South Island Adventure (Car-Free Summer Itinerary) 🚢🚂🐋

Day 1: Wellington → Picton → Kaikoura (Whale Watching!) 1️⃣ Free Shuttle to Ferry From Wellington Station, catch the InterCity bus (free transfer to ferry terminal). Pro Tip: Only runs 70 mins before sailing—don’t miss it! 2️⃣ Ferry to Picton ⛴️ (8:45am-12:15pm) Book tickets: Interislander Student discounts available! Non-refundable = cheaper. 4-hour cruise: Chill with music or soak in Marlborough Sounds views 🌊. Luggage Hack: If taking the Coastal Pacific Train, ask staff to transfer bags directly to Kaikoura! 3️⃣ Lunch in Picton Only 1.5 hrs between ferry & train? Grab a woodfired pizza at Scoozi (🍕 Steak Supreme = yum!). Train station is hidden behind Subway! 🌭 4️⃣ Scenic Train to Kaikoura 🚞 (Coastal Pacific) Book tickets: Great Journeys NZ Scenic vs. Scenic Plus: Bigger windows/space for premium. Winter Alert: Closed until ~September! Don’t Miss: Stand in the open-air carriage for epic coastal winds! 🌬️ 5️⃣ Arrive in Kaikoura 🐳 Hotel: Sudima Kaikoura (sea-facing, but 1km walk from station—hard with luggage!). Dinner: Street Eat (Malaysian, sweet-salty flavors). Next up: Sunrise whale watching! 🌅 #NZTravel #SouthIslandNZ #Kaikoura #WellingtonLife #NoCarNeeded #TrainTravel #WhaleWatching #AdventureNZ