[Seattle-editorial] Rail Journeys Downunder - Free to Use

[Rail Downunder]

For Immediate Release - Free to Use
Date: 17/07/02
Word Count: 1104
Author: Jane Luscombe
Jane Luscombe is a freelance writer and broadcaster with 13 years’
experience. She started out as a journalist on a UK newspaper and spent six
years in the industry before moving to the BBC as a reporter and presenter.
After a further six years there she moved to New Zealand to start a family
and is now working as a freelancer for a range of magazines, newspapers and
television.
Train Vacations Downunder
Cradled in the soul of the South Pacific there is a mystic timelessness
about New Zealand that leaves the impression of a childhood rediscovered.
The lush forested North Island and active volcanoes of the central plateau
are bordered by vast stretches of sun burnt beaches cooled by the gentle
touches of the Pacific Oceans vast reach.
Broken coastlines are overhung with jurrasic Pohutokawa trees proudly
displaying their fiery red summer flowers. Misty mornings are filled with
the cries of birds unique to this land lost in time. Across the strait, the
South Island vineyards and deep grassed plains stretch to the foothills of
the cloud piercing Southern Alps and on up to the might of Mount Cook,
Australiasia’s highest peak. Ribbons of clear water rush to feed the plains
below, punctuating this natural symphony.
When you visit a country as diverse and beautiful as New Zealand your
biggest challenge is working out which bits to see and which you will have
to forfeit until another time. But your dilemma is made much simpler if you
take advantage of the country’s spectacular scenic rail adventures, each
with their own special personality. Between them they cover a large part of
the country and provide the opportunity to enjoy stopovers and sightseeing
as you explore.
In the North Island you can travel from the country’s biggest city, Auckland
where a third of the population lives, to its capital, Wellington, on the
Overlander, New Zealand’s longest passenger rail service featuring an
11-hour journey between these two modern urban areas.
In the South Island you have the choice of travelling through the spine of
the Southern Alps from the South Pacific Ocean to the Tasman Sea on the
Tranz Alpine, or skirting the coast from Christchurch to the port of Picton,
in the heart of the picturesque Marlborough Sounds, on the Tranz Coastal.
For pure breathtaking scenery it is very hard to choose between these two.
The former has been listed as the sixth most scenic rail route in the world.
It climbs from Christchurch through the foothills of Canterbury and up into
the stomach of the snow-capped Alps, crossing deep gorges and passing
through 16 tunnels on it’s way to Greymouth.
A hundred years ago gold diggers poured into the area in search of fame and
fortune. Today it is more famous for its ancient trees, tranquil lakes and
the Alps, set in the Westland Rainforest, a World Heritage Park. In the last
century it would take you three days to reach Greymouth from Christchurch.
They have cut that to a leisurely five hours without going so fast you are
unable to enjoy the view. Quite the reverse - the driver even slowed down as
we crossed some of the deepest gorges to allow aspiring photographers to
snap away.
Each train has an open viewing carriage to allow you to take pictures
unsullied by smears on the windows or reflections from the glass.
The Tranz Coastal was my favorite journey, hugging the beautiful coastline
with waves breaking on one side of the carriage and snow-capped mountains
towering on the other. We set off at dawn and watched the sun rise over the
tranquil Canterbury Plains before reaching the South Pacific Ocean. The
first thing to hit me when I climbed aboard was the staff. Kiwis do not do
polite, they do best friend! Nothing is too much trouble, they are intensely
proud of their country and will do anything to ensure you love and enjoy it
as much as they do.
Having suffered years of overpriced, tasteless British Rail sandwiches and
lukewarm tea the second thing I noticed was the ‘Snacks on Tracks’ menu. How
does Asian noodle salad or chicken, coconut and coriander curry sound? Not
only was the menu extensive, tasty and cheap, you could even ask to be
served in your seat.
The five-hour journey passes through Kaikoura, famous for its year-round
whale watching. They live 10km from the shore so you will be lucky to see
any unless you hop off and take a whale watching tour, but we spotted
penguins and seals peeping out of the waves and Albatross soaring above.
As we drew near to the journey’s end in Picton, nestled in the heart of the
sheltered Marlborough Sounds we could see the North Island on the horizon.
The ferry for Wellington leaves from here cruising through the Sounds and
out across Cook Straight. Rest assured you will quickly run out of
superlatives to describe the view through your window from beginning to end.
The Overlander from Auckland to Wellington is less spectacular than the two
southern trains, but a great way of seeing a lot of the North Island with
minimal effort. The route out of Auckland, like any big city, was not a
pretty sight. But once we hit the open countryside it was easy to see why
Kiwis love their country so much.
The best section is from Tongariro National Park, in the centre of the
island, yet another World Heritage Site in this country full of them, down
to Wellington. It includes the centuries old Rauremu Spiral, an incredible
engineering feat designed to allow the train to ascend the steep incline
onto the central Volcanic Plateau.
When we chugged out of the tunnel at the top we were treated to the stunning
sight of the snow covered Mt Ruapehu carving a distinct cone shape against
the clear blue background. An active volcano, it is home to the North Island
’s two main ski fields. Without a doubt this was a highlight of my trip.
It is easy to combine all three routes by travelling from Auckland to
Wellington on the Overlander, catching the ferry to Picton, getting the
Tranz Coastal to Christchurch then the Tranz Alpine to Greymouth - not
forgetting plenty of sightseeing stops along the way. Either way a journey
through New Zealand takes you back to an innocence of years past, and by
rail it takes you to a time when we all had time.

Jane’s rail journeys in New Zealand were organised by Great New Zealand Rail
Tours in association with Tranz Scenic (2000) Ltd and Air New Zealand. For
more information on rail touring in New Zealand see www.nztrainvacations.com
. Web site images are free for use, more high res images available on
request.
Product Fact File: (Remember, every US Dollar buys 2 New Zealand Dollars!)
15 day/ 14 night Train/Self Drive tour from Christchurch to Auckland
including the Tranz Alpine and Tranz Coastal Train journeys from $1818 NZ
p.p. twin share. See www.nztrainvacations.com for more information.
10 Day/ 9 Night Rail /Coach Tour from Auckland to Christchurch, including
the Overlander, Tranz Coastal, Tranz Alpine and Taieri Gorge rail journey’s
from $1856 NZ p.p. twin share. See www.nztrainvacations.com for more
information.