Explore by Rail the South Island and Kaikoura Seafest 2010

For the first time, Explore by Rail will take you to the South Island and Kaikoura Seafest 2010 , Kaikoura premier festival featuring wine and food from the region.

After successful tours throughout the North Island, the Explore by Rail programme switches to the South Island for the first time with a weekend tour to the Kaikoura Seafest Festival.
 
Departing on Friday the 1st of October there is a choice of three Interislander sailings to Picton. On your arrival you’ll be met by your Explore by Rail host and transferred to your hotel, the recently renovated Mercure Hotel Picton where you’ll stay two nights.

On Saturday morning, following a complimentary buffet breakfast in the restaurant you’ll be transferred to the Picton railway station and the stylish Silver Fern in time for a 7.30 departure to Kaikoura.

Relax on board with a tea or coffee served by the Explore by Rail team and enjoy the stunning Pacific coastal scenery from the panoramic windows as you travel past Lake Grassmere and down the Kaikoura coast, passing along the edge of the beaches and the rocky headlands with their seal colonies in residence.

You’ll arrive in Kaikoura at 10.15 and transfer by coach to the Seafest Festival. The festival is a taste, sight & sound extravaganza for those who enjoy good food, good company and a good time. There will be an impressive variety of products offered, presented in many weird and wonderfully creative ways - enjoyed with continuous live entertainment on the stage throughout the day.  
 
The fine food, wines, and beverages featured are predominantly from the local Kaikoura, Marlborough, and North Canterbury regions. A huge centre marquee means you can enjoy the day no matter what the weather

If you’re not a seafood lover or if you’d like to enjoy some of the amazing experiences Kaikoura has to offer, our schedule fits with local tours including an iconic Whalewatch tour so why not combine the two. Local tours are not included in the price.

Late afternoon, rejoin the Silver Fern and return along the coast to Blenheim. On this journey, a cash bar and snack service is available as well as complimentary tea and coffee.

You’ll be leaving the Silver Fern at Blenheim and transferring by coach to the excellent Allan Scott Winery and dinner their renowned restaurant, Twelve Trees. Twelve Trees is acknowledged as a leading restaurant in Marlborough, celebrating the best in the region in a superb indoor/outdoor garden restaurant. After dinner, transfer by coach directly to Picton and the Mercure Hotel.

On Sunday morning, enjoy a sleep in or a relaxing walk followed by a leisurely breakfast at the Mercure before rejoining the Interislander for an early afternoon sailing.

Onboard you’ll enjoy exclusive use of the Kaitaki Plus lounge, the premium onboard lounge and a complimentary wine and food pairing with the Allan Scott winemaker on your trip back to Wellington.

The price is $645 per person share twin and includes return travel with Interislander (Kaitaki Plus lounge on the return journey), two nights (breakfasts included) in Picton’s premier hotel – the Mercure and travel to and from Kaikoura on board the stylish Silver Fern railcar. Entry to the festival and transfers are also included as is the Allan Scott Winery dinner on Saturday night.

Find out more about the Kaikoura Seafest here.

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