Tranz Alpine Train Ride to Christchurch
But before we catch the train, we have some time in Greymouth. As we drove into town, there was an unusual entrance to the wool shop.
We visit the Greenstone (Jade) factory for an informative tour. We were taught about the early days of processing the Jade, or Greenstone, as the Kiwi’s call it. This was very interesting and we were inthralled. We had the opportunity to browse the gift shop and purchase any of the jewellery. I purchased some earrings and a necklace, made from pink oyster shell and a greenstone necklace too.
We had lunch in Greymouth and Arthur got to try the whitebait pancake that Gordon, our coach driver, was always bragging about. He was not that impressed with it.
Gordon also told us to check out the unisex toilet before we left, so we dutifully did so. We opened the door to it and behind was a painted image of an embarrased lady and a smurking man doing their thing. Gordon told us that the man was a New Zealander and the woman was an Australian. Very amusing.
After sight-seeing the town, we head to the station to board the train for Christchurch. This is a long journey, passing picturesque countryside. Some of the deep gullies revealing long rivers flowing beneath us as we pass over the numerous bridges. A very long and tiring trip, but a very scenic one.
During the trip we had a chance to get to know some of the other passengers that we didn’t get a chance to talk to on the bus. We took photos of each other and Arthur took one photo that showed our reflections through the window as we went through a tunnel.
The train stopped for a while at Arthur’s Pass to allow us to get out and stretch our legs a bit and to allow more passengers to get on. This was an interesting stop. Not much could be seen from the station, but it certainly is a unique area.
We finally arrived back in Christchurch, weary and dusty from the smoke off the engine. But we thoroughly enjoyed the adventure. 
