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
  How to Book
  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.

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 on your train are centrally heated, air conditioned with on board washroom/toilet facilities and '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 Buffet 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