Tales from the Tours: Part 2 | Wellington to Christchurch

After cruising around Wellington Harbour for forty minutes, we approach Pencarrow Head where two lighthouses stand silently watching over the entrance to the broad Cook Strait channel, that courses between New Zealand's two main islands. On the far side, Cloudy Bay and Blenheim are clearly visible, with the Kaikoura mountain ranges rising above. 

Crossing the Cook Strait channel takes about an hour, which gives plenty of time to go inside and enjoy breakfast. The final third of the journey is spectacular, and we definitely want to be back outside on deck to enjoy it. 

After entering the Tory Channel through an extraordinarily tight entrance, we find ourselves in the gentle waters of the Marlborough Sounds.

Often likened to the fjords of Scandinavia, the next hour is spent gently cruising amongst stunning hills. This is where you can spot seals basking in the sun, pods of dolphins leaping alongside the ship, salmon farms and abandoned whaling stations. You'll also get to wave to passers-by as they cruise beside the large vessel, heading in the opposite direction to Wellington. 

There's no denying, the thought of spending the afternoon touring around Marlborough's beautiful wineries, sipping on world-class wines and learning about the region's unique flavours, is itself enough reason to book this tour!

An afternoon in the vines is just what the doctor ordered to relax and unwind. As the expert Winery Guide and driver takes our group around a bespoke selection of wineries, the tasting notes tantalise the group.

Due to the combination of a cool climate, high sunshine hours, low rainfall and free-draining fertile soil, the Marlborough region produces a unique variety of vibrant wines. Most popular and in demand, Sauvignon Blanc is the wine to try, although the elegant Pinot Noir and Chardonnay come close in the running!

The afternoon concludes with a delicious charcuterie platter of local cheeses and meats at the Forrest Valley winery.  Apparently it rained...but nobody noticed.

Meeting at the freshly renovated Blenheim railway station that dates back to 1906, the afternoon entails nothing more than a leisurely scenic rail journey along the Pacific coastline to Kaikoura.

As the train ventures into the Blenheim countryside, we are treated to some sensational views. Acre upon acre of vines belonging to world-famous wineries fill the panoramic windows on both sides of the carriage—which seems like a good cue to go to the fully licensed Scenic café!

Sitting together enjoying the views with a cold glass of Sauvignon Blanc, a remarkable and unexpected view of Cloudy Bay, Cook Strait, and the North Island floats by the window—which is just one of many scenic surprises this tour has in store!

Before long, the railway joins the Pacific coast and the journey transforms into a picture-postcard coastal cruise.  

With ocean waves rolling into the wild beaches of Kekerengu, the mountains of the Kaikoura ranges steadily rise on the horizon. Along this stretch of coast, wildlife is abundant. From ocean birds to dolphins, whales and fur-seals, eyes gaze through the panoramic windows at the changing natural scenery around every bend.

Soon we are shadowed by soaring mountains and the railway is squeezed onto the rocky shores, breathtakingly close to the sea. Slowly winding around the coast, we duck in and out of several tunnels, whilst out of the window we spy the risen seabed that was shaken to the surface during the 2016 earthquake.

By mid-afternoon, the train is eases into stunning Kaikōura. Surrounded by mountains and sea, there is possibly no more beautiful setting for a town anywhere in the world. 

With Mark, the Tour Director, leading the way, we collect our bags and catch a shuttle bus to the amazing Sudima Hotel – just ten minutes from the railway station.

Breakfast is a spectacular affair! With build-your-own buddha bowls, prosciutto, soft cheeses, fresh baked goods, and full English breakfasts, the Sudima Hotel sure knows how to put on a spread.

After a superb breakfast experience, Mark explains that the morning and early afternoon is open and free to spend as we please.

While some of the group explore the boutique shops and go for nature walks to the seal colonies, the rest of the group head off to experience the world-famous Whale Watch Kaikoura. 

Kaikoura railway station, also known as the Whaleway Station, is headquarters for Whale Watch Kaikoura and the place to meet for a morning of whale watching. From here, it's a quick journey aboard an air-conditioned bus to the marina, where Whale Watch's purpose-built catamarans await. 

At 4:45pm the train rolls into the Kaikōura platform. With towering mountains behind, the train departs with a hoot and is bound for Christchurch.

Aboard the train, the atmosphere is spirited. While some of the group eases back with a lovely glass of local wine, others head to the great outdoors, taking in the views and the ocean breeze from the Open-air viewing carriage.  The scenery is outstanding, with the train travelling along wild beaches, metres from the sea. 

Pine forests, rugged beaches, rolling green pastures, sheep, cows, vineyards, and locations only accessible by train - could the evening get any better? Yes, indeed it can! Around 6:00pm, the train crew arrive with a silver platter and begin to serve a delicious gourmet meal. What a treat! One of the group members exclaims, ‘they are definitely wining and dining us!’ as the succulent roast beef cheek melts under his fork. 

Arriving into Christchurch Railway Station is a cheery affair, as we get ready to head to our accommodation in the city centre.  

Following the tram tour, armed with an intimate knowledge of Christchurch and its layout, spending the rest of the afternoon exploring the city is very easy.  Several recommended activities can be booked by Mark or in advance by the Travel Centre. However, with the sun shining on a beautiful summer's day, wandering around the city, exploring its art laden walkways and charming shops, feels like the perfect choice.

Known for its English heritage, Christchurch boasts an array of interesting attractions, with the Botanical Gardens, Quake City the 2011 earthquake museum and historic neo-gothic stone buildings around every bend. Enjoyable, with a flat terrain, Christchurch city is an easy place to explore.

When it's time to rest the legs, there are options aplenty. Across the road from the Christchurch Cathedral is Tūranga, the largest public library in the South Island. Each level of this fascinating modern library is a world of its own, with interactive displays, game zones, and quiet nooks for squirrelling away for some downtime with a magazine or book. When it comes to refreshments, just a stone's throw away is the wonderful O.G.B - a speakeasy-style bar housed in a beautiful heritage building behind Cathedral Square with a lovely outdoor courtyard.

For those looking to relax with a bit of retail therapy, following the tram route to Cashel Street presents everything from boutique stores, dessert parlours, souvenir shops and more. Of particular note is Ballantynes, New Zealand’s oldest department store, where shoppers are transported into yesteryear with a high-end shopping experience that is hard to match!