Save up to 25% - 5 day Rail, Mountains and Sea tour

Day 1: Christchurch to Blenheim via Lochmara 

Haere Mai and Welcome! Prepare for an early start this morning, as you make your way to the Christchurch Train station for 6.30am. Here you’ll jump on board the magnificent Coastal Pacific and journey up to the top of the South Island in luxury, soaking up the gorgeous scenery en-route. Arriving in the picturesque seaside town of Picton, you’ll take a water taxi to Lochmara Lodge. The lodge is nestled in the heart of the Marlborough Sounds, which make up 25% of New Zealand’s coastline. Enjoy a walk around the beautiful surrounding area before indulging in some refreshments and nibbles afterwards. We’ll then head to our accommodation for the evening, Chateau Marlborough, where you can enjoy a delicious group dinner.

Inclusions:

• Visit: Picton, Lochmara Lodge, Marlborough Sounds
  
• Stay: Chateau Marlborough
  
• Activity: Coastal Pacific Train
  
• Meals: Afternoon Tea, Dinner

Day 2:Blenheim to Nelson

After breakfast this morning, you’ll take a guided tour around the Omaka Museum and relive the magical early days of aviation. The museum has had influence and support from Peter Jacskon and is an absolute must-see! Arriving at our destination mid-afternoon, the coach will take you on a scenic drive along the seaside. This evening there’s plenty of time to relax, explore the area and the option to taste some of Nelson’s fine local beverages.

Inclusions:

• Visit: Picton, Nelson
• Stay: Hotel Nelson 
• Activity: Omaka Museum
• Meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Abel Tasman National Park

Travel to the seaside resort town of Kaiteriteri and spend the morning cruising the stunning Abel Tasman National Park - a coastal paradise known for its golden sand beaches. See the iconic Split Apple Rock and call in to the most popular beaches along the coastline as you sail up to Totaranui and back. This afternoon we’ll take the scenic route back to Nelson before arriving back in Nelson mid afternoon. 

Inclusions:

• Visit: Kaiteriteri, Abel Tasman National Park, Totaranui Beach
• Stay: Hotel Nelson
• Activity: Abel Tasman National Park Vista Cruise
• Meals: Breakfast

Day 4: Nelson to Karamea

This morning we’ll travel through the Buller Gorge, home of New Zealand’s longest swing bridge. We’ll stop off at Westport, where we’ll have lunch before heading to Karamea, right at the northern end of the west coast of the South Island. You won’t be able to tear your eyes away from the views of the Tasman coast, river valleys, lush rainforest and untouched mountain ranges. Tonight we’ll stay at the Last Resort, a locally-owned, secluded eco lodge right on the coast and completely off the beaten track.

Inclusions:

• Visit: Murchison, Buller Gorge, Westport, Karamea
• Stay: Last Resort Hotel
• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5: Karamea to Christchurch via Greymouth

Gaze at untamed beaches and spectacular rainforest as we drive down the incredibly scenic ‘wild’ West Coast. We’ll stop at Cape Foulwind to visit the fur seal breeding colony before stopping shortly after at the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes to take a walk around these fascinating geological formations. We’ll then drive through to Greymouth, a historic town known for jade hunting, gold mining and dramatic river floods. Here you’ll catch the TranzAlpine train. Considered to be one of the world’s greatest train journeys, prepare to be blown away by these epic vistas of forests, plains and mountains as you travel through to Christchurch, the last stop of your tour. We hope you leave with many happy memories of your trip with us. 

Inclusions:

• Visit: Cape Foulwind, Punakaiki, Greymouth
• Activity: TranzAlpine train
• Meals: Breakfast

Package Inclusions:

• Tour Guide
• Small Group Tour
• 4 nights' accommodation
• 4 Breakfasts, 1 Afternoon Tea, 1 Lunch, 2 Dinners 
• Coastal Pacific Train Ticket
• TranzAlpine Train Ticket
• Omaka Museum Guided Tour
• Abel Tasman National Park Vista Cruise
• Visit the Cape Foulwind seal colony
• Pancake Rocks and Blowholes walk

Valid for select departure dates from 17 November 2020 to 6 April 2021

• STARTS/FINISHES: Christchurch
• DURATION:  5 days & 4 nights
• DEPARTS:  17 November & 8 December 2020, 19 January, 16 February, 9 March & 6 April 2021 NEW DATES ADDED: 12 October, 16 November, 7 December 2021; 11 & 25 January, 8, 22 February, 15 March 2022
• GROUP SIZE: Maximum 24 People, minimum 6
• Prices are per person twin, single or triple share depending on option chosen at time of purchase. Two vouchers must be purchased for twin share, three vouchers must be purchased for triple share.
• A minimum of 6 people required for tour to commence
• Deposit guarantees seat on preferred departure date. Balance of payment must be made directly to Kirra Tours 30 days prior to departure.
• Cancellations and re-bookings permitted 31+ days prior to departure. Cancellations within 30 days will void voucher
• If tour operator cancels trip you may re-book or a full refund will be provided
• Tour price does not include travel costs to or from Christchurch
• Tour itinerary subject to changes. Tour operator will make best efforts to advise prior to departure if changes adversely affect the itinerary.  
• Passengers under the age of 16 are permitted but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times during the tour
• All bookings are subject to our Standard Refund Policy.
  

Once you make your purchase simply email our travel concierge team on hello@travel-booking.stuff.co.nz with your preferred tour date & unique voucher code which will be emailed to you after purchasing.