WEDNESDAY 16 MARCH - Christchurch to Wellington

The train journey from Christchurch to Picton along the Pacific coast of South Island is one of the iconic railway journeys of the world. Sadly as a consequence of the earthquake the train was not running so, along with a few fellow travellers we were transferred by coach. Fortunately the road follows the railway line so the journey was almost as spectacular as it would have been by train. The road hugs the coast for most of the route and the views are magnificent. We we able to watch dolphins leaping in the sea just offshore as we travelled.





The coach journey was followed by the even more spectacular ferry crossing from Picton to Wellington. This has to be one of those special at least once in a lifetime journeys. The ferry crossing takes 3 hrs 10 minutes and it seems too short as it passes through the passage of Queen Charlotte Sound between forested islands and peninsulars before it gets to open sea. The scenery is breathtaking and it leaves the short term traveller with a longing to return to explore more of the beautiful South Island.





On arrival at Wellington I was met by Richard Catto, General Manager Operations for Summerset Retirement Villages, who kindly transported me to my accommodation at the fairly basic, but clean and adequate Harbour City Motel. From there I was collected in the evening by Summerset CEO Norah Barlow and her husband Rob. Rob also works for Summerset and it was his birthday. I much appreciated him agreeing to spend his evening with the travelling Brit.


Norah and Rob kindly gave me a tour of the city to see some of the sights before taking me for dinner at a Thai restaurant in the city centre.

Location:Wellington