448 | ||
Nov 18, 2025
(Tuesday) |
Guaranteed
departure date
|
Enquire Book | NZD$3,399 | NZD$4,448 | ||
Dec 9, 2025
(Tuesday) |
Guaranteed
departure date
|
Enquire Book | NZD$3,399 | NZD$4,448 | ||
Dec 30, 2025
(Tuesday) |
Guaranteed
departure date
|
Enquire Book | NZD$3,399 | NZD$4,448 | ||
Feb 17, 2026
(Tuesday) |
Guaranteed
departure date
|
Enquire Book | NZD$3,399 | NZD$4,448 | ||
Mar 31, 2026
(Tuesday) |
Guaranteed
departure date
|
Enquire Book | NZD$3,399 | NZD$4,448 |
At NZ Coach Tours we choose only the best coach tours out there. We have up to date knowledge and experience, so we can give you the best advice on which tour is right for you. We can combine tours, maybe one tour that offers the best in the North Island and one that offers something different for the South Island. Our range of independent tours depart daily and can be custom designed to suit you perfectly. We have loads of accommodation options, activity ideas, and sell a beautiful destination that is guaranteed to blow you away!
Put simply - we have something for everyone and we are confident you will not be left disappointed.
In summary