In trying to decide how to plan my SI portion of upcoming trip to New Zealand I found a ferry/train combo. Ferry from Wellington, train to Christchurch from Picton. It sounded like fun to me as I have enjoyed train travel in Europe so much. Has anyone done this, and how are the trains? I don't see much on this forum about train travel. Thanks again for your help.

The only train I took in NZ was the one-a-day scenic Tranzalpine from Christchurch to Greymouth, back the next day. Not a typical point-to-point train.

But no matter how good or otherwise the regular trains are - what I wonder is - have you considered driving? NZ is fabulous with a car - good roads, great views at every turn and <i>you can stop</i> whenever you wish. A train just keeps moving on - you may catch a fleeting glimpse...

I am going to pickup car in Christchurch and drive from there. We will have already been on the NI driving for two weeks so I thought it might just be a fun change of pace. We don't have enough time to stop along the way as we only have a week on the SI. Is this a reasonable way to see that part of SI. We live in California so I don't need to stop and whale or dolphin watch, or really wine taste for that matter. I love those things but we have to start editing somewhere!

The Kaikoura Coast is one of my favourite drives, but I accept that you need to work within the time available to you, kmh7. The train follows the coast for a good part of the way, and the views are just as spectacular.

Generally, NZ trains are ok and run roughly according to schedule. The Picton-Christchurch trip is sometimes late in departing because of delays in the Ferry getting in (e.g. this morning's train was 25 minutes late leaving Piction, but it is expected that most of that time will be made up on the journey). The carriges are by no means luxurious (by, say, European First Class standards), but they are clean and fairly comfortable.

I think that you would enjoy the trip.

Rob.

Hmm, You have given me food for thought Rob I may have to make that drive afterall. Our time is so limited and I know we will be back to NZ soon. So with one week on the SI where would you spend your time. I hate to over plan! I am thinking of Picton to Christchurch 2 days around there, fly to Queenstown 2 days there, drive to Mt. Cook 1 night there? Somehow back to Auckland for flight to the states. Does this sound Ok. I know I miss alot but I have to save something for next time! Thnaks again, Kim

Queenstown, Fiordland, Mt. Cook, Maniototo, Dunedin. With one week you may want to consider flying into Queenstown or Dunedin.