A Day on the Tranz Alpine Train
Considered one of the top train trips in the world.
I had been really looking forward to this trip, as train travel has been a lifetime interest.
Managing to wake early enough, with out disturbing fellow roommates, it was time to get the free shuttle to the train station.
I had been lucky enough to get a summer special fare for the train, so the fare did not make huge inroads into the bank account! Cool weather the order of the day as we rolled out of Christchurch station.
The train soon left the outskirts of the city and moved quickly across the Canterbury plains.
The scattered pockets of stock grazing the flat, dry and brown bare paddocks with very little grass.
We settled into the comfortable seats with a small table between for resting items of food and books.
Commentary from the staff of the train was interesting and the touch of humor enjoyed.
The train started to climb through the hills and the landscape became considerably more interesting.
Stunning views of the Waimakiriri River, spoiled by inconsiderate people on that side of the train.
The out door-viewing car gave the word bracing new meaning for those brave enough to try to capture that special photo.
The mist and rain started to move in and when reaching Arthur's pass viewing had become increasingly limited.
The outstanding technical expertise in making the rail line through the mountains with gradients up to 1-33, the succession of brief tunnels and the huge Otira tunnel of over 8.
5 kilometers were fascinating.
This tunnel was one of the longest tunnels in the world when it was opened in the 1920's All too soon, the train reached Greymouth, which is the end of the trip for the Tranzalpine A turn round time of an hour allowed those of us returning to Christchurch, time to wander around the small town albeit in the rain! Time for a light meal in one of the many café's and eateries in the small town.
The return trip was very pleasant but visibility of the passing landscape was greatly reduced from the rain and mist.
The café on the train provided tasty snacks and great customer service from the staff behind the counter.
All the passengers made good use of the café, bringing goodies back to their seat to enjoy, the coffee excellent! The day was ending as we neared Christchurch, already clothed with its night-lights and homeward bound traffic.
Ordered before we left in the morning, the shuttles were waiting for us at the station ready to drop everyone back to their hotels or hostels.
An amazing day but one I think would be truly stunning in the winter with snow on the ground and mountains.
I had been really looking forward to this trip, as train travel has been a lifetime interest.
Managing to wake early enough, with out disturbing fellow roommates, it was time to get the free shuttle to the train station.
I had been lucky enough to get a summer special fare for the train, so the fare did not make huge inroads into the bank account! Cool weather the order of the day as we rolled out of Christchurch station.
The train soon left the outskirts of the city and moved quickly across the Canterbury plains.
The scattered pockets of stock grazing the flat, dry and brown bare paddocks with very little grass.
We settled into the comfortable seats with a small table between for resting items of food and books.
Commentary from the staff of the train was interesting and the touch of humor enjoyed.
The train started to climb through the hills and the landscape became considerably more interesting.
Stunning views of the Waimakiriri River, spoiled by inconsiderate people on that side of the train.
The out door-viewing car gave the word bracing new meaning for those brave enough to try to capture that special photo.
The mist and rain started to move in and when reaching Arthur's pass viewing had become increasingly limited.
The outstanding technical expertise in making the rail line through the mountains with gradients up to 1-33, the succession of brief tunnels and the huge Otira tunnel of over 8.
5 kilometers were fascinating.
This tunnel was one of the longest tunnels in the world when it was opened in the 1920's All too soon, the train reached Greymouth, which is the end of the trip for the Tranzalpine A turn round time of an hour allowed those of us returning to Christchurch, time to wander around the small town albeit in the rain! Time for a light meal in one of the many café's and eateries in the small town.
The return trip was very pleasant but visibility of the passing landscape was greatly reduced from the rain and mist.
The café on the train provided tasty snacks and great customer service from the staff behind the counter.
All the passengers made good use of the café, bringing goodies back to their seat to enjoy, the coffee excellent! The day was ending as we neared Christchurch, already clothed with its night-lights and homeward bound traffic.
Ordered before we left in the morning, the shuttles were waiting for us at the station ready to drop everyone back to their hotels or hostels.
An amazing day but one I think would be truly stunning in the winter with snow on the ground and mountains.
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