New Zealand alpine train

lons · 10-03-2009, 06:13 PM

I'm busy finalising detail of our trip to NZ and Oz next month and fancy the train journey across the alps from Christchurch to Greymouth.

Would arrange a hire car to collect there and return to Christchurch.

Just an off chance but have any of you well travelled guys done it?

Views would be appreciated if you have, before I book.

Em135eye · 10-04-2009, 02:58 AM

Not done the train trip but drove around both islands in 1999/2000 and absolutely loved it. The roads there are fantastic - wish I'd had the 335d then!

The Honda Accord 2.0 litre wasn't bad though. Stunning stunning place. Spent the millenium in Christchurch.

gr4z · 10-04-2009, 03:49 AM

I have toured around South Island as half my family live there! Anywhere you go you will love it. Last time I was there I had the standard hire car it seems - a Subaru Legacy. Fantastic piece of kit

Oh and make sure you go to Queenstown for some fun!

lons · 10-04-2009, 03:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 335diesel

Not done the train trip but drove around both islands in 1999/2000 and absolutely loved it. The roads there are fantastic - wish I'd had the 335d then!

The Honda Accord 2.0 litre wasn't bad though. Stunning stunning place. Spent the millenium in Christchurch.

thanks for that.

One of the reasons for the train is because we only have 6 nights on the south island before flying to Sydney as part of our 5 week trip, Idea was to stay only 1 night at Christchurch, do the "route" staying where we can without booking so we can make the most of the main attractions. without driving back on ourselves which would happen if we drive from Christchurch.

Trip involves stays in Hong Kong, NZ, Syney, Cairns, Noosa (Brisbane) and Singapore.

We won't want to come back!

Dave_3 · 10-04-2009, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gr4z

Oh and make sure you go to Queenstown for some fun!

My relations have a holiday home in Queenstown. Drove across from Dunedin.

Action city

Skiiing, jet skiing (canyon), paragliding, bungee etc., etc.

Quick hop over to Milford Sound from Queenstown.

D.

SoYank · 10-05-2009, 05:45 PM

I drove from Christchurch to Lake Tekapo. The scenery is stunning.

Em135eye · 10-06-2009, 02:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lons

thanks for that.

One of the reasons for the train is because we only have 6 nights on the south island before flying to Sydney as part of our 5 week trip, Idea was to stay only 1 night at Christchurch, do the "route" staying where we can without booking so we can make the most of the main attractions. without driving back on ourselves which would happen if we drive from Christchurch.

Trip involves stays in Hong Kong, NZ, Syney, Cairns, Noosa (Brisbane) and Singapore.

We won't want to come back!

What a trip! We just did NSW in Oz then both Islands in NZ for 5/6 months then back to the Alps for some Winter action for a few weeks.

Essential stops if you can -

Kaikoura- We loved it so much we spent 3 weeks there. The surf is amazing but so are the mountains, wales and seals. They do luxury cabins there with stunning views. Best one (my comments from the guestbook are still up on the sign outside!) is 69 something or other (!)

Queenstown - made for fun.

Milford and/or Doubtful Sound - just stunning.

And anywhere else if you get time - really amazing place.

lons · 10-06-2009, 04:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 335diesel

What a trip! We just did NSW in Oz then both Islands in NZ for 5/6 months then back to the Alps for some Winter action for a few weeks.

Essential stops if you can -

Kaikoura- We loved it so much we spent 3 weeks there. The surf is amazing but so are the mountains, wales and seals. They do luxury cabins there with stunning views. Best one (my comments from the guestbook are still up on the sign outside!) is 69 something or other (!)

Queenstown - made for fun.

Milford and/or Doubtful Sound - just stunning.

And anywhere else if you get time - really amazing place.

Bloody hell, sounds fantastic

Our 5 weeks looks a lot but it isn't nearly enough. I'm self employed so wouldn't have a problem but the missus struggled to get the time off work.
I've a brother in Sydney so we're tied and NZ was sort of tagged on the trip as a taster and as my niece who is in NZ (Napier) can fly down to see us,but I know we'll be planning a trip back there possibly as soon as next year to see it properly.

Em135eye · 10-06-2009, 04:32 AM

Ions - we have a little one but once he's old enough to either come along, we'll be back - we did a lot of exploring but still missed a lot.

It's the only place in the World where I've surfed perfect, crowdless waves backing onto snow capped mountains (Kaikoura). Utterly stunning and the people are amazing.

This isn't my pic but you get the general idea!

Kayaking "with" a seal playing with a fish and then up to a 600ft high waterfall (Milford Sound) also stuck in our minds too.

Sydney is the best city in the world.

spandeli · 10-06-2009, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 335diesel

Sydney is the best city in the world.

And the hottest chicks also.

Been there twice spent five months of hols the first time back in 2002, and a couple of months last year.

Biggest mistake of my life? Had an option to stay there for good, and i didnt do it

Now its too late, ive got a wife and a kid, not worth it really in this status to take the risk and move.

Em135eye · 10-06-2009, 08:12 AM

We actually enjoyed NZ more but Sydney as a city kicks ar5e.

Great surf nearby, mountains closeish and the most stunning waterside locations ever.

Spiders, snakes and sharks put me off a bit but not much.

Chicks were good but the place that had my jaw falling off time and time again as yet another stunner strolled past - Stockholm!

lons · 10-06-2009, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 335diesel

Ions - we have a little one but once he's old enough to either come along, we'll be back - we did a lot of exploring but still missed a lot.

It's the only place in the World where I've surfed perfect, crowdless waves backing onto snow capped mountains (Kaikoura). Utterly stunning and the people are amazing.

