By train
The Tranzcoastal +64 4 495 0775 email [email protected] , fax +64 4 472 8903 , Freephone 0800 TRAINS (0800 872 467 NZ only), (http://www.tranzscenic.co.nz/) service operates daily from and to Christchurch via Kaikoura and connects with ferry sailings. This is undoubtedly a spectacular way to experience the Kaikoura coast. .See also Train travel in New Zealand
By plane
Sounds Air (http://www.soundsair.co.nz/) operates frequent flights between Wellington and Picton from Picton Airport, 5 minutes south from Picton off State Highway 1. As of August 2007 a one-way fare was NZ$79, which is very close to the price of the ferry, making the 25 minute flight an affordable and convenient alternative. You may find booking online to be the cheapest choice. Sounds Air will pick you up from Picton by arrangement.
By ship
Take a ferry from Wellington. The main services are available are the Interislander (http://www.interislander.co.nz) and Straits shipping (http://www.bluebridge.co.nz) the journey takes approx. 3 to 3 1/2 hours.
By bus
There are a number of bus (http://www.intercitycoach...) and shuttle services (http://www.atomictravel.co.nz) (http://www.kahurangi.co.nz) that connect with the ferry sailings traveling to Christchurch via Kaikoura, Nelson via Havelock and one shuttle to Fox Glacier via Murchison and Greymouth. All services travel via Blenheim. Nelson Lakes Shuttles (http://www.nelsonlakesshu...) specialise in providing transport for trampers, hikers, climbers, mountain bikers and skiers. They run on demand and scheduled services to St Arnaud, Nelson Lakes National Park, Kahurangi National Park, the Richmond Ranges as well as other tramping destinations further afield.
By car
State Highway 1 leads from Blenheim 20 minutes, Kaikoura 2 hours and Christchurch 4 1/2 hours. The state highway leads right up into the Interislander ferry terminal. Traveling to Nelson drivers have the option taking the Queen Charlotte Drive which snakes along the Marlborough Sounds to rejoin State Highway 6 at Havelock. Queen Charlotte Drive, despite being far shorter by distance does not save any driving time. Allow additional time for photography. The main route to Nelson is to take State Highway 1 to Spring Creek (5 minutes before Blenheim and then take Rapaura Rd to join State Highway 6 to Nelson.
Almost all rental car companies will have an office in Picton so you do not need to take rental cars on the ferry. A number of rental car companies are clustered around the Ferry Terminal. Sometimes they will offer deals relocating cars usually to Christchurch.