InterIslander Ferry - Picton to Wellington
Price: From 39.15 US$, per person
Duration: 3 hours
Jump aboard a daily ferry service across Cook Strait; the stretch of water separating the South and North Islands of New Zealand. Not just the link between islands, it's a New Zealand experience not be missed. An edition of the US magazine Wine Spectator, described the trip as 'one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world' and the scenery was described as 'jaw droppingly stunning!'

Interislander offers daily ferry services across the Cook Strait linking New Zealand's North and South Islands. Cruise across in 3 hours whilst traveling in comfort and style as you savor one of the world's most scenic ferry journeys.

The picturesque port town of Picton at one end of the crossing is left behind as you cruise through the serene waters of Queen Charlotte Sound in the heart of the Marlborough Sounds. The sparkling clear waters and lush forests of the Sounds is breathtaking as you leave the South Island.

Out of the Marlborough Sounds is the journey across Cook Strait, which itself has a dramatic beauty all of its own. Both islands can be viewed, including the magnificent Kaikoura Ranges and there is often the chance to see wildlife such as seabirds, dolphins, seals, whales and orca.

At the other end of the crossing is the beautiful harbor of New Zealand's capital city, Wellington (North Island). The cruise across Wellington Harbor offers a unique view of this exciting city. Nestled between surrounding hills and the glistening harbor, Wellington is a vibrant city which has retained the charm of its early colonial heritage. Wellington is alive with some of New Zealand's finest restaurants, shopping and theatre - including the spectacular Te Papa Museum of New Zealand.

We accept bookings for passengers only. Bookings including vehicle transfers will not be included.

The TranzCoastal Rail Service between Picton and Christchurch
Price: From 23.64 US$, per person
Duration: 5.5 hours

Travel south by train from Picton to the 'Garden City' of Christchurch on the railway TranzCoastal. This journey is a scenic feast with the Kaikoura mountain ranges on one side of your train and the rugged Pacific Ocean coastline on the other. Along the way you pass though the village of Kaikoura, where you can break your journey to take in the whale watching or dare to get closer and swim with the dolphins. Then it's onto the rolling farmland of North Canterbury, across the Waimakariri River and through the suburban gardens of Christchurh.

Travel south by train from Picton to the 'Garden City' of Christchurch on the railway TranzCoastal.

This journey is a scenic feast with the Kaikoura mountain ranges on one side of your train and the rugged Pacific Ocean coastline on the other. Along the way you pass though the village of Kaikoura, where you can break your journey to take in the whale watching or dare to get closer and swim with the dolphins. Then it's onto the rolling farmland of North Canterbury, across the Waimakariri River and through the suburban gardens of Christchurch.

Travel through some of New Zealand's finest horticultural and farmland areas, and see amazing wildlife such as dolphins, seals and penguins from the comfort of your carriage.

The TranzCoastal travels through 22 tunnels and crosses 175 bridges, one of them being New Zealand's only road-rail bridge.

The TranzCoastal includes an open air viewing carriage where all your senses are awakened with the clean, fresh, sea air.

Rail ticket one-way options include:

• Picton to Christchurch
• Blenheim to Christchurch
• Kaikoura to Christchurch
• Picton to Kaikoura
• Blenheim to Kaikoura