Home on the Overlander

OK, a very quick post here, as this was a long time ago. Easter weekend in fact when we headed down to Wellington. We were chauffeured there by JetStar Airlines, and a fine hassle free service it was, with livery reminiscent of that well known European budget airline.

For the trip back we decided on something a little more scenic and booked ourselves on the Overlander train. A 12 hour journey that winds it's way though past some stunning scenery, through 14 tunnels and across over 350 bridges.

We left Wellington promptly at 7.25am and George kindly got up earlier than us in order to drive over and pick us up and deliver us to the station.

The journey, really was picturesque, some amazing views of the heartland of the North Island, lots of rolling pasture, some forest and bush and some jaw dropping views as we crossed some very wide and deep valleys.

Can't say we would rush to do the journey again however. Already long at 12 hours, our actual journey took almost 14 due to a broken down train on the (single) line. The rolling stock also dates from the 1960s and despite some ongoing refurbishment is pretty dated, while the food available was very poor - and only instant coffee!

Our day did no end with our arrival at Auckland station either as we still had to find our way home. So a long old day. Glad we did it as some awesome scenery, but will not be doing it again in a hurry.

Unfortunately our photos do not do the views justice as it was often hard to get a good one due to reflections or other people in the way; however a few are below, including some for all you train buffs...