tranzalpine train tour

[roberts2005]

Has any one taken the trans alpine train ride out of Christchurch New Zealand. I would like to do it, but the drawback is that it is an all day tour. Leaving little or no time in Christchurch. I would appreciate any feed back.

[corniglia]

We did this trip a couple of years ago. (in summer)Unfortunately it was quite rainy and misty so sightseeing was limited . In New Zealand the weather is not predictable so you could have a fantastic day or see nothing- you take your chances . I think on a good day it would certainly be worthwhile- while Christchurch is a beautiful city I would probably choose the train. Are you doing a return trip from Christchurch- we used the train as a way to get to the west coast where we picked up a hire car. Sue

[roberts2005]

It is my understanding that you take the train one way and return by bus to Christchurch. The whole tour is 8 hours.

[corniglia]

That's probably correct. What I meant was we were touring the west coast for a week and instead of driving across the country we took the train and picked up a car at the end. Are you doing other sightseeing in New Zealand?Sue

[roberts2005]

Four years ago we had one night in Christchurch. We saw the university, antarctic center and botanical gardens, as well as a good walk around town. From Christchurch we took a bus to Queenstown via Mt. Cook. We thought the train would show us more interior.

[corniglia]

Sounds like a good idea, particularly as you have been to Christchurch before. I think with all these things you take your chances and hope that the weather is kind, it doesn't matter where you visit, the weather is the great unknown. Did you like Queenstown - I thought it was a great town- a bit european in feel without the crowds and very pretty. sue

[roberts2005]

Queenstown was one of the best places we've been. I even got to play a round of golf. We were there for three night on a Grand Circle package.