TranzAlpine Trip from Christchurch to Greymouth

Well, here is the last of our New Zealand travels (though we are behind in posting some others, so there will probably be more even after we get home!).

Wayne, Quinn and I took the TranzAlpine from Christhchurch to Greymouth. The TranzAlpine is considered one of the great rail journeys in the world and it didn’t disappoint. It goes through Arthur’s Pass, which is one of the most scenic passes in New Zealand. The train ride is 4.5 hours long one way so we decided to stay overnight on the West Coast, rent a car and stay in Hokitika, a cute little town off of the Tasman Sea. The train ride was wonderful, and the hotel/cabin on the beach that we stayed in was perfect for our last excursion in New Zealand. Here are some of the photos of that weekend.

Quinn was excited to ride on “Thomas” and was “surprised” at all the beautiful views…

At the Hokitika Gorge and on the beach at our hotel…

On Sunday morning, we went to find a geocache at Lake Mahinapua, about 10 minutes south of Hokitika. We were pleasantly surprised at the beautiful vista and clear glassy lake. A real hidden gem! New Zealand just seems full of these tucked away places…

Arthur’s Pass and the Waimakariri Valley (say that 10 times fast!) on the way back to Christchurch:

Farewell New Zealand. We will be back.