Getting to Grasmere

By Car

A rental car, or your own vehicle, gives you freedom of movement and flexibility, as well as a nice pace to enjoy the legendary scenery. In this case you may like to use our driving directions.

By Plane

You may choose to fly in, by light plane or helicopter from one of our sister lodges, or from Christchurch or another city.

Prices will depend on the length of the flight and the type of aircraft chosen. We can obtain quotes from reliable professional operators if you would like to discuss your options by email.

Aircraft available include a Cessna 185 (up to five passengers), a Cessna 206, a Hughes 500 (three passengers) and a Squirrel (five passengers).

We also work with Pacific Jets (contact Chris Hutchinson phone +64 3 360 3990) for inter-city and inter-lodge transfers in their luxury Citation CJ1 jet aircraft.

If you are flying yourself, please phone before arrival to confirm weather conditions. Grasmere Lodge is at Latitude -43.0604, Longitude 171.7417, at an altitude of 661 metres or 2,150 feet. Our grass airstrip is parallel to Craigieburn Road, and is 700 metres long.

By Train

If you don’t wish to drive, you can travel by train. The TranzAlpine Express between Christchurch and Greymouth is said to be one of the six best train excursions in the world.

The train leaves Christchurch at 0815, arriving at Cass (our closest stop) at 1012. It continues on to the West Coast, arriving in Greymouth at 1245.

The return journey leaves Greymouth at 1345, arriving at Cass at 1619, and in Christchurch at 1805.

The train stops at Cass only by prior arrangement, so you must book in advance to that station, and you must let us know your arrival time so we can arrange a complimentary transfer to the lodge. There is no other way of getting from the train stop to the lodge.

A standard fare between Christchurch and Cass is $NZ65 to $NZ93 per person, depending on days travelling and availability.

To book the train, if you are in New Zealand you can phone free on 0800 872 467,or if you are overseas fax +64 4 498 3090. You can book direct with TranzScenic by clicking here.

By Limousine

Alternatively we can arrange a limo transfer between Grasmere and Christchurch at a time to suit you. We use a reputable and reliable firm with quality cars and nice drivers. A limousine costs $NZ235 + tax each way.

If you require a driver/guide for your whole trip round the South Island we can organise quotes from companies that will look after you well.