Drive or Train Arthur's Pass?
 

My new bride and I are on our honeymoon & we're wondering if we should rent a car in CHC and drive through A.P to Greymouth or take the train and pick up a rental car in Greymouth. I kinda like the idea of leaving the drive to someone else for a while.

Pros/Cons?

If we take the train, can we stop or over-night in Arthur's Pass?

Any opinions or advice would be appreciated!

TIA!

I've done both, and personally I prefer the drive, partly because I rather enjoy the flexibility that driving offers.

There are several places to overnight in Arthur's Pass, but this time of year I'd call ahead to make a booking so you're not caught w/o lodging.

I assume you can stay overnight in Arthur's Pass and continue your journey the following day, but you'll need to verify this with the train operators, and make sure it's ticketed that way.

Congratulations and enjoy your honeymoon. I hope the weather is being good to you.

I agree with Mel.

The train trip is good, but the flexibility afforded by having a car and being able to work to your own timetable is much better. It is an easy drive over to Greymouth and there are several places along the way where you can stop to do a short walk, take in fantastic views, etc.

If you are staying overnight in AP, you will have two legs to the ChCh-Greymouth trip of less than two hours each -- easy going.

Where are you going after Greymouth? If ChCh is your arrival and departure point, you will avoid having to pay one-way hire charges if you do the car pick-up and return in ChCh.

We'll fly into CHC and out of Nelson, so we'll pay the drop-off either way.

Thanks for your insights

Another question -- could we take the train to Arthur's Pass & rent the car from there? (not sure how big a town it is).

No car rental facilities in Arthur's Pass that I'm aware of. It's tiny with a population of 52 or thereabouts.

Oh good to know -- Didn't realize it was that tiny! ha

Yeah, that's why I suggested you book your accommodation in advance.

Here's the town's website if you're interested:

http://www.apinfo.co.nz/

We ended taking up the train & had lovely weather.

Although we do regret not staying longer in Arthur's Pass, we did appreciate not having to drive the roads.

Thanks for all your input!

Can we talk you into a trip report?

Sure -- just let me sleep off the jet lag first ;-)