South Island Rail Experience
Breathtaking Scenery
Experience one of the world's most amazing Train Journeys
We have combined everything rail has to offer with one of the most unique tours we have ever crafted. This 4 night rail experience includes some of the world's most amazing scenic experiences.
Arriving in Christchurch, we will experience the Tramway restaurant where we will experience the luxury of a colonial style dining tram and be treated to the finest service, cuisine and beverages New Zealand has to offer.
We will then experience the TranzAlpine train, which is often referred to as one of the world’s most scenic train journeys and Lonely Planet have listed it in their top global 10!
But we don’t stop there with our final rail experience onboard the Pacific Coastal Rail, taking us from Christchurch up to Blenhiem, getting breathtakingly close to the sea, where the roaring Pacific Ocean meets the rising Kaikoura mountains.
Also discover the history and hidden gems of both Greymouth and Marlborough regions by coach.
We have combined everything rail has to offer, for the ultimate rail experience! This is sure to be a sell out, read on for full itinerary information.
Is this tour for me?
Duration
Dates
Suitable for
Departing from*
What’s included?
Tour highlights
Itinerary
Home - Christchurch
Home (September 26th)
If departing from Whanganui, meet at the Whanganui Racecourse for an 7:45am departure and travel to Palmerston North Airport to catch our flight to Christchurch.
Departing from another destination
For those departing from another destination you will fly into Christchurch and meet up with the group. All tickets and details will be provided in your personal information pack, sent prior to travel.
Christchurch
We are collected from the airport and board the coach to discover the true magic of Christchurch as we tour the highlights of the city. The first stop will be the Gondola where you will head up onto the port hills to enjoy fantastic views across Christchurch, the Canterbury plains, Lyttelton harbour and on a clear day all the way to the Southern Alps. Grab yourself some lunch from the gondola cafe before continuing on our day to the picturesque seaside village of Sumner, before experiencing a tour around Christchurch central city on a Double Decker bus. You will be educated on the exciting rebuild of Christchurch following the 2011 earthquakes, enjoying a commentary from our friendly local guide who will guide you through the history of the city and explain how the rebuild is taking place.
We are then dropped at our hotel for with some time for some R & R before we are collected again and taken to the only Tramway Restaurant in New Zealand.
You will enjoy the unique way to view the inner city of Christchurch while enjoying a delicious evening dinner in the luxury of the colonial style dining tram and be treated to the finest service, cuisine and beverages New Zealand has to offer. Incorporate fabulous dining with a sightseeing tour showcasing Christchurch’s inner city vibrancy and heritage – truly a mix of the old and the new. The Christchurch Tramway Restaurant dinner tour is a unique activity not to be missed. We are then returned to the hotel to rest our heads for the night.
Accomodation: Rydges Latimer Christchurch
Christchurch - TranzAlpine - Greymouth
Christchurch (September 27th)
After a scrumptious breakfast we are collected and transferred to the Christchurch Railway Station, home to the legendary TranzAlpine train.
TranzAlphine Train / Greymouth
Today we will experience one of the world's greatest train journeys as we travel through the South Island’s striking natural landscape by taking the train between Christchurch and Greymouth. Along this journey you’ll see epic vistas, travel the edges of the ice-fed Waimakariri River, traverse the Southern Alps, and see miles of native beech forest.
The TranzAlpine is one of the world's great train journeys covering 223 kilometres (139 miles) one-way, taking just under 5 hours. You’ll traverse the majestic Canterbury Plains, to the backdrop of the mighty Southern Alps - the journey of a lifetime. We arrive at Moana station and will be collected by a local tour company to head out for a look around Moana and Lake Brunner enjoying the history of the area. Cross the swing bridge for a look at the river and an optional loop walk before heading up to Hotel Lake Brunner for lunch. Following a scrummy meal we travel to the Brunner Mine Site for a walk around and discover the history on the old coal mine. Then head to our accommodation and get set for a lovely evening after this magical day out.
