For a number of years now one of the ‘must do’ experiences for both international and local travellers alike, has been the scenic train trip from Christchurch through Arthurs Pass, across the Southern Alps and into Greymouth in the heart of the West Coast. Hailed by many as one of the great train journeys of the world, the TranzAlpine delivers an unbeatable range of scenery whilst travelling in rail luxury. In the crystalclear June air, the vistas of the Canterbury Plains, Waimakariri River and the snow-clad Southern Alps will be truly spectacular, and on many people’s ‘Bucket List’.
We’ll travel by coach to Wellington & take the Interislander ferry to Picton. From here we follow the scenic Coastal Pacific Highway to Kaikoura and then on to Christchurch. A FREE DAY in the ‘Garden City’ will be a chance to see the sights and perhaps catch up with local family or friends. The spectacular views on this rail journey, from east to west, are complimented by superb service aboard the train and a delicious lunch. Together with the staff’s expert commentary and an ‘open carriage’ for perfect photos, you won’t miss a thing. Once on the West Coast, we’ll spend time visiting natural wonders such as the breath-taking Hokitika Gorge and Punakaiki Pancake Rocks together with historic emblems of the coasts’ past like the amazing Denniston Incline and the old forest railway into the Paparoa National Park. We return northward through the beautiful Buller and Tasman districts before crossing the Cook Strait once more and back to the Bay.
This is one of the most visually stunning tours we have taken. With a combination of city and country, coach, ferry and train, alpine and coastal landscapes, this is a trip that will create images for a lifetime. For a full itinerary, please contact the office or email Kaye at support@baytours.co.nz