I have just booked our fares for a long weekend in Christchurch (for our 29th Wedding Anniversary).
Our plan is to depart on 24th August and I was originally just going to spend the 25th in Christchurch then catch the Tranzalpine on the 26th over to Greymouth and return to Christchurch the following day - the 27th and then fly home to Brisbane on the 28th.

I'm wondering now whether we should head over on the 25th and perhaps do a day trip down to either Fox or Franz Josef glacier on the 26th and forgo our day in Christchurch (there will be some time in Christchurch on our arrival day (an afternoon and evening) and on our departure day - we fly out at3.45pm.

I know it's just a short visit but have been over a number of times and this is mostly to do the Tranzscenic Rail.

What do you think?

I'm a little confused with your alternate itinerary. What do you mean by a 'day trip' to the glaciers? It is a long way, either by car or bus, and the Tranzalpine schedule has to be considered.

More details, please.

I would spend one night at a glacier town-- we loved FJ. Book a heli-hike if you can splurge!

Jed,
It seems that Greymouth to Franz Josef is only 177 klms - there are numerous tours as a day trip (7.30am-7pnm)from Greymouth down to the Glaciers. We could even hire a car for the day and take ourselves down. I feel that the glaciers would probably have more appeal than a day in Christchurch.

Instead of taking a daytrip from Greymouth, which didn't appear to have much to offer, try renting a car upon train arrival, drive yourselves to the glaciers, stay two nights, then drive back to Greymouth in plenty of time to catch the train back to CHC on the 27th.

Thanks Tim and Liz - that's exactly what I'm going to do. We must have had the same thought, same time. Many thanks for your assistance.