Itinerary
- Day 1
Christchurch
You'll arrive in Christchurch and get settled into your hotel, then have the afternoon to explore the Garden City on your own terms. The Riverside Market, botanical gardens, and art gallery are all worth checking out if you want to wander around. Later this evening, you'll meet up with your Tour Director and the group for a welcome dinner.
- Meals
- Dinner (Welcome Dinner)
Included Activities
- Christchurch City Tour
- Welcome Dinner
Optional Activities
- Explore Riverside Market
- Visit Christchurch Botanical Gardens
- Visit Christchurch Art Gallery
- Explore museums and city attractions
Landmarks/POIs Riverside Market Christchurch Botanical Gardens Christchurch Art Gallery - Day 2
Christchurch to Kaikōura
Board the Coastal Pacific Train from Christchurch early, and breakfast gets served on board as you travel through some really nice landscapes heading toward Kaikoura. Once you arrive in this marine wildlife area, you can choose how to spend the afternoon - whale watching, seeing albatrosses, dolphin encounters, or browsing local artisan shops are all options.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast on board Coastal Pacific Train with aromatic coffee service)
Included Activities
- Coastal Pacific Scenic Train Journey
- Breakfast on board train
Optional Activities
- Whale watching
- Albatross encounter
- Dolphin encounter
- Explore local artisan and gift shops
Landmarks/POIs Kaikōura Railway Station - Day 3
Kaikōura to Marlborough
After breakfast, head back to Kaikoura Railway Station and board the Coastal Pacific Train again for the ride to Marlborough. The train winds through remote beaches with mountains and sea on both sides, and you might spot fur seals lounging on the rocks. Once there, the wine region opens up for exploring, with optional wine tours available in the afternoon. The evening is yours to do whatever interests you.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Coastal Pacific Scenic Train Journey
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Wine tour in Marlborough
Landmarks/POIs Kaikōura Railway Station - Day 4
Marlborough to Wellington
You'll leave the South Island behind and take the Interislander Ferry across Cook Strait toward the North Island. A hearty lunch is served onboard while you take in harbor views and the scenery of Queen Charlotte Sound. From there, you'll arrive in Wellington and start exploring New Zealand's capital city.
- Meals
- Lunch (Hearty seafaring lunch onboard Interislander Ferry)
Included Activities
- Cook Strait Ferry Crossing
- Hearty seafaring lunch onboard ferry
Optional Activities
- Explore Wellington city
Landmarks/POIs Cook Strait Queen Charlotte Sound - Day 5
Wellington
Wellington gets a full day for exploration at your own pace. There's a Te Papa Introduction Tour available, or you can walk through Cuba Street checking out cafes, bookstores, and interesting shops. Zealandia Eco-Sanctuary has native birdlife and regenerating forest if that appeals to you, or there's coffee culture, historic buildings, and gardens to see. Join the group for a farewell dinner this evening.
- Meals
- Dinner (Farewell Dinner)
Included Activities
- Farewell Dinner
Optional Activities
- Te Papa Introduction Tour
- Explore Cuba Street cafes, bookstores, and shops
- Visit Zealandia Eco-Sanctuary
- Explore historic buildings
- Visit Wellington Botanic Gardens
- Coffee and culture experiences
Landmarks/POIs Te Papa Tongarewa Cuba Street Zealandia Eco-Sanctuary Wellington Botanic Gardens - Day 6
Departing Wellington
Your tour wraps up after breakfast at the hotel. You'll depart Wellington, though if you want more time in New Zealand, the Travel Centre can help arrange an extended stay for you.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Final breakfast at hotel)
Included Activities
- Final breakfast at hotel
Optional Activities
- Extended stay in Wellington