This isn't my pic but you get the general idea!

Kayaking "with" a seal playing with a fish and then up to a 600ft high waterfall (Milford Sound) also stuck in our minds too.

Sydney is the best city in the world.

Sounds absolutely fantastic, we're really starting to look forward to it now although the flights have been booked since January.

My niece has been in Napier for 12 months working as a doc in the local hospital. She's got another 6 months and I know she doesn't want to come back.

We're gonna do as much as we can though mostly sightseeing this trip as not enough time. It's a recon visit to NZ really to sort out what to do properly next visit.
Trouble is, I always start looking at property, was very close to buying in South Africa last year but got cold feet in the end.

willhollin · 10-06-2009, 12:42 PM

I would move to New Zealand in a heartbeat if I could. After spending six months there I didn't want to leave, perhaps one day I will return.

I didn't take the train you mention but visited most of the South Island in a car, we did Arthur's pass which seems to follow the Christchurch to Greymouth route and it was stunning. Wherever you go you won't be far from beautiful scenery, good beer and friendly locals!

lons · 10-06-2009, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by willhollin

I would move to New Zealand in a heartbeat if I could. After spending six months there I didn't want to leave, perhaps one day I will return.

I didn't take the train you mention but visited most of the South Island in a car, we did Arthur's pass which seems to follow the Christchurch to Greymouth route and it was stunning. Wherever you go you won't be far from beautiful scenery, good beer and friendly locals!

Thanks

Just finished sorting it all.

Train goes through Arthurs pass total 41/2 hour journey.
Booked a car from Greymouth to Christchurch and we'll do the sights just staying wherever we feel. Hopefully should be ok as it isn't busy season.

Spent hours on the web sorting total 6 diff accommodations, 3 car hires, 2 flights. It's given me a headache! Gonna take an asprin and go to bed

10-03-2009, 06:13 PM	#1
lons Lons 10 Rep 383 Posts Drives: 320d M Sport edition - carbon Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Northumberland iTrader: (0)	New Zealand alpine train I'm busy finalising detail of our trip to NZ and Oz next month and fancy the train journey across the alps from Christchurch to Greymouth. Would arrange a hire car to collect there and return to Christchurch. Just an off chance but have any of you well travelled guys done it? Views would be appreciated if you have, before I book. __________________
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10-04-2009, 02:58 AM	#2
Em135eye Banned 175 Rep 4,302 Posts Drives: M135i Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: South West iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW M135i 5 door [0.00]	Not done the train trip but drove around both islands in 1999/2000 and absolutely loved it. The roads there are fantastic - wish I'd had the 335d then! The Honda Accord 2.0 litre wasn't bad though. Stunning stunning place. Spent the millenium in Christchurch.
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10-04-2009, 03:49 AM	#3
gr4z Colonel 1135 Rep 2,808 Posts Drives: i4 e40 Join Date: May 2008 Location: Stamford iTrader: (0)	I have toured around South Island as half my family live there! Anywhere you go you will love it. Last time I was there I had the standard hire car it seems - a Subaru Legacy. Fantastic piece of kit Oh and make sure you go to Queenstown for some fun!
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10-05-2009, 05:45 PM	#6
SoYank Major General 571 Rep 7,519 Posts Drives: 2009 E90 335i MT Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Vinton, Virginia iTrader: (1) Garage List 2009 BMW E90 335i S ... [9.00]	I drove from Christchurch to Lake Tekapo. The scenery is stunning. __________________ **2009 E90 335i Montego Blue · Black Leather · Burl Walnut · 6MT · US Spec** SatNav • ZPP • ZCW • 6FL • TPMS • iDrive • PDC • HWS • Xenons • BMW Assist • Power Rear Sunshade • Logic 7 European Taillights • Rear Foglamp • OEM Alarm • PicoTray • DataToys XM-DVR • Multi-view Processor Quaife ATB LSD • Short Shift Knob • Hartge Anti-Roll Bars • AP Racing Front Brakes • 19" Style 269
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10-06-2009, 04:32 AM	#9
Em135eye Banned 175 Rep 4,302 Posts Drives: M135i Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: South West iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW M135i 5 door [0.00]	Ions - we have a little one but once he's old enough to either come along, we'll be back - we did a lot of exploring but still missed a lot. It's the only place in the World where I've surfed perfect, crowdless waves backing onto snow capped mountains (Kaikoura). Utterly stunning and the people are amazing. This isn't my pic but you get the general idea! Kayaking "with" a seal playing with a fish and then up to a 600ft high waterfall (Milford Sound) also stuck in our minds too. Sydney is the best city in the world.
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10-06-2009, 08:12 AM	#11
Em135eye Banned 175 Rep 4,302 Posts Drives: M135i Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: South West iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW M135i 5 door [0.00]	We actually enjoyed NZ more but Sydney as a city kicks ar5e. Great surf nearby, mountains closeish and the most stunning waterside locations ever. Spiders, snakes and sharks put me off a bit but not much. Chicks were good but the place that had my jaw falling off time and time again as yet another stunner strolled past - Stockholm!
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10-06-2009, 12:42 PM	#13
willhollin Major General 268 Rep 9,915 Posts Drives: VW T5 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Worcestershire iTrader: (1) Garage List 2007 BMW E92 330d SE [10.00] 2010 Transporter T5 ... [0.00]	I would move to New Zealand in a heartbeat if I could. After spending six months there I didn't want to leave, perhaps one day I will return. I didn't take the train you mention but visited most of the South Island in a car, we did Arthur's pass which seems to follow the Christchurch to Greymouth route and it was stunning. Wherever you go you won't be far from beautiful scenery, good beer and friendly locals!
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