Train or drive to Arthur's Pass?
 

We want to do a day trip to Arthur's Pass from Christchurch. How are the roads in late November? Are they very steep and/or "switchback" curves without guard rails or is the road reasonably comfortable to drive? A NZ website says it is 150 km and takes 2 hours and 10 minutes to drive. The Tranzalpine train leaves at 8:15 AM and arrives at 10:42 AM - but the return train (coming from Greymouth) doesn't pick us up until 4 PM and gets back to Christchurch at 6 PM. Is a 5 hours stop necessary - we are not trampers. We're just interested in the view. The train costs NZD 182 return, EACH, according to an E-mail from the Tranzscenic folks...although their web site says there is a supersaver price of NZD 94 each - which the e-mail said is not a valid fare, just there for "system reasons" - which sounds a bit strange to me! Also, after our stay in Christchurch we will be driving to Queenstown (and Wanaka, Te Anau, Milford Sound), which we expect to be gorgeous as well, so perhaps we should skip the drive to Arthur's Pass and have 3 full days to explore Christchurch (and area) instead? Thanks for your comments. SWR

We took the TA from CC to Greymouth, and enjoyed it. I don't know if it is worth a round trip to AP, especially if you do not intend to "tramp" around. Would you enjoy the lunch at Wilderness Lodge?

I have looked, but cannot find the 'supersaver' fare. The best I found is a one day excursion of NZ 130.

I would say that if you want to go, try to book the fare online and see what happens. NZ 182 sounds like a mistake.

I'm not sure CC is worth 3 days. ((*))

We have done the CChurch-Arthurs Pass-Greymouth route both by car and train. The drive from CChurch to Arthurs Pass is well-graded and climbs steadily through a valley. It is rarely steep, and I can recall only about two fairly tight curves. FYI, even though you arent doing it, from the pass down to Greymouth, there are very steep and tight spots that can be dicey for long or wide vehicles. The TranzAlpine winds through several spectacular gorges on high trestles, making for better views than the road, but you have to ask yourself it is worth it for the cost. From the pass down to Greymouth, much of the ride is in tunnels, so obviously the view is better from the road.

We did exactly what you are contemplating, getting off at Arthurs Pass, then catching the return train later. There are a couple of little cafes in Arthurs Pass where you can eat lunch. Other than that, there isn't much to 'do' in the Pass, besides walking around. There is a nice waterfall that is only about a mile or so walk.

I found the Supersaver fare of NZD94 and the regular economy fare of 130 under "book here" at:

http://www.tranzscenic.co.nz/

Enter Christchurch-Arthurs Pass return and search "special fares."

I'm now thinking of skipping the Arthur's Pass trip. And, if we don't need three full days in Christchurch, I'm thinking of cutting out one day and adding it to Queenstown, so that we'd have four nights in Queenstown. The first night we will coming in from Te Anau, stopping at Deer Park Heights and Arrowtown on the way. (I'm a LOTR fanatic.) Would you agree that this is a better choice? Thanks for your comments.

I still can't get a 'supersaver' fare. It may depend on the date or your browser. I put in Nov 28. Actually, I vaguely remember that we got the 'supersaver' fare 2 years ago.

You say that you want to drive from CHC to QT. Would you consider going over AP to Greymouth, driving south to the glaciers, then to Arrowtown, QT, etc? ((#))

I vote with JED. The AP drive isn't bad at all. It also isn't long. Just take you time and enjoy it. Then, you have the very nice prospect of the drive south along the coast, from Greymouth, to the Glaciers etc. We didn't do the train but others who did said that just doing the westward leg was enough.

Since you mention you're a LotR fan, be sure to get a copy of Ian Brodie's The Lord of the Rings Location Guide before you go. He also has a website, http://www.ianbrodie.net.

Lee Ann

Note to ElendilPickle. Yes, I have Brodie's book. And I enjoyed YOUR pictures.

While I read how nice FJ and the drive down the west coast is, we just can't fit it in. Hubby doesn't want to go on the glacier anyway.

We will be staying 3 nights in Christchurch. The first night we'll be coming from Wellington by ferry and train from Picton, arriving 6:30 PM. That gives us 2 days to explore Christchurch.

Rent car and drive to:
One night in Twizel
One night in Wanaka
2 nights in Te Anau with a day trip to Milford Sound. I don't think we can make Queenstown after the cruise.
4 nights Queenstown (LOTS of LOTR stuff to do there!)
Fly back to AKL
Fly home

Dream about another trip back. :-)