A final picture (& the only one of us together) of our time in Springfield. It was taken by a Japanese guy who was waiting to photograph our train.He jumped down on the track for best effect. As for the previous two days it was late, this time 25 minutes. At least it was a nice day to be sat waiting.
We were picked up at Christchurch station and our cases were waiting for us in our room when we arrived at the motel. We had an early morning call for 5.30 as we were being picked up at 6.20 by the railway shuttle for a 7 o'clock departure to Picton.
Ring, ring, the phone woke us, then horror of horrors. It was 6.20 and the shuttle had arrived to take us to the station. The owner of the motel told us not to worry as he would call back in 10 minutes. He was back in 5 and we still weren't ready. Un perplexed the motel owner, Dale (a lady), told us to take our time and she would get the mini bus out and run us to the station herself. Running across the car park to the mini bus with my luggage Dale could be heard calling "Stop that running, you're in New Zealand" Everyone is just so laid back. Sure enough,we pulled on the station car park directly behind the shuttle. The motel was only a 3 minute drive from the station.
It was 6.45 and just time to check in and take our seats. This was our first and hopefully only blip this trip. It transpired that the motel alarm call "failed".
The journey to Picton took five and a quarter hours, starting in a heavily misted Christchurch and finishing in the 28 degrees (that's in F) glorious sunshine at Picton. All our earlier trials behind us. We were picked up and driven to the motel in the centre of the town. First job was to put the kettle on.
Chilling out on the Trans Scenic Coastal Pacific, Northbound to Picton. Safely arrived on time,in glorious sunshine
Settled in our "home" for the next 20 hours or so.
On our walk around town we came across St. Joseph's RC Church. There is a Mass of The Lords Supper tonight at 7.00 so we will be going. Took these pictures while we were there.
Had a walk along the promenade which was lovely, with lots of boats in the arena.
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These stingrays came right up to the waters edge at the end of day.
Time for another cuppa back at the motel, outside in the sun of course.
The train journey back down the track to Kaikoura was a partial reverse of yesterday's trip, only necessary due to accommodation problems in Picton ,due to the Easter holidays. Kaikoura was another coastal resort with the train station right on the beach. It being Good Friday, some old traditions are still observed here,namely the sale of alcohol is forbidden except when dining.
After checking in our motel we had a walk around Kaikoura town , had some tea then went for a walk on the beach.
Easter Saturday saw us once more on the train, heading North to Picton, to catch the Inter Islander ferry across to North Island. This day crept up on us. It is with some sadness we are departing this beautiful and friendly Island. On the train journey we passed Lake Grasmere, which has been converted into a site of numerous salt beds. It produces all of New Zealand's salt requirements. The algae turns the water red because of the high salt content, just like that of the Red Sea. Some scenic views from the train, including pictures arriving into Picton.
Leaving the train at Picton, it was a 100 meter walk down the street to the ferry terminal. We only had a 5 minute wait before we could board the ferry for the three and a half hour sail to the capital city of Wellington.
One last look back at the diminishing sight of South Island.
