Ride the Rails - South Island

Today you will experience two scenic ways of travel, starting with the Cook Strait Crossing on the InterIslander Ferry from Wellington to Picton. Keep an eye out during the journey for possible whale sightings! The Cook Strait separates New Zealand's North and South Islands, and it will take approximately 3-3.5hrs to cross. You'll enjoy stunning views as you journey through the Marlborough Sounds. You'll depart Wellington at 8.45am, and upon arrival in Picton, you will have a chance for a leg stretch and bite to eat before you hop on the Coastal Pacific train at 1.40pm. This is a short picturesque journey as you travel along rugged coastlines and arrive into Blenheim at 2.06pm. Blenheim is located in the heart of the wine-capital Marlborough and so a great spot to enjoy the local wineries. Renowned as one of the sunniest towns in New Zealand, you can take your pick of organised wine tours (there are some 37 cellar doors in the region!), or choose to hire a bike and explore this stunning region by yourself. This evening, take your pick of one of the restaurants in town, or head out to a local winery for something a little more special.

Inclusions:

• Breakfast
• InterIslander ferry from Wellington to Picton
• Train ride from Picton to Blenheim
• Motel accommodation in Blenheim

Local Tips:

• Hire a bike and explore the local wineries - St Clair, Villa Maria or Allan Scott - to name just a few.
• Gain an appreciation of local history, with a visit to Marlborough Museum. The development of winemaking is chronicled, plus early Polynesian settlement of the region.
• Stop by the The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, which houses filmmaker Peter Jackson's collection of World War I aircraft, displayed in sets re-creating their flight history.

After breakfast, you have the morning to explore. After breakfast, you have the morning to explore. You could take a walk in the area or enjoy another winery. This afternoon, you'll jump back on the Coastal pacific again at 2.09pm for a short ride to Kaikōura. The Kaikōura Peninsula is famous for its marine life such as whales, dolphins and seals, so keep an eye out for local marine life along your journey. You'll arrive into Kaikōura at 4.20pm with time to explore this area and meet the local wildlife!

Inclusions:

• Breakfast
• Train from Blenheim to Kaikōura
• Motel accommodation in Kaikōura

Local tips:

• Kaikōura is the maori name to mean ‘eat crayfish', so why not sample the local delicacy whilst in town at Nin's Bin food truck.
• Take a stroll along the Kaikoura Coastline to visit the sea lion colony, who reside on the rocky peninsula at the end of the walkway.
• Visit Emporium Brewing, where you can grab a beer, test out the Escape Room, or try your hand at mini-golf

After breakfast this morning, you will enjoy the beautiful coast of Kaikōura in a unique way by kayaking amongst the local fur seals! This is a relaxed 2-3hr kayak trip (so no prior experience required!), and fun for adults and children alike. If you're lucky enough you may even spot dusky dolphins and blue penguins. A fun activity for adults and children alike! This experience starts at 8.30am from the waterfront. You'll then have time for some lunch and a wander around town before catching the Coastal Pacific train to Christchurch at 4.25pm. The train arrives into Christchurch at 7.20pm, so you have time for a wander around this fantastic city, known for its English Heritage, and chance to sample one of the many bars and restaurants on offer.

Inclusions:

• Breakfast
• Guided kayaking trip with seals
• Train from Kaikōura to Christchurch
• Accommodation in Christchurch

Local Tips:

• Enjoy lunch at The Beach House Cafe, Kaikōura.
• Try out one of the many cool new bars and restaurants located in The Terrace, Christchurch.

Today you will embark on the final train ride of the trip, the Tranzalpine train to Arthurs Pass and back - regarded as one of the world's most scenic rail journeys. Departing Christchurch Railway Station at 8.15am, you'll arrive into Arthurs Pass at 10.52am and will have a few hours to spend in this unique spot. You can visit the famous Devils' Punchbowl and maybe a small hike. Keep a lookout for one of the many native birds in the area - fantails, tomtits, riflemen, bellbirds and the notorious cheeky keas! Arthurs Pass itself has much history - offering a stop to provide fresh travellers to weary travellers taking the two-three day trek from coast to coast, as well as becoming a workers' camp during construction of the Otira railway tunnel between 1907 and 1923. There are many walks available which vary in length between 1-3hrs. Take a look at the Department of Conversation (DOC) Brochure for Arthur's Pass, to choose one that suits you. Then stop in at the Arthur's Pass Cafe & Store for a bite to eat before re-embarking on the TranzAlpine train for the return journey to Christchurch. You'll arrive back into Christchurch at 6.31pm so have an evening at your leisure to explore this wonderful city.

Inclusions:

• Breakfast
• Return TranzAlpine Train (Christchurch - Arthurs Pass - Christchurch)
• Accommodation in Christchurch

Local Tips:

• At Arthur's Pass, take a short hike to the famous Devil's Punchbowl (2km return) to view the spectacular waterfall.
• Christchurch is becoming a rooftop bar city so why not indulge in a drink this evening at Mr Brightside or Pink Lady.
• Take a peek into the Riverside Markets in Christchurch - an exciting new development incorporating boutique retail, restaurants, cafes and bars.

You're free to enjoy awesome Christchurch at your own leisure before heading home. Choose to end your trip here, or add a couple of nights to get to know Christchurch - regarded as New Zealand's Garden City. This is the largest city of the South Island, and there is plenty to explore - from wandering around the Botanical Gardens and Hagley Park - the largest urban open space in Christchurch, to exploring the new riverside development featuring boutique shops, and a variety of bars and restaurants. If you're a fan of the beach, then take a trip to Sumner Beach - surrounded by rugged cliffs - makes for a good sport to relax, stretch the legs or drop by for a coffee. Akaroa (located on the Bank's Peninsula and founded by French settlers) and Lyttelton (a historical port town with a bohemian vibe) are also worth a visit.

Inclusions:

• Breakfast Local tips:
• If you have children in tow (or even if you don't!), the marvellous Margaret Mahy Playground is a worthwhile visit.
• Take a walk along Taylors Mistake Track and enjoy fabulous ocean views.