Tranz Alpine train trip

[Blackbird]

Has anyone done the Christchurch-Greymouth alpine rail trip in winter? It's our 34th wedding anniversary at the end of July and I'm planning to take Mrs B to Christchurch for a surprise long weekend and hopefully do the return rail trip on one of the days. What's it like? I'd imagine that it would be great even in crappy weather. Does it ever get cancelled?

All comments welcome.

Oh, and yes, I have got messaging turned off in case Mrs B gets nosey

[DemonWolf]

Haha good stuff Blackbird, unfortunately can't help you there.. but congratulations on your upcoming 34th Wedding anniversary!

[Hitcher]

The Tranz-Alpine is not weather-dependent -- unless the weather buggers the tracks somewhere.

[Blackbird]

Thanks DW - amazing that I'm still alive after all this time in view of all my perceived shortcomings trotted out by Mrs B when I've annoyed her, haha. I apparently have the maturity of a 5 year old. Maybe that's why I like trains

[GR81]

havent done it since primary school... but from memory it was pretty good.
although i mainly remember only eating scroggen lol

it has rave reviews these days from what ive heard

[Ixion]

Yep. Superb. Highly recommended.

[Skyryder]

Did it once in the railcar many years ago. There and back etc.

Ran into and American when driving the yellow shuttle. This guy was on one of the cruise ships that come in from time to time. Seems he wanted to know what he could do in Chch for a day or two. I suggested the the Trnzalpine. He had sone it some time ago. Turned out that this guy had toured the world in trains for years. N ow he was trying the boat thing. Anyway bottom line is that he thought the Tranzalpine was one of the best train trips in the world. It's a day trip with everything.

Do it. You won't regret it.


Skyryder

ps Winter is the best time with snow and all.

[T.W.R]

haven't done it for years, but its a breath taking trip this link may be worth a nosey for you

http://www.tranzscenic.co.nz/services/alpine.aspx

[Blackbird]

Thanks everyone - your comments are appreciated and I'll get the bookings underway. I must say the pics look fantastic. The next thing I have to do is find an intimate boutique hotel in town. Mrs B would take it badly if I displayed any tight arse tendencies on accomodation.

I think it would be cheaper to fly to Aussie by the time I've finished

[sunhuntin]

looks quite good....have bookmarked that site for future referance! LOL.

have a great trip, and remember, aussie doesnt have snow covered mountains in the winter!

[LB]

We did it in early spring about 8-10 years ago. It was great. It was snowing at Arthurs Pass!!! Well worth doing. We did Chch-G/mth-Chch return.