Day 3: Train to Franz Josef

Today was basically a travel day, but even a travel day in New Zealand is far from boring. Our goal was to get from Christchurch to Franz Josef, where we planned to kayak on a perfectly reflective lake and hike on a glacier! Instead of taking a direct bus/train from Christchurch to Franz Josef, we decided to take a little bit longer, more scenic route. We started the day with Starbucks (pretty much the only coffee place open at 7 in the morning) then caught a free shuttle to the train station. Its only Day 3 but the concept of "free" is still amazing!

Waiting for the shuttle to Christchurch Railway Station

Our first leg of the journey was a 5 hour Tranz Scenic trip from Christchurch to Greymouth, through gorgeous scenery.



Tranz Scenic Train Route

View from Arthur's Pass (they let you get out and take pictures!)

One of my favorite parts of this train ride was this viewing car they have, with open windows. While the view was amazing from this car, it was also just so much fun to be in there with the crazy (and really cold wind).

After arriving in Greymouth, we took a 3 hour bus ride to Franz Josef and checked into our new hostel, Chateau Franz. We were upgraded to a 6 person private room. So pretty much we had our own room with 3 sets of bunk beds, shower, bathroom, and full on mini kitchen (microwave, stove, fridge, hot water boiler - so clutch for our instant coffee in the morning). This hostel is adorable and our room is amazing! AND...there is FREE vegetable soup every night for dinner, and it was AMAZING! Ok maybe we were just really hungry, but anyway it works!!!

Chateau Franz Hostel

This entire town of Franz Josef is so tiny! You can pretty much walk up and down the main street in ten minutes; such a change from this morning in Christchurch. Depending on the weather, tomorrow is either kayaking or glacier hiking!