Tranz Alpine and Coastal Pacific Train Adventure.

Itinerary

30% Deposit Required on Booking.

DAY ONE                                                                D

Welcome to the first day of your TranzAlpine train tour! After being picked up from your home, you’ll travel to the airport and fly directly to Christchurch. On arrival, board the bus to Cathedral Junction and enjoy free time to explore the charming Christchurch laneways or the historic New Regent Quarter. Built in the 1930s, New Regent Street is famous for its pastel façades and Spanish Mission-style architecture, beautifully restored after the 2011 earthquakes. Relax with afternoon tea at a local café or take a scenic 50-minute loop on the heritage tram. Tonight, we stay at Chateau on the Park, ideally located opposite Hagley Park. We will get to know each other over a delicious dinner at the hotel’s restaurant before settling in for a restful night.

DAY TWO                                                                B, D

Enjoy a spectacular journey aboard the TranzAlpine Train as you travel through the breathtaking Southern Alps to Greymouth. Relax with morning tea and take the opportunity to purchase lunch on board while admiring the stunning alpine scenery. Upon arrival, we board a comfortable coach and journey through the scenic Grey Valley, passing through charming towns before stopping at the Brunner Mine Historic Area for a short walk across the historic bridge over the Grey River. Continue along the wild West Coast to Punakaiki, where we’ll visit the Punangairi Visitor Centre and experience the captivating Paparoa Experience—an interactive exhibit showcasing the fascinating geology of the Pancake Rocks and surrounding landscapes. End the day in Punakaiki with a leisurely walk around the famous Pancake Rocks and blowholes, where powerful waves surge through limestone formations.

DAY THREE                                                             B, D

After breakfast, we travel to Charleston to board the Nile River Rainforest Train for an open-carriage ride through lush native forest. Midway, a short walk leads to a suspension bridge with breathtaking views before we return to the station. In Westport, enjoy a free-range lunch and time to browse local shops, followed by a visit to the award-winning Museum of Kawatiri. We then ascend to the historic Denniston Plateau, once the heart of the 1880s Denniston Mine. Perched high above the rugged West Coast, this former coal-mining settlement offers captivating stories of the miners and families who lived here, along with remnants of the mine and dramatic landscapes that inspired Jenny Pattrick’s Denniston Rose. The day concludes with travel to our Westport accommodation and a delightful dinner at a local restaurant.

DAY FOUR                                                              B, L, D

This morning we’ll follow the scenic Buller River through the mountain-beech forests of the Brunner Range and Kahurangi National Park to reach Murchison for morning tea. From there, we continue into the alpine serenity of St Arnaud where we stop for lunch at the Alpine Lodge. Our next destination is the stunning historic estate Welton House—a classic 1901 homestead set within a “Garden of National Significance,” featuring sculptural topiary hedges, playful pergolas, a productive kitchen garden and expansive vineyard vistas of the Richmond Ranges. There we enjoy a house-and-garden tour, followed by a relaxed wine-tasting. After a rewarding day, we’ll enjoy a delicious dinner and retire to our rooms for a peaceful night’s sleep.

DAY FIVE                                                                 B, L, D

Today promises adventure and discovery! We begin at the Omaka Aviation Centre, delving into aviation history through World War I and II exhibitions. A private guided tour of the Knights of the Sky is followed by a relaxing morning tea at the café. Next, we savour fine local cuisine and wine at Wither Hills Cellar Door Restaurant in Marlborough, renowned for its stunning views and inviting atmosphere. In the afternoon, we board the Coastal Pacific Train to Christchurch, enjoying breathtaking landscapes and dinner onboard. The day concludes with a shuttle to our accommodation. 

DAY SIX                                                                   B

After breakfast, we ride the Christchurch Gondola to the summit, where stunning panoramic views await. There you may enjoy morning tea at the café while soaking in the breathtaking scenery. Our scenic drive follows Lyttelton Harbour and Governors Bay Road to the Sign of the Kiwi Café, renowned for fresh lunch options in a beautiful natural setting. Next, we visit the Sign of the Takahe, a striking stone castle-like lodge built in the 1930s as a shelter for travellers. The guided tour highlights its fascinating history and distinctive architecture, offering insight into the region’s past. The day concludes at The Tannery in Woolston, a charming historic complex transformed from a working tannery into a vibrant boutique shopping and dining precinct that preserves its industrial heritage. Our journey wraps up with a direct flight back to Tauranga, bringing an end to a truly picturesque and memorable exploration of the South Island's natural beauty and cultural richness.