Make your own way to Christchurch and check-in to your tour accommodation any time after 2:00pm. Otautahi Christchurch is the gateway to the South Island and home to spectacular experiences. Perhaps enjoy some time exploring the city if you arrive early enough, or spend some time exploring the city centre, cafes and restaurant options for dinner tonight.

Meals:  Nil

It will be an early morning start this morning at you still need to get yourself through to the Christchurch Train station by 6.15am for your check in to the Coastal Pacific. With the Pacific Ocean nearly touching its wheels and the Kaikoura Ranges towering above, the Coastal Pacific offers one of the world's most breathtaking train journeys. Due to remarkable geographical, geological, economic and political challenges, the railway took more than 70 years to complete. Adversity struck again in 2016 when the Kaikoura earthquake dismantled large sections of the railway, taking more than two years to rebuild. The 7.00am departure will travel from Christchurch through to Kaikoura along the way enjoying the rugged coastal cliffs, rocky outcrops, charming farmsteads, and the full essence of New Zealand’s landscape and culture. Add in a cast of seals, seagulls, dolphins, and the occasional whale, and it’s easy to see why this train ride is one of the best in New Zealand. Upon reaching Kaikoura, take some time out for lunch and a stroll. This pretty seaside town has a holiday atmosphere, with an extensive foreshore footpath, many eateries and bars, and plenty to do including cultural tours, whale watching, scenic flights, short walks or simply relaxing while taking in the view. This afternoon, your transfer will collect you and take you through to Conway Flat, the first night ready for your few days of walking.

Meals:  B,D

Following breakfast this morning, you don't have too far to go to the start of the trail which begins right at the front gate. Take your time today as there is a long stretch of beach to tread, with fascinating geological specimens from past eras. Buried tree trunks 8000 yrs old, fossilised crustacean tunnels, shells and layers of distinctive sediment are all visible. Looking out to sea, you might spot some marine life from the current era such as dolphins, whales or seals, the latter sometimes coming ashore to rest on the beach. Pass an ancient Maori campsite as you turn off the beach and climb to the cliff tops where sweeping views of the coastline await, from Banks Peninsula near Christchurch in the south to the Kaikoura Peninsula in the north. The track has several undulations from hereon, passing through gullies with huge protected old-growth native trees, crossing streams and winding through narrow canyons. Sleep tonight at another cosy farm cottage, lulled by the peace and quiet of the countryside.

Meals:  B,L,D

Hear some local stories this morning from one of the landowners while you are driven a short distance (about 20 mins) from the cottage to the start of today's walk. A steady ascent through pine forest then protected remnant beech and giant podacarp forest, where silver fern also grows, opens up as you reach a saddle in the ridgeline. The panoramic views in every direction from here are of mountains reaching the sea. You could be standing in a postcard. The route continues along the ridge with an optional scramble to Skull Peak summit. At 486m it is the highest point on the trail and while that does not seem very high, relative to the surrounding land it feels like you have your head in the clouds. The track winds its way back to sea level from here, crossing grazing land and passing through a conservation zone of native coastal bush. Arriving back at Ngaroma, where you started, around mid-afternoon (plan for around 3:00pm), your luggage awaits and the shuttle will transfer you back through to Kaikoura for the night.

Meals:  B,L

Check out of your accommodation and ensure you are at the train station no later than 9.40am to check into the second half of your journey on the Coastal Pacific, from Kaikoura to either Blenheim or Picton. Train departs Kaikoura at 10.00am and will travel through more spectacular New Zealand coastal scenery such as Mangamaunu Bay, Ohau Point, Lake Grassmere, and the vineyards of Marlborough before arriving at your final destination of either Blenheim or Picton. Your tour arrangements end on arrival in either Blenheim/Picton. NOTE: Should you wish to return to Christchurch instead of continuing north, please talk to us for options.

Meals:  B