Visit New Zealand - Day Five

Today I make my own way to Christchurch railway station to catch the TranzAlpine train (left) across the island, a journey known as 'The Great New Zealand Rail Adventure'. Crossing the huge and fertile patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains, we pass through Sheffield, which has a hotel next to a brook called “Porter Heights” (‘small world’ example #3)! I manage to cross an item off the "50 things to eat before you die" list by trying an Australian style meat pie from the onboard cafe.

We stop at Springfield station for some photo opportunities and a local high school orchestra serenade us. The train then winds its way over viaducts, through spectacular gorges and river valleys, before tracking slowly across the country's greatest mountain range, the Southern Alps. We stop at Arthur’s Pass, a tiny hamlet named after the pass that cuts through the mountains. The train then follows rivers and skirts around Lake Brunner (Moana), before descending through lush beech forest to the Tasman Sea and the town of Greymouth.



After checking in to my hostel (the Kainga-Ra), I join an independent afternoon tour along the West Coast up to Punakaiki to see the Pancake Rocks (above). The rocks are named for the layering of the limestone, which is apparently unique and scientists still don't know what caused it. Walkways wind through the rock formations, with views down to surge and whirl pools, and blowholes through which the sea bursts during high tides.

I enjoy a cold beer while basking in the sun before our guide takes us a little further north to the Truman Track (right). The track begins in virgin native bush; untouched rainforest of ferns, nikau palms, and rimu. Near the end, we pass through typical West Coast flax before emerging into a sandy cove featuring cliffs, caves, and a stunning waterfall. It's truly beautiful. We have chance to wander around and I even pick up some pieces of greenstone jade.

I arrive back at my hostel (left) too late to join the Monteith's bewery tour, so have a simple tea and relax in the TV room quietly watching Lord of the Rings (it seemed appropriate!) with some other girls until bedtime.