The train for Palmerston North left from the "Britomart" station at 7:50 am. We left three of our four bags at the Mercure Hotel as we had booked in for two nights on our return. The train had only four carriages for seats plus a buffet car and an open air viewing car. The tickets cost us $117 each which is too dear for most of the locals, who can travel by bus for less than half that. Many of the passengers are probably tourists like us who want to go the scenic way. We will come back to Auckland by bus.
We have been used to European trains which can have 30 or more carriages and be booked out. It was worth the money.
It had large scenic windows, comfortable seats, very clean toilets and excellent staff who were flat out: They had to staff the ticket office for an hour before departure, serve food to passengers in their seats and read the prepared commentary commentary all along the way. Every time the train stopped or slowed they gave a complete explanation of the reasons.
The pastures were very green and the cattle were put into quite small paddocks.
When we got to National Park area after King Country we got frequent views of the snowy mountains: Ngaurahoe, Tongariro, Ruapehu. We took many photos but here are a few:
Just befor arriving in National Park Station the train goes up the famous spiral which takes it up to nearly 900 metres. As you climb you can look at the lines below and above.
Coming back down we crossed several 80 metre high viaducts over the Rangatikei river.
The train arrived at Palmerston North at 4:30pm and we were met by Helen and Brian and they took us on a walk around the Lido and the Esplanade Gardens.
Anyone remember the miniature railway? It is twice as long now.
Is this where the family on bikes photo was taken? In the rose garden?
We found the source of those emails, blogs and esoteric publications.
We have been used to European trains which can have 30 or more carriages and be booked out. It was worth the money.
It had large scenic windows, comfortable seats, very clean toilets and excellent staff who were flat out: They had to staff the ticket office for an hour before departure, serve food to passengers in their seats and read the prepared commentary commentary all along the way. Every time the train stopped or slowed they gave a complete explanation of the reasons.
The pastures were very green and the cattle were put into quite small paddocks.
Coming back down we crossed several 80 metre high viaducts over the Rangatikei river.
The train arrived at Palmerston North at 4:30pm and we were met by Helen and Brian and they took us on a walk around the Lido and the Esplanade Gardens.
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