Top of the South Island Rail Experience

This 9 day tour starts in Christchurch and finishes in Christchurch.

Begin your journey in the 'Garden City' where you will experience the historical tram, punting and the gondola before boarding the Coastal Pacific Train and travelling to Kaikoura. Experience a scenic cruise with abundant wildlife before hopping back on the train to disembark in Picton. Spend time in Nelson and Punakaiki before enjoying the TranzAlpine train and returning to Christchurch.

Accommodation type on this tour is: Hotel 4 star.

This tour also features:

Included activity: Private transfer Christchurch International Airport to your accommodation

Included activity: Electronic Travel Guide and In-Country Support App

Included activity: Christchurch Triple Pass - Tram, Punting and Gondola

Included activity: Private transfer accommodation to Christchurch Train Station with Christchurch Touring

Included activity: Great Journeys Coastal Pacific Train: Christchurch to Kaikoura

Included activity: Kaikoura Railway Station to Kaikoura Accommodation

Included activity: Ocean's Cabin with Whale Watch Kaikoura

Included activity: Kaikoura accommodation to Railway Station

Included activity: Great Journeys Coastal Pacific Train: Kaikoura to Picton

Included activity: Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre

Included activity: TranzAlpine Scenic Train: Greymouth to Christchurch

Included activity: Private Transfer Christchurch Train Station to your accommodation

Included activity: Private transfer accommodation to Christchurch Airport

Meals included: 8 breakfasts

Itinerary summary for: Top of the South Island Rail Experience

Day 1: Arrive into Christchurch, transfer to your accommodation
Accommodation: Distinction Hotel Christchurch

Day 2: Explore Christchurch, the 'Garden City'
Accommodation: Distinction Hotel Christchurch

Day 3: Take the Coastal Pacific scenic train to the marine wildlife mecca of Kaikoura
Accommodation: The Factory

Day 4: Kaikoura to the seaside village of Picton, gateway to the Marlborough Sounds
Accommodation: Picton Yacht Club Hotel

Day 5: Take a side trip to Blenheim to visit Omaka Aviation Centre, then on to Nelson
Accommodation: Tides Hotel (was Trailways Hotel)

Day 6: Explore the charming city of Nelson and maybe the WOW Car Museum
Accommodation: Tides Hotel (was Trailways Hotel)

Day 7: Head to the stunning West Coast and the famous Punakaiki Rocks
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Punakaiki

Day 8: Continue to Greymouth where you'll board the TranzAlpine Train for a spectacular journey across the Southern Alps
Accommodation: Distinction Hotel Christchurch

Day 9: Explore more of Christchurch before departing for home