Greymouth

Yesterday we took the Tranzscenic across to Greymouth up across the alps and through Arthur's Pass. We passed some cracking looking rivers, turquoise and clear not to mention some sweeping mountains and glacial remains.

Greymouth itself is a pretty quiet place, a bit like Fort William, lots of great stuff going on round about but the place itself is pretty dull. We didn't really have time to get anything done yesterday but this morning, before we got back on the train, we had a tour of the Montieth's Brewery followed by a tasting session. We also got to taste some malt grains, I needed a beer to wash the taste out after that. Nice beers though and served up by a very bubbly character while we sat with a family from California who informed us the heat (ok it was about 20C) was pretty much what they'd left at home. Also, interestingly, they will leave here on Christmas Day evening only to arrive home on Christmas Day morning. The kids are expecting twice the presents.

Back in Christchurch now. Our rail journeys behind us. Now the real trip starts, buy a car, fishing gear, tent etc and take things at a slightly slower pace and more on our terms.

3 nights booked in base backpackers and hopefully we'll have a car by next week.

It's only 16C here by the way.