ICONIC RAIL & FERRY JOURNEYS
TRANZALPINE TRAIN COASTAL PACIFIC TRAIN
CHRISTCHURCH TO GREYMOUTH from £ 159 one way or £ 259 return day trip
Step aboard the TranzAlpine and experience one of the world ’ s great train journeys through the stunning Southern Alps . Cutting through the mountainous spine of South island , the railway weaves through cliff-lined river gorges , over high mountain plains , over braided rivers and around pristine mountain lakes as it journeys from Christchurch to Greymouth . Your comfortable reclining seat has panoramic views through large windows which bathe the carriage in light . On board also is a licensed cafe and fantastic open-air viewing carriage . Journey also available in reverse .
Journeys : One way journey from Christchurch to Greymouth takes just under
5 hours . The full day trip includes an hour in Greymouth before reboarding the train back to Christchurch .
Departures : Daily from Christchurch at 0815 or from Greymouth at 1405 . The train does not operate on 25 Dec .
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Meals : Not included . Snacks and drinks can be purchased on board .
What ’ s included : The prices shown are per person and include travel as indicated on the TranzAlpine train in a standard economy seat .
from £ 62 one way
CHRISTCHURCH TO PICTON from £ 109 one way CHRISTCHURCH TO KAIKOURA OR KAIKOURA TO PICTON from £ 62 one way
With the Pacific Ocean lapping at its wheels on one side and the Kaikoura ranges rising majestically on the other , the Coastal Pacific is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque journeys in New Zealand . Travel along rugged coastlines , across remote beaches , between mountains and sea , on a timeless journey of breathtaking beauty . Your comfortable reclining seat has ample leg room and the carriage has panoramic windows for soaking up the views . Otherwise , head to the open-air carriage to step outside and feel the ocean breeze brush your skin , or sit back with a refreshing drink in the licensed cafe . All journeys are available in reverse .
Journeys : Christchurch to Picton takes just over 5½ hours ; Christchurch to Kaikoura is around hours ; Kaikoura to Picton is just under 3 hours .
Departures : Thur-Sun between late Seplate Apr . The train departs Christchurch at 0700 and Kaikoura at 1000 . The return journey from Picton is at 1340 or Kaikoura at 1615 .
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Meals : Not included . Snacks and drinks can be purchased on board .
What ’ s included : The price shown includes travel on board the Coastal Pacific train in a standard economy seat .
Courtesy of Kiwi Rail
NORTHERN EXPLORER TRAIN INTERISLANDER FERRY
AUCKLAND TO WELLINGTON from £ 149 one way OR AUCKLAND TO NATIONAL PARK from £ 92 one way
The Northern Explorer rumbles through the rural heart of the North Island on an epic journey that allows you to experience the extremes of New Zealand ’ s scenery , from the fertile farmlands of Waikato and wonders of Middle Earth to the volcanic peaks of the Central Plateau and the sparkling Kapiti coast . Carriages have spacious reclining seats with generous leg room and panoramic windows The train also has an open-air carriage for uninterrupted views and a licensed cafe . All journeys are available in reverse .
Journeys : Auckland to Wellington which takes around 10½ hours ; or Auckland to National Park which is 5½ hours .
Departures : Monday , Thursday & Saturday at 0745 from Auckland ; or Friday , Saturday & Wednesday at 0755 from Wellington .
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW from £ 92 one way
Meals : Not included . Snacks and drinks can be purchased on board .
What ’ s included : The prices shown are per person and include travel as indicated on the Northern Explorer train in a standard economy seat .
WELLINGTON TO PICTON from £ 49 one way
The Interislander ferry is one of the unmissable great journeys of New Zealand , as it sails between Wellington and Picton . Two thirds of the journey is a scenic spectacle with the ferry looping around Wellington Harbour and drifting through the fjord like channels and inlets of the Marlborough Sound . It ’ s a truly iconic experience . There is the option to travel as a foot passenger , with upgrades available to the Plus Lounge for a more refined journey . There is also the option to travel with your car ( some car rental companies require you to drop your vehicle off and pick up another on arrival ). Each vessel has stacks to keep you busy with a family lounge , a cafe and bar . Journey is available in reverse .
Journeys : Wellington ( North Island ) to Picton ( South Island ) takes around 3½ hours .
Departures : Three ferries depart daily from both Wellington and Picton with departures throughout the day .
Meals : Not included . Snacks and drinks can be purchased on board .
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Upgrades : Interislander Plus lounge from £ 50 per person . Prices to take your own car start from £ 133 per person .
What ’ s included : The price shown includes travel as a foot passenger on the Interislander ferry .
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