Luxury Escapes - New Zealand Self Drive Tours - Train Tour Packages
6 Day Self Drive & Coastal Pacific Train Tour: Kaikoura & Marlborough
price from
NZ$ 7137
per person (twin share)
New Zealand - South Island 
Self Drive Tour 
6 days 
Christchurch 
Christchurch 6 Day South Island Self-Drive & Coastal Pacific Train Tour | Hapuku Lodge, The Marlborough & The Mayfair | 5 Tasty Breakfasts | Kaikoura, Blenheim & Christchurch | Tours designed for travelers seeking a private, luxury experience.
This Coastal Pacific train tour covers the South Island’s northeast corner in style over 6 days. It starts and ends in Christchurch. Four days of self-drive car hire take you north to Kaikōura for a night at the treetop Hapuku Lodge. From there, it’s on to Blenheim for two nights at The Marlborough in the heart of wine country.
From Picton, the car hire ends, and the trip shifts to rail. This Coastal Pacific train tour covers the return leg, tracing the coastline from Picton back to Christchurch. A Scenic Plus dining experience is included along the way. Two final nights at The Mayfair in central Christchurch close out the trip.
This trip suits travelers who want the freedom of driving without giving up a scenic train ride. It also works well for anyone who wants one direction of the journey handled for them. Want to base your whole trip around Kaikōura’s marine life instead? Our Coastal Pacific Train guide covers the route in more depth. Our New Zealand Scenic Train Journeys comparison covers other rail options too. Already booked our 5 Day Ultimate PurePod Experience? That trip includes a night at a PurePod near Kaikōura too.
- Fully private throughout, with no group activities
Tour Photo Gallery
Tour Information, Departure Dates & Price
Transportation
- Rental Car
Tour Departures
- Daily
Airport Transfers
- N/A
Pricing
-
From NZD 7,137
Meals
- 5x Breakfast
- 2x Dinner
Accommodation
- Luxury Lodges
- Boutique Hotels / Boutique B&B's
Cities/Regions Visited
-
Christchurch – Kaikoura – Blenheim – Picton – Christchurch
Group Size
- no minimum number
Tour Code
- ANZ17092026
Pre & Post Accommodation
- Available
6 Day Self Drive & Coastal Pacific Train Tour: Kaikoura & Marlborough Days
Your journey begins at Christchurch Airport, where you pick up your hybrid rental car and drive north along the rugged Pacific Coast Highway to Kaikōura for a night of eco-luxury at Hapuku Lodge, complete with a three-course dinner.
From there, you continue north into the world-renowned Marlborough wine region for a two-night stay at The Marlborough in Blenheim, giving you ample time to tour the local Sauvignon Blanc vineyards, sample artisan foods, and enjoy gourmet estate dining.
Next, you drive up to the port town of Picton to drop off your rental car and board the famous Coastal Pacific Train. Traveling south back to Christchurch, you will experience the premium Scenic Plus Dining trackside hospitality as the train tracks right along the crashing ocean waves.
Upon arriving at the Christchurch station, a private transfer whisks you to The Mayfair Hotel for a final two nights, allowing you to explore the vibrant, rebuilt “Garden City” at your own pace before checking out on Day 6.
Inclusions & Highlights
- 4 days car hire with Europcar in a Ford Escape Hybrid
- 1 night at Hapuku Lodge, Kaikoura, in a Lodge Room, including breakfast, minibar, and a three-course dinner
- 2 nights at The Marlborough, Blenheim, in a Deluxe Room, including breakfast, canapés, and a three-course dinner
- Coastal Pacific Train journey from Picton to Christchurch, including the Scenic Plus dining experience
- One-way transfer from Christchurch Railway Station to hotel
- 2 nights at The Mayfair, Christchurch, in a Top of House King, including breakfast and a welcome drink on arrival
Tour Departure Dates
- 01 Sep 2026 – 30 Sep 2026: Price from NZ$ 7,137 per person (twin share)
- 01 Oct 2026 – 25 Mar 2027: Price from NZ$ 8,457 per person (twin share)
Accommodation
You’ll stay at three carefully selected boutique properties, each offering its own character and charm. The entire journey is fully private – no group activities, no shared touring, just your own pace and space.
Included activities
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