Dunedin and train to nowhere

An uninspiring 3.5 hour drive to Dunedin. Very green, rolling hills and sheep. The first English/ Scottish settlers must have thought they had found another England.

We have a good central hotel a one bedroom suite with three rooms, microwave, crockery etc and a washing machine and dryer - very handy after nine days and only $280 pn NZ. After Bluff this is good value.

Dunedin is a bit of a surprise as we walk on a sunny day. It has many historic, well maintained buildings. There was wealth from gold even though it lasted only30 years. The railway station is a must see although no longer a serious option for travel but old trains operate for tourists just not sure where to but we will find out.

We take the historic train through the gorge to Hindon. Taieki gorge train built over 100 years ago to link Dunedin to the hills. Nothing has survived except the original siding. It is interesting trip through the hills on a cold, overcast day. The trip takes us across two rail bridges, no settlements as the land is too steep. The sheep don't mind. The train engine had to be moved to the front for our return so we wander around where the line ended. Much of this area is inaccessible by road. Reputedly before the train stopped there was a regular service for fishermen who took the train, got off with tents and fishing gear and walked along the river for trout. There was no other way to get to the river.Read more