At least a little blue sky visible - too bad it's time to catch a bus out! Caught an unexciting bus to Greymouth. Checked the baggage in at the train station and set out on a quest to find the Monteith's brewery in the forty minutes until the train leaves. Found it with about twenty minutes - only to find out that the tours take over an hour and there is no public bar. Luckily the manager took pity and opened the bar. Had a quick taste of the six beers they had on tap, bought a souvenir, and rushed to catch the train. Of course the train was late...
The train was the TranzAlpine that runs over Arthur's Pass from Greymouth to Christchurch. This is supposed to be one of the most scenic train rides in the world. It was beautiful, but I wouldn't rate it quite that highly. The really scenic bit is around the pass in the middle of Arthur's Pass National Park. There are surrounding peaks and I bet during the winter or Spring when the would be capped with snow it would really be something. But now they look like large barren sand hills. I probably didn't enjoy it as much as I should have as I was suffering with vertigo because my blocked sinuses wouldn't let me ears equalize - I really need to get some decongestant before tomorrows flight!
In Christchurch avoided the hotel I stayed at last time (the only place I've ever had problems with bed bugs!) and took a shuttle to a recommended place a couple blocks away from the Cathedral. Looked in a few shops, checked email (11 messages - only one was junk mail!), and had diner.
