The Coastal Connection

The Coastal Connection is a ferry and train or bus scenic experience between the North and South Islands of New Zealand.

Your journey can start from either, Christchurch, Kaikoura or Wellington and involves a ferry cruise between Wellington and Picton crossing Cook Strait separating the North and South Islands and the Christchurch to Picton coach journey between Picton, Kaikoura and Christchurch.

Your Coastal Connection experience starts with a ferry sailing from Wellington, which has one of the most picturesque harbours in the world, crossing the Cook Strait waters before entering the magnificent Marlborough Sounds - a collection of sea-drowned sparsely populated, steep wooded hill valleys with small quiet bays, being a natural scenic wonder.

Your Cook Strait ferry offers a range of on board facilities for you to enjoy as you view of some of New Zealand's most unique scenery. Enjoy a movie, a drink in the bar and anything from a snack to a three course meal from the Food Court, a nursery, onboard shop, 3 large passenger lounges, work stations, children's play area, plenty of outdoor deck space and friendly onboard crew.

Your ferry journey ends at Picton where you have time to experience the environment of this unique town with it's unique scenery and attractions such as the Aquarium or the Edwin Fox Museum to name a few, before boarding the Christchurch to Picton bus or train  to Kaikoura and Christchurch.

The Picton to Christchurch bus or train, travels down the eastern coast of the South Island, passing through the local Marlborough vineyards, Lake Grassmere Salt Ponds to the coast and the mighty seaward Kaikoura Ranges to Kaikoura, which is famous for viewing whales, marine, bird life and dolphin swimming.

Why not break your journey and stay overnight in Kaikoura, to take an optional trip to see the whales, or swim with the Dolphins before continuing your train or coach trip to Christchurch the next day.

The Coastal Connection offers the convenience of one bus/ferry or train/ferry ticket and travel.

The Coastal Connection service connects with bus and coach services from Christchurch to Mt Cook, Dunedin, Invercargill, Te Anau, Stewart Island and Queenstown and from Wellington to Palmerston North, Wanganui, New Plymouth, Hastings, Napier, Gisborne, Ohakune, Tongariro National Park, Taupo, Rotorua, Tauranga and Auckland.

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