Passenger Train Services

  - Auckland-Wellington train
  - Wellington-Auckland train
  - Christchurch-Picton train
  - Christchurch-Greymouth train
  - Greymouth-Christchurch train
  - Picton-Christchurch train

Information

  - Rail / Ferry Travel
  - Accommodation
  - Railway Stations
  - Bus / Coach Services

Day Excursions

  - Arthurs Pass Excursion
  - Greymouth Excursion

Quick Answers

  - Luggage
  - Bikes, Pets, Etc
  - Extra Assistance
  - Seating Request
  - Check In Times

Christchurch to Kaikoura Day Excursion

The Christchurch to Kaikoura day excursion is a scenic rail journey between Christchurch  - the South Island’s largest city to Kaikoura - home of whale watching and dolphin swiming.

Your journey takes you north through some of New Zealand’s finest horticultural and farmland areas of the Canterbury Plains before travelling along the narrow Pacific Ocean coastline with views of marine wildlife such as seals and penguins to the town of Kaikoura.

You'll have 6 hours to either explore this marine town or take either the optional Whale Watch tour or swim with Dolphins tour before returning to Christchurch.

All carriages are centrally heated, air conditioned with on board washroom/toilet facilities, forward facing or 'Table' (4 people around a table) seating allowing you to share experiences through large panoramic windows.  

There is an open air viewing carriage where all your senses are awakened with the clean, fresh, sea air and a Café Carriage with a selection of alcoholic and hot/cold drinks, snacks and light meals.

This train is a reserved seating 'One Class/Non-smoking' service.

This train connects with the 10.30am Whale Watch tour or the 1.00pm Dolphin Swim.

Whale Watch tour or the Swim with the Dolphins tour is not included in your Day Excursion train fare.

Online Fares & Reservations