New Zealand - Trans Alpine

Trans Alpine

 

One of those bucket list things for us was to do some of the great train journeys.  It will be a little while before we can do the big (read expensive) ones like the Trans Siberian or the Blue Train but a jaunt on the Trans Alpine, thank you very much think we will.   



 

I love the trip out from Christchurch, it really is stunning and the first glimpses of the Alps is always so exciting.  The Canterbury Plains are so lush and green, its a different kind of green to home.  The Trans Alpine goes from Christchurch on the eastern side to Greymouth on the Westcoast.  The great thing, or one of the great things, about trains is, someone else is driving and we can both look at the scenery zipping past. 

 

The rivers always amaze me, the way the braid their way across the landscape, the volume of water as the snow melts must be huge.  The fine rock particles in the water give the distinct icy blue colour.  Which I cant seem to get a good photo of!

 

There was an open observation car, which was really popular but a tad chilly!  Everyone had their cameras out.

It was drizzling by the time we got to Arthurs Pass so it was a quick jump off, grab a few pics and jump back on. 

 

Its a 4 and a half hour trip which didn't seem to take that long.  I would love to do this again and a few of the other New Zealand train journeys with Rhys, he would love them!

http://www.kiwirailscenic.co.nz/tranzalpine/

Next stop.....Greymouth.