South Island: Southern Highlights - in Style

The TranzAlpine has been rated as one of the world's greatest train journeys. It travels from one coast of New Zealand' South Island to the other, departing Christchurch at 8:15 am, arriving in Greymouth at 12:45pm. From the carriage passengers will see the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland, followed by the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. The train then climbs into the Southern Alps before descending through lush beech rain forest to the West Coast town of Greymouth - a great base for visits to Punakaiki and the always popular glaciers. The journey is 223.8 kilometres long and takes just four and a half hours. There are 16 tunnels, and 5 viaducts, the highest being the Staircase standing at 73 metres. An open air viewing carraige allows passengers to get even closer to the stunning scenery and provides many opportunities to take photographs.

The road between Greymouth and Hokitika provides great views of the wild west coast.Further south, the road to the glaciers is rural, but with a wild streak. The farmland is trying to turn back into forest, and the beauty of the rivers is raw and primeval. In good weather the Southern Alps can be seen. A visit to the White Heron colony near Okarito / Whataroa is a rare experience.

Umfulana-Tip: The scenic "HariHari Coastal Walkway" (2 hrs return to coastal viewpoint of "The Doughboy / Mt OneOne". At low tide, a 3-4 hr loop track is possible). The walk starts at the rivermouth of the Wanganui River, a 20 min drive from the southern end of the main road in HariHari (between Ross & Whataroa). Do ask for further information at the Department of Conservation / Visitor Centre in Hokitika.

The terminal face of Fox Glacier is just 5 kilometres from the township that serves it. Fox Glacier was named after an early New Zealand Prime Minister, William Fox. Lake Matheson lies just 6km from Fox Glacier. On a still, clear day it reflects the unforgettable image of New Zealand's highest peaks, Aoraki (Mount Cook) and Mount Tasman. An easy 40 minute walk leads to the first viewing platform, a complete circuit of the lake can be completed in one and a half hours. Further south is pretty Lake Paringa and a salmon farm. Just north of Haast is Lake Moeraki, a peaceful forest lake with good fishing.

There are many reasons to stop on the way, so it is wise to allow enough time for the journey to Queenstown. The road from Haast, a former construction camp for the Ministry of Works, was only completed in 1965. The Haast Visitor Centre offers excellent information on the South Westland World Heritage Area, worth a stop! Haast is also the last fuel stop for a while. The way to the Haast Pass follows the Haast River to its headwaters, it is quite a dramatic road crossing of the Southern Alps - even though it is the lowest of the three main alpine passes (563 m).Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea are another highlight of the journey. The lakeside town of Wanaka has a high concentration of cafes, restaurants and interesting shops. The 3D maze at Puzzeling World is worth a visit for all ages, not only when it's raining. The shortest route to Queenstown from Wanaka is over the Crown Range Road. The drive is a little challenging drive, but in fine weather, the views are amazing. Alternatively, drivers can take the route that runs beside the Clutha River, Lake Dunstan & the Shotover River. The vineyards of the Gibbston area and bungy jumpers at the Kawarau River Bridge are interesting distractions along that way.

 The first leg of the journey clings scenically to the edge of the southern arm of Lake Wakatipu - with views to the Eyre Mountains - cloud permitting. High country scenery and farmland beneath the Takitimu Mountains are features of the drive towards the Fiordland National Park.

Leaving Fiordland National Park behind,between Lumsden and Gore the road follows across the river plain. Next is Balclutha with its distinctive arched concrete bridge and an interesting museum. The road continues through fresh, green farm scenery approaching the historic mill town of Milton - the unusual kink in the main road is where two surveyors didn't quite meet.

North of Dunedin, the famous Moeraki boulders lie scattered along a beach. Oamaru has many elegant historic buildings made from the local sandstone. Further north, the Rakaia bridge spans 1.8 kilometres of one of the world's best examples of a 'braided' river system. Approaching Christchurch the route is about as straight and flat as roads get in New Zealand. On a clear day, the Southern Alps provide outstanding scenery.