We took the bus from Nelson to Greymouth, and the TranzAlpine scenic train from there to Christchurch. The bus ride was just a bus ride, but also quite scenic.
We stopped at the pancake rocks at Punakaiki, the highlight of the bus trip, and had 45 minutes to explore. Nice that the bus company allows that time. We got there just about the same time as a backpacker tour bus, but it didn’t impact us much. The rocks and blowholes were incredible. One of the oddest things we’ve ever seen.
At Greymouth, we switched to the TranzAlpine scenic train through the mountains of the south island. It was a great trip across the south island through the Southern Alps. Lots of mountains, rivers, gorges, history… and yes the water really is that color!
At the end of the line is Christchurch, our next stop.