Mary Ann

Is there any scenic train service or any train service between Queenstown and Christchurch? Is there bus service? We are looking into alternatives besides flying. <BR>Thanks for any assistance.

Damien

I anm not too sure the exact answer to your question. However, we have just come back from New Zealand. We drove up the west side and then took the transalpine train from Greymouth to Christchurch. You need to book ahead of time - but it is an excellent train journey - as is the drive up the west side of the South Island.

Jo

Hi Mary Ann, <BR>No, it is not possible to travel between Christchurch and Queenstown by train. There are bus services, but you'd have to make the call as to whether 10 hours by bus is better than 45 minutes by air. <BR>If you do want to coach, visit Intercity's website: http://www.intercitycoach.co.nz/ <BR>Jo

Mary Ann

Thanks for your input. It made me look for the web sites since a 10 hour bus trip is not our ideal way of traveling. In looking for the transalpine train I did find that you can take a combination bus/train gorge trip from Queenstown to Dunedin and then another train from Duneding to Christchurch. Dunedin looks like it might be interesting for a day. Thanks again.

John

Dear Mary Ann <BR> <BR>My wife and I just recently (Nov 18) took the motor coach from Queenstown to Christchurch. The scenery is absolutley breathtaking. True, it's an all day affair, but stops along the way including Mt. Cook make the day seem short. I highly recommend it. <BR> <BR>John