NZ TranzAlpine in summer - Is it worth the cost?

[km5377]

Most of the discussion I have found on the boards about the TranzAlpine train in New Zealand has revolved around whether a passenger can do the train on their own. We have established that a cruise passenger can only do the TranzAlpine by the ship's excursion based on the train times and the limited time in port.

My question is a bit different. The ships excursion is $350+ per person. Can anyone who visited in the summer tell me if they thought it was worth the cost?

 

Is there anything particularly jaw dropping about the scenery that can only be witnessed from this train or is there something else compelling to do in the Christchurch / Akaroa area?

We just want to make sure we are making the most out of our day in the Christchurch / Akaroa area.

Thanks!

 

[MicCanberra]

Most of the discussion I have found on the boards about the TranzAlpine train in New Zealand has revolved around whether a passenger can do the train on their own. We have established that a cruise passenger can only do the TranzAlpine by the ship's excursion based on the train times and the limited time in port.

 

My question is a bit different. The ships excursion is $350+ per person. Can anyone who visited in the summer tell me if they thought it was worth the cost?

 

Is there anything particularly jaw dropping about the scenery that can only be witnessed from this train or is there something else compelling to do in the Christchurch / Akaroa area?

 

We just want to make sure we are making the most out of our day in the Christchurch / Akaroa area.

 

Thanks!

 

 

I suppose it is subjective, I have only driven over the trans-alpine and it was beautiful but I would not pay $350 + per person for it.:D

[Wastegirl]

We did it in the summer but it was not 'jaw dropping' merely scenic. But we were on a land tour of the south island so had plenty of time to actually do the 'jaw dropping' spots. Another thing to keep in mind is that the alpine scenery does not commence straight away, you travel over the Canterbury Plains first, so I don't know how much time you will have in the Alpine part of the trip. Attached is a photo, unfortunately not one of mine because I don't have access at the moment, but a fair example of what we saw.

 

Is it worth the money, IMO I don't think so, not $700, I would rather look at putting that towards an aerial tour which leaves from Christchurch and takes you over the Alps.