Accommodation: The Copthorne Greymouth
Greymouth - Christchurch
Christchurch (September 28th)
This morning we are collected from our Hotel at 9am and head to Blackball to stroll around the outside museum and learn the history of Blackball. Back into Greymouth to see the flood wall and then down to the Coal Heritage area, enjoy the many monuments, plaques and the platform out over the river. We will also head out to the break waters to see the river mouth, with a chance to view Mt Cook. After this we drive out to Shantytown Heritage Park, with over 30 buildings to look through set back in the gold rush days, a steam train ride and gold panning all included.
TranzAlpine Christchruch
We’ll have a group lunch together before making our way back to the train station and get set for our return journey on the TranzAlpine. After another sensational journey we are collected and taken back to our hotel for another relaxing evening together.
Accomodation: Rydges Latimer Christchurch
Christchurch - Blenhiem
Christchurch (Semptember 29th)
This morning is an early start but will be well worth it as we will experience one of the most beautiful stretches of New Zealand rail aboard the Coastal Pacific train.
We are transferred to the railway station and climb aboard one of the most picturesque journeys on New Zealand railways, meandering along the Pacific coast between Christchurch and Picton.
The Coastal Pacific train takes you along rugged coastlines, across remote beaches, between mountains and sea, on a timeless journey of breathtaking beauty. The Coastal Pacific meanders breathtakingly close to the sea, where the roaring Pacific Ocean meets the rising Kaikōura mountains. We will voyage through the vineyards of Blenheim, then hop off the train here where our bus awaits.
Blenhiem
We will be collected from the station and head out on a private coach tour which takes in the highlights of this beautiful region. This includes the Vines Village, Makana Chocolate shop and a few other special spots the region has to offer. We are dropped back at our great accommodation to get set for our final group dinner.
Accommodation: Chateau Marlborough
Blenhiem - Home
Blenhiem (Semptember 30th)
After a relaxed start to the day we are collected and transferred to the Interislander Ferry Terminal in plenty of time to catch our 11am sailing to Wellington.
Upon arrival into Wellington we will collect our luggage and travel north back to Whanganui in time for dinner..
Home
Upon arrival into Wellington we will collect our luggage and travel north back to Whanganui in time for dinner.
*If you are travelling to another destination, your travel arrangements will be made for you in your customised itinerary.
Photos from the road
Check out what we got up to last time
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Optional extras
Optional extras
Meet your tour guide
Jason Granville
After years in the broadcasting industry, Jase hung up his headphones to run Take It Easy Tours. With now over a decade behind the wheel Jason ensures every tour will leave you with a lifetime of memorable expereinces.
Reserve your spot
There is limited availability for this tour. Please contact us to find out more.
Frequently asked questions
Can I earn Air New Zealanad airpoints on my flights?
Yes, you can earn airpoints with Take It Easy Tours when we are using Air New Zealand flights. All you need to do is get in contact with us and let us know your airpoints number for each time you wish to earn points.
Can you collect me from my door?
Yes, it would be our pleasure. We can arrange for you to be picked up and returned to your front door at the conclusion of any tour.
How about travel insurance?
We strongly recommend taking out travel insurance as soon as you book your trip. It just puts your mind at ease. Remember to make sure you are covered for and loss of personal possessions, sickness, accidents or travel delays. Feel free to ask us for any tips to make this quick and easy for you.
How active are your tours?
We are called Take it Easy for a reason as we like to do just that. Do as much or as little as you like - after all it's your holiday! However, there is walking and various activities on each tour that require various levels of fitness. Please check with us if you are unsure about anything and relax knowing that there's always another option for you if you would rather miss out on any activity. We always have a back up plan.
I have some dietary requirements?
Please just let us know in advance and we will sort everything for you. Chefs are used to all sorts now when it comes to diet so as long as we know - we’ll have you covered.
What happens if I have to cancel?
Cancellation charges do apply so again we recommend travel insurance. Our cancellation policy is clearly outlined for each tour so make sure you cast your eye over it and please feel free to ask any questions.
What kind of accommodation do we stay in?
Having a good night's rest after a day out touring is very important so we personally choose all of our accommodation. Generally, four star accommodation when available - with all the comforts you need for a relaxed night.
Still have questions?
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What our customers say
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