3 Day Kaikoura Whale Discovery Train Escape

Your journey across Cook Strait, which separates the North and South Islands of New Zealand, is one of the most beautiful crossings in the world. Sail on the Interislander ferry from the capital city, 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 to Kaikoura and spend two nights at the White Morph Motor Inn. The next day 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 sea life. In addition you will see the worlds rarest dolphin, the tiny Hector Dolphin. After two nights in Kaikoura with ample time to explore the natural beauty of this area, you will return by rail and ferry to Wellington.

Schedule Details Departs:

Daily

Unavailable Dates:

• December 25 (Christmas Day)

Departure Point: InterIslander Ferry Terminal, located on Aotea Quay, 5 minutes north of Wellington Railway Station. 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. Departure Time: Check in by 7:55am for a 8:25am sailing. Return details: Tour concludes at Wellington Ferry Terminal at approximately 4:30pm on Day 3 Hotel Pickup: Not Provided, please make your own way to the tour departure point, the Wellington Railway Station 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

11:35am: 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 two night's room only accommodation has been reserved for you at White Morph Motor Inn located at 95 Esplanade, Kaikoura Phone (03) 319 5014.

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

10:00pm: Make your own arrangements to make your way to Kaikoura Whale Watch.

10:30pm: 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.

2:00pm: Kaikoura Wine Tour. This is a suggested time and to arrange pick up, dial 26 on the phone in the Whaleway Station foyer where you will then be met by a representative from Kaikoura Taxi's who will take you out to the Winery. Once there, make your way into the winery where you will be given a guided tour. Once you are ready to be dropped back to the Railway Station please see the staff at the winery who will call Kaikoura Taxi's for you.

Day 3: Kaikoura - Wellington

9:10am: Please check out of your accommodation and wait at reception where you will be transferred by Kaikoura Taxi's from your hotel to Kaikoura Railway Station.

9:40am: Please make your way out onto the platform to meet the TranzCoastal Train Manager who will give you seat numbers and place your luggage onto the luggage van, tell them Wellington and they will check your bags right through for you.

9:54am: Depart Kaikoura on The TranzCoastal.

12:13pm: Arrive Picton.

12:45pm: Please check-in at the Interislander for your ferry trip across Cook Strait.

1:15pm Depart Picton for Wellington.

4:15pm Arrive Wellington. Your Tranz Scenic Great Train Escape Package concludes we hope you had a fantastic time.

Additional Information