Scenic Railway to Christchurch

From Picton to Christchurch I decided to use the scenic rail system. The train wasn’t very large, with only 3 passenger cars, one dining, 1 open car for scenic photos, and 1 for luggage. That being said it was very comfortable with lots of leg room and huge (fairly clean) windows for enjoying the changing landscape along the way.

From Blenheim as the train wound around the mountains I was surprised how familiar the scenery was. If it wasn’t for the sea coast you would swear you were in the Yakima Valley or Wenatchee. We passed black sand beaches and a seal colony before making a stop in Kaikoura.  Moving along we wandered through the hills which eventually flattened out a bit revealing grassy fields full of sheep, sheep, cows, and more sheep. After a somewhat lazy paced 5 ½ hours we arrived in Christchurch.

Sea salt fields

How did I end up in Yakima?



Open observation car

Not long after arriving in Christchurch a rain storm hit the city. According to the news it is the worst rain storm to hit the city in almost 50 years… I sure can pick times to travel! Ha ha.

I will be in Christchurch until March 10, when I will head out to Arthur’s Pass for a bit of hiking! J Hope the weather is good!