New Zealand-April, 2012-Independent Travel-7days-1 person-70yo

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Message Submitted by patdragon on Wed, 09/21/2011 - 05:55
I hope to make "the train" my main mode of transportation..stopping to take in the attractions along the way-does this sound feasible to those of you who have traveled in NZ....I am part of a Road Scholar group for the Australia part of the trip to follow.

Reply Submitted by patdragon on Wed, 09/21/2011 - 05:57

ps: if anyone knows of a tour or tour operator who works with "trains", please, let me know.

Reply Submitted by TLCompton on Fri, 09/23/2011 - 04:09

I've only traveled in NZ on the South Island so I will comment on that part. Train travel is almost non-existent there except for the scenic train from Christchurch to the west coast and another train that runs from Christchurch up to Picton where the ferry comes in from the North Island. For our trip we rented a car out of Christchurch for our three-week tour and were able to go everywhere. Some people choose to rent small RVs.

However, where NZ lacks in rail service, it does have an extensive bus service and we saw many folks using this method to get around. Buses usually stopped near the Tourist Information centres where folks (mostly younger) would pile out and seek accommodation advice. There are bus passes available and some bus "tours"--a set itinerary with overnight stays but not a traditional group tour. I'm planning to go that route when I return to NZ to do the North Island. http://www.coachnewzealand.com is just one website for finding bus information.

Reply Submitted by John Holton on Mon, 10/10/2011 - 23:39

You might want to look at the website for Canterbury Trails ( www.canterburytrails.co.nz) . It is a Christchurch based tour company specialising in small group tours of the South Island. TLC is correct that train travel is limited to 3 tourist services on the South Island: TranzScenic travelling out of Christchurch north to Picton via Kaikoura (whale and dolphin watching); the TranzAlpine travelling west out of Christchurch to Greymouth via Arthur's Pass National Park; and the Taeri Gorge Scenic Railway travelling out of Dunedin.

Their website also has helpful information on NZ weather, events and suggestions of what to take to New Zealand.

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