Franz Joseph to Christchurch.

Today we head back to Christchurch via the Trans Alpine Train.

From Franz Joseph we head up the coast to Hokitika and then inland to Arthur's Pass where we catch the Trans Alpine into Christchurch.

Had time to wander into town after breakfast as we weren't leaving till 11.00am. Some people had hoped to take a helicopter ride over the glacier, but there was too much cloud.

We headed up the coast to our lunch stop at Hokitika where we had time to eat and have a look around. There are lots of gift shops and jade shops. There is a driftwood sculpture competition held here every year and a few bits remain by the water.

From here we headed up into the mountains and Arthur's Pass.

The train was due at 4.30 and scheduled to arrive in Christchurch about seven.Read more