Itinerary
- Day 1
Christchurch
After checking into your hotel in Christchurch, you'll have time to get your bearings and explore the city at your own pace. Wander through Riverside Market, walk around the botanical gardens, or head to the art gallery and museums to see what's on. The Hop on Hop off Tram service makes getting around easy. Later this evening, you'll meet your tour director and the group for a welcome dinner.
- Meals
- Dinner (Welcome dinner)
Included Activities
- Welcome dinner
Optional Activities
- Explore Riverside Market
- Visit Christchurch Botanical Gardens
- Visit art gallery
- Visit museums
- Hop on Hop off Tram service
Landmarks Riverside Market Christchurch Botanical Gardens - Day 2
Christchurch to Kaikōura
You'll catch an early train from Christchurch heading north on the Coastal Pacific Scenic Plus service. The route takes you through vineyards and rolling hills before hugging the coastline, and breakfast plus barista coffee and pastries are served onboard. Once you arrive in Kaikoura by mid-morning, you'll get on a boat for whale watching where sperm whales are commonly spotted in the deep waters here. After that, the afternoon is yours to wander around this small town, grab fish and chips, and settle into the Sudima Hotel Kaikoura.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Barista coffee and pastries, followed by hot breakfast onboard train)
Included Activities
- Coastal Pacific Scenic Plus train journey
- Breakfast onboard train
- Giant Sperm Whale encounter
Optional Activities
- Explore Kaikōura town
- Sample local fish and chips
Landmarks Kaikōura 
- Day 3
Kaikōura to Blenheim/Marlborough Region
Following breakfast, you'll board the Coastal Pacific Scenic Plus train again from Kaikoura Railway Station heading south toward Blenheim. Light lunch and drinks are served as you travel, and you'll pass Ochau Point where fur seals hang out and Lake Grassmere with its salt works. The train moves between mountains and sea across remote beaches, so there's plenty to look at from your seat. In the afternoon, you'll visit a local winery for tastings where the winemakers can walk you through their grapes and production methods. Your evening is free to do what you'd like.
- Meals
- Lunch (Light lunch complemented by beverages onboard train)
Included Activities
- Coastal Pacific Scenic Plus train journey
- Lunch onboard train
- Marlborough Wine Experience with tastings
Optional Activities
- Explore the area in the evening
Landmarks Ōchau Point Lake Grassmere - Day 4
Blenheim to Wellington
Start your morning at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre near Blenheim, where you'll see vintage aircraft and exhibits covering New Zealand's involvement in both world wars, plus stories from pilots and other memorabilia. Later you'll head to the ferry terminal for the Interislander Ferry crossing to the North Island. Lunch happens onboard as you travel through Queen Charlotte Sound and into Wellington Harbour, watching the South Island disappear behind you. You'll arrive in Wellington, the capital, by afternoon.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch onboard ferry)
Included Activities
- Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre tour
- Interislander Ferry journey across Cook Strait
- Lunch onboard ferry
Landmarks Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre Cook Strait Queen Charlotte Sound Wellington Harbour 
- Day 5
Wellington
You have the full day to experience Wellington however you like. There's a Te Papa Museum introduction tour you can join if you want, or walk Cuba Street to check out independent cafes, bookstores, and quirky shops. Zealandia Eco-Sanctuary is worth a visit if native birds and regenerating forest interest you. The city has plenty more going on with coffee culture, historic architecture, and gardens throughout. Your tour director and travel centre can point you toward what fits your interests or help you pre-book something. By evening, you'll reconvene with the group for dinner.
- Meals
- Dinner (Dinner with fellow travelers)
Included Activities
- Dinner with fellow travelers
Optional Activities
- Te Papa Museum Introduction Tour
- Explore Cuba Street cafes, bookstores, and shops
- Visit Zealandia Eco-Sanctuary
- Visit historic buildings
- Visit botanical gardens
Landmarks Te Papa Museum Cuba Street Zealandia Eco-Sanctuary - Day 6
Departure from Wellington
Your trip ends this morning after a final breakfast with your fellow travelers. It's time to depart Wellington.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Final breakfast with fellow travelers)
Included Activities
- Final breakfast
