9 December 2018: Port Chambers (Dunedin) New Zealand

Today we were docked in Port Chalmers in the beautiful harbour of Otago.The town is called Dunedin and I had the previlage to go on a excurtion today and join the train to visit the Taieri Gorge.We borded the train right in the habour area which was great and then we were on our way  to view this beautiful place with its sheer cliffs and dramatic ravines , spectacular and breathtaking scenery

unfolds before you.

First we were served with morning tea and a locally made ginger bread man which was very tasty.Then I was lucky to discover the open carriage where you could take the most beautiful photograghs while standing feet wide apart and hooking your elbow over the side to keep your balance while the train was rolling up the mountain,it was an balancing act for sure and I was very glad I had all my warm clothes on!!

We went through  many tunnels which were hand hewn and high wrought iron bridges,this historic railway line is 130 years old .The trip is all along the Taieri River and we turned around at Pukerangi.There we stopped for a quick break and could get off the train and do a toilet stop and buy special and uniue goodies from the locals

Moet eers se ,die toilette was soos ons ou long drops! Doer daar bo in die berge.Was amazing to see some farms along the way where farmers farm with sheep,very isolated , far from everything and rugged terrain but breathtaking beautiful.Felt like being on top of the world ,would not mind having a little farm here!!!

Then it was time to turn around,we first had to wait for another train that was behind us before we could make our journey back. It was time for our lunch and some New Zealand wine which was good, was very happy to have 2 glasses.

On arrival in Dunedin we stopped at the railway station and could get off to admire the most photographed building in New Zealand,the Dunedin Railway Station,really spectacular with lovely manicured gardens. On my train trip I met two lovely ladies from Canada who shared all there travel stories with me.

Another intresting fact about this part of the world is the older folk who are volunteers all over the city and towns , with different things,like driving a bus,serving us on the train,working at the docks when the cruiseships arrive ,the library,walking around and giving out pamphlets and information about the city or towns and so on,I think it is great.

Tomorrow we are at sea and  going to visit the Dusty Fjord, Doubtful Fjord and Milford Sound so will have to wait and see what we are in for,until next time bye.