It is time to move on from Auckland. We decided for this trip that we would not try to see the whole country in one go, and that we would confine our explorations to the North Island. Next stop – Wellington.
We could have flown, but chose the Northern Explorer train instead. It was a very pleasant journey. Since it is a special scenic train (kind of like the Rocky Mountaineer back home) the train has fewer seats and bigger windows – the better to skim along in comfort and admire the scenery.
Yes, that is the largest group of senior travellers that we have seen since we got here!
We passed through areas we had seen on our tour, then moved further south, crossing big bridges and a spiral tunnel system to manage elevation gains.
The train left Auckland at 7:45 and we arrived in Wellington at 6:30. A very pleasant way to go.
And now – onward to explore Windy Welly!
Where I'm At 