We left the Glacier Region and travelled north through scenic rainforests and flowing rivers on our way to Hokitika, which is the center of greenstone country - the dark green jade the Maori people treasured for its beauty and strength.

 

We then took the TranzAlpine Scenic Train to Christchurch. This journey is described as "The Great New Zealand Rail Adventure" and is rated as one of the top six scenic train journeys in the world; crossing the spectacular Southern Alps, winding over massive viaducts, through spectacular river gorges and the stunning Waimakariri River valley before arriving in Christchurch.

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Christchurch is the international gateway to the South Island, and it is New Zealand's only predominantly flat major city. The Garden City is the South Island's largest city. We were happy to see that the city has bounced back after the Canterbury Earthquakes of 2010 and 2011. For me, the highlight was Christchurch’s award-winning Botanic Gardens, boasting an enviable collection of exotic and native plants.