New Zealand: Light at the end of the tunnel
Having driven round most of the North Island, taken to the high seas on the InterIslander ferry, walked up and down the hills of Wellington and flown into Auckland, a change of transport was called for.
Not fancying a bike ride of 650 kilometres I decided to investigate the somewhat elusive information about the train options.
Somewhat to my surprise, and maybe this was my fault for not researching it enough, I found that there was indeed a direct service between New Zealand’s major North Island cities that took about 12 hours, had a viewing carriage and an outdoor observation platform.
In addition the train took you through the heart of the country and areas that we had, as yet, not visited. Cost? Well it was less than the driving option, less than flying and more comfortable than the coach. Job done …..Let’s get on-board.
It was very enjoyable. Comfortable seats, commentary from the guard when necessary, occasional stops when you could get out to stretch your legs and more than reasonable catering prices.
Listening to the history of the development of the railway in New Zealand and the lengths that the workers went to in cutting through the inhospitable countryside were all very impressive and added to the enjoyment of the journey.
The views of the countryside as you trundle along include the Central North Island ski towns of National Park and Ohakune.
You also see fantastic views of New Zealand farmland, the snow-capped Mount Ruapehu (which being in New Zealand is, of course, volcanic) , the world famous (or so they say, I had never heard of it) Raurimu Spiral, stunning river gorges and viaducts form the last century.
The journey terminated at the very impressive Britomart station in the heart of downtown Auckland just minutes away from most of the hotels.
It was our last day in New Zealand and the length of the journey and the nature of it offered a lot of time for reflection on the entire trip.
The highs and the highs, the locals, the topography, the wine, the terrible events in Christchurch, the history, the food and all of the helpful people both in New Zealand and at home who made it such an extraordinary time.
My advice to anybody who is considering, even remotely, of going or selling a trip to New Zealand is to do so without hesitation.
Even though the horrific events of Japan have taken the Christchurch events off the front page, there are still lots of people who need help.
Charity is one way of helping but a more real-world way and a way that was shown to work in Napier 70 years ago is to give more practical, sustainable and useful support.
In our industry this would mean continuing to visit and promote the country.
Only the very heart of Christchurch is now out of bounds for the tourist. The rest of the country is very accessible, very beautiful and very memorable.
Was it the trip of a lifetime? So far, absolutely, but I need to go again to make sure! And to see If I can find some decent bread.
Ian Jarrett
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