one of the great train journeys of the world
or so the promotional material proudly states
it's a 4 hour round trip that departs from dunedin's historic central railway station
and heads out of the city into central otago across farmland
before winding it's way into the tairei gorge
across various rail bridges over running rivers and streams
past geese and swans floating in still waters
then along a steep gorge not unlike a mini grand canyon
and stopping at various places for photo opportunities
including possibly the smallest train station in the world
and then heading on to the destination called pukerangi
the weather on the day of travel was particularly beautiful
unseasonably warm, blue skies and not a breath of wind
the train itself is an old timer
pulled by a powerful diesel engine
but the carriages lovingly restored to original condition
it seems to be a popular journey for the elder person
there seemed to be at least 1 or 2 organised groups
and the gentleman providing the running commentary
may well have been doing the job for as long as the train has been running
but obviously still in awe of the scenery and loving his job
it really was very easy to sit back and go with the rhythm of the tracks
gaze out the window at the passing scenery
or step outside onto the carriage platform
and take in some fresh air and have a yarn with a fellow traveller
the frequent stops also presented various opportunities
to wander off and survey the train and scenery from a vantage point
by scrambling up the hillside or down a few steps into the gorge
not unlike the sheep and goats that were also spotted
frequently in front of the train and scrambling off the tracks
maybe their daily fun for the day was playing like a chicken
the train included a buffet car offering suitable food and refreshments
so no chance of yearning for journey's end to top up there
in fact the time taken seemed very well organised
just enough to relax and enjoy the return journey
and not so much to require a serious allotment of time and or effort
most enjoyable
