Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
56 minutes), Kaikoura ($49 to $69, three hours) and Blenheim ($79 to $159, 4¾ hours). It
then departs Picton at 1pm, returning to Christchurch at 6.21pm.
The
TranzAlpine
is widely considered one of the best train journeys in the world. It op-
erates year-round with a daily train between Christchurch and Greymouth ($99 to $198,
4½ hours) via Springfield ($89, one hour), Arthur's Pass ($89, 2½ hours) and Lake Brun-
ner ($99 to $198, 3½ hours).
Getting Around
TO/FROM THE AIRPORT
Christchurch Airport is only 10km from the city centre but a
taxi
between the two can
cost a hefty $45 to $65. Alternatively, the airport is well served by
public buses
(
www.metroinfo.co.nz
)
. Bus 3 heads through Riccarton (25 minutes) to the central bus
station (35 minutes) and on to Sumner (70 minutes). Bus 29 heads through Fendalton (10
minutes) to the bus station (30 minutes). Both services cost $8 and run every half-hour
from roughly 7am to 11pm.
Shuttle services include the following:
Steve's Shuttle
(
0800 101 021;
www.steveshuttle.co.nz
;
city centre fare $18, plus $5 per additional passenger;
3am-6pm)
Super Shuttle
(
0800 748 885;
www.supershuttle.co.nz
; city centre fare $19, plus $5 for additional passengers;
24hr)
CAR & MOTORCYCLE
Hire
Most major car- and campervan-rental companies have offices in Christchurch, as do nu-
merous smaller local companies. Operators with national networks often want cars to be
returned from Christchurch to Auckland because most renters travel in the opposite direc-
tion, so you may find a cheaper price on a northbound route.
Local options include the following:
Ace Rental Cars
( 03-360 3270;
www.acerentalcars.co.nz
;
20 Abros Pl, Burnside)
First Choice
( 03-358 6132;
www.firstchoice.co.nz
;
Christchurch Airport)
09-486 2472;
www.nzbike.com
; 22 Lowther St, Sockburn)
Also
New Zealand Motorcycle Rentals & Tours
(
leads guided motorbike tours.
Omega Rental Cars
(
03-377 4558;
www.omegarentalcars.com
;
252 Lichfield St)
