The Coastal Pacific train operates between the delightful port of Picton, the gateway to the beautiful Marlborough Sounds, and Kaikoura, the home of whale watching, as well as onto Christchurch, the South Island’s largest city. This means that, if you’re feeling like life on the rails is for you, you can hop straight on the train at Christchurch and catch the TranzAlpine as described above. On one side is the Pacific Ocean with marine wildlife such as seals and penguins while on the other are the rugged Kaikōura mountain ranges. In between are the farms of the Canterbury Plains, remote beaches and a whole lot of beauty. Along the way you pass through the town of Kaikoura, where you can break your journey to take in whale watching or get up and close by swimming with the dolphins. If you’re a railway nut or like the idea of seeing a bit of the South Island by rail, then don’t despair and consider this journey as it’s a thumping good one.