New Zealand - Fox Glacier to Christchurch
 

Hi,

I am planning a trip to New Zealand later this year and a part of the trip requires travel from Fox Glacier to Christchurch. I've been looking at the various bus and train schedules and it seems that the only route is via Greymouth. My question is whether this is a trip that can be done in a single day or if I should be looking at staying Greymouth for a night and travelling to Chirstchurch the next day. I'm not sure how accurate the arrival times for the buses are, but there's only about a 1/2 hour window between the bus arrival in Greymouth and the train departure, so I'm a little worried it's going to be too rushed, especially if the bus ends up being late.

Thanks

eggroll

YOu can also go through Arthurs Pass

It's the same route daisee - Fox Glacier to Christchurch will take you to Greymouth and then over Arthur's Pass to Christchurch.

Eggroll - Yes, it's a trip than can be done in a single day. Fox Glacier to Greymouth is a 2:50 drive, Greymouth to Christchurch takes about 3:30 when driving.

I suspect that many people on your bus will be meeting the train, which is why it's probably timed the way it is. I'd not worry about not making the train. Greymouth is small and the bus will probably drop you off near the train station anyway.

If you're still worried, I'd suggest advising the bus company that you need to meet the train but have time concerns - see what they say.

Does the bus not go from Greymouth to Christchurch as well?

Thanks for the responses.

Melnq8 - will take that into account and talk to the bus company

mlgb - I couldn't find one that went from Fox Glacier all the way to Christchurch. I'm still looking so maybe I will find one.

Anyone know how the drive from Fox Glacier to Greymouth is? I've been considering renting a car for that drive, wondering if it's a nice drive?

Thanks

Atomic Shuttle leaves at 1:30 pm to allow connections from
Fox/Franz. There is also West Coast shuttle in the morning. Confirm times and book ahead.

http://www.atomictravel.co.nz/docume.../Timetable.pdf

Are you familiar with the NZ tourism website? Usually has info on transport options. www.newzealand.com

Yes, the drive from Fox to Greymouth is definitely nice - it's along the west coast.

I don't think you will find any car rental locations Fox Glacier.

The closest is probably Greymouth. A rental agency might be willing to drive the car from Greymouth for you to pick up at the glaciers, but I can only imagine what that would cost.

Perhaps you might consider posting an itinerary and then we can recommend a logical location in which to rent a car.