Tours, sightseeing tours, activities & things to do | Viator.com2 Day Kaikoura Whale Discovery Train Escape from Wellington
based on 3 reviews
Duration: 2 days / 1 night (approx.)
Location: Wellington and concludes Christchurch, New Zealand
Product code: 3280KWDWC
One of the world's most scenic train journeys, this two-day Kaikoura Whale Discovery rail journey takes you from New Zealand's capital, Wellington, across Cook Strait and through the picturesque Marlborough Sounds, where you board the train for Kaikoura. Experience a whale watch boat tour, where you may see whales and other marine life, before continuing to Christchurch, the 'Garden City'.
Your two-day Kaikoura Whale Discovery Train Journey begins with a 3-hour stunning ferry ride across the Cook Strait, which separates the North and South Islands of New Zealand, it is one of the most beautiful crossings in the world. Sail on the Interislander ferry from Wellington in the North Island, across to Picton, which is nestled in the heart of the Marlborough Sounds in the South Island.
Connect with the TranzCoastal train from Picton to Kaikoura and overnight at the White Morph Motor Inn. This journey is a scenic feast of New Zealand, with the Kaikoura mountain ranges on one side of your train and the rugged Pacific Ocean coastline on the other.
Day Two - You will experience a whale watch boat tour, where you have the opportunity to see whales at close range and encounter a wide range of other marine life including the worlds rarest dolphin, the tiny Hector Dolphin.
The Kaikoura Whale Discovery Train Escape concludes with the last leg of the journey from Kaikoura to Christchurch.
Whale Watch Cruise
Daily
Unavailable Dates:
- December 25 (Christmas Day)
InterIslander Ferry Terminal, located on Aotea Quay, 5 minutes north of Wellington Railway Station.
Departure Time:You must check in by 7:55am for 8:25am sailing
Return details:Tour concludes at Christchurch Railway Station at approximately 6:21pm on Day 2
Hotel Pickup:Hotel pickup not available
Itinerary:Day 1: Wellington - Picton - Kaikoura
7:55am: Please report to the Ferry Terminal no later than 30 minutes prior to sailing time, specify that you are heading to Kaikoura and your luggage will be transferred from the Ferry to the TranzCoastal train for you.
8:25am: Depart Wellington Ferry Terminal on The Interislander
11:45am: Arrive Picton.
12:40pm: Check in for The TranzCoastal train at Picton Station.
1.00pm: Depart Picton on The TranzCoastal. From the sea port of Picton in picturesque Marlborough cross the great country and then head south down the east coast through Salt Mountains and River Valley's. The route takes you along land pinned between the Pacific Ocean and the rugged Kaikoura Ranges.
3:28pm: Arrive Kaikoura. You will be transferred by Kaikoura Taxi's to your hotel where one night's room only accommodation has been reserved for you at White Morph Motor Inn.
We have made a reservation for you to do the Whale Watch Boat Tour tomorrow. However it is highly suggest that at the earliest time after you arrival in Kaikoura you check at the Whaleway Terminal or phone them (toll-free within New Zealand on 0800 655 121) to reconfirm your reservation and check that the weather conditions will be favorable.
Day 2: Kaikoura - Christchurch
10:00am: Please check out of your accommodation. You will be transferred by Kaikoura Taxi's from your hotel to Kaikoura Whale Watch (Kaikoura Railway Station).
10:30am: Please check in for your Whale Watch tour at Kaikoura Whale Watch, located at Whaleway Station, Whaleway Station Road, Kaikoura. Telephone +64 3 319 6767. Now it is time for the exciting adventure. Although contact with whales at close range is the highlight, each trip has a wider appeal, as you will also encounter a wide range of sea life. You will cruise past colonies of New Zealand Fur Seals to observe them at close quarters in their natural habitat. In addition you will see the world's rarest dolphin, the tiny Hector Dolphin. The more common Dusky Dolphin can be seen during the summer months. In addition to our marine mammals, Kaikoura has a wide variety of shore birds. These include the Royal and Wandering Albatross, Shearwaters and Petrels. We wish you a happy encounter.
You will be back in plenty of time to join the train on to Christchurch.
3:28pm: Depart Kaikoura on The TranzCoastal.
6:21pm: Arrive Christchurch. Your Tranz Scenic Great Train Escape Package concludes we hope you had a fantastic time.
- Prices are listed as a guide only. For an exact price quote, select a date
- Child rates apply to children aged 3 to 14 years inclusive.
- Children under 14 years must be accompanied by an adult.
- Infants aged 2 years and under travel free of charge, providing they are seated on an adults knee. A child rate applies if a seat is required.
- Prices are per person.
- Currency is set to USD. Change currency
- Our pricing is updated constantly to ensure you always receive the lowest price possible.
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- Rail travel on The TranzCoastal (Picton-Kaikoura and Kaikoura-Christchurch)
- Comfortable carriages with panoramic windows and an open air viewing carriage
- One way ferry travel on The Interislander
- Round coach taxi transfers to / from accommodation whilst on tour
- Overnight accommodation at White Morph Motor Inn
- Whale Watch Boat Tour on Day 2
- New Zealand's Goods and Services Tax (GST)
- Additional touring in Kaikoura
- Meals other than those specified in the itinerary
- Transfer to the Wellington Railway Station on the first day of the tour
- Transfer from the Christchurch Railway Station on the last day of the tour
KAIKOURA:
White Morph Motor Inn
92 Esplanade
Kaikoura
Telephone: +64 3 319 5014
Description: The White Morph Motor Inn and Restaurant is situated on the Kaikoura waterfront and is approximately five minutes walk from the town center and visitor center. Whale watching and dolphin swimming operations are also close by. This complex offers quality motel accommodation and is located over looking the ocean and towards to stunning Kaikoura mountains.
- This tour must be booked at least 48 hours in advance of travel.
- Confirmation for this tour will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.
- Note there is a free shuttle between the Wellington Railway Station and the Interislaner Ferry Terminal. It departs 40 minutes prior to the ferry departure. Allow plenty of time to transfer between the railway station and the ferry terminal.
- Clients who are wheelchair bound will be transferred onboard with their wheelchair and then place in their designated seat. Please advise in the special requirements box at time of booking.
Bookings cancelled 15 days or more in advance of the scheduled departure or commencement time will not be charged any fees; between 14 and 7 days in advance of the scheduled departure or commencement time will be charged a 25% cancellation fee; between 3 and 7 calendar days in advance of the scheduled departure or commencement time will be charged a 50% cancellation fee; within 2 calendar days of the scheduled departure or commencement time will be charged a 100% cancellation fee.
Local Operator Information:Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.
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Since 1999, over 3 million travelers have experienced more with Viator!
The blue sky, the blue water, the green grass and the snow on the mountains made this place really amazing. ... Read more ›
Clare B, United Arab Emirates, September 2007
The trip was lovely. Unfortunately due to weather conditions could not go whale watching on the water ... Read more ›
Linda N, Canada, December 2007
