Coastal Pacific Train Journey from Christchurch to Picton

This six hour journey along the shore of the Pacific Ocean with its abundance of wild (and tame) life, sloping vistas, and mountains must be one of the most scenic encounters any of us have ever experienced. What a great way to travel.

    The first half of the journey was through sloping terrain with many farms, rivers, and small villages. We made two stops along the way for passengers to board and disembark.

 

Much of the farm land was occupied by cattle and sheep with the occasional horse or alpaca.

A variety of rivers ran toward the sea. This one was half shallow water, and half river bed. Others were narrow whitewater streams. This is also wine country. We saw many vineyards along the way.

The second half was mostly along the coast. 

Oh my!

This went on for about 60 miles with spectacular views around every bend.

https://www.viator.com/tours/Christchurch/Coastal-Pacific-Christchurch-to-Picton-by-Train/d400-59907P5?m=28353&supag=118063152419&supsc=dsa-694098304204&supai=660597825099&supdv=c&supnt=g&suplp=9118712&supli=9118710&supti=dsa-694098304204&tsem=true&supci=dsa-694098304204&supap1=&supap2=&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAk9itBhASEiwA1my_67wiNq5O6asx4jQyAdkjaYiKLp2fD5lEL3p-y6FRsq4seND9JJDw8BoCl4sQAvD_BwE

Did I get lucky or what?
Taken with an iPhone

We disembarked in Picton which is at the northernmost part of the south island, right next to the docks. We traveled the short distance to the office of the Cougar Line, the boat service that would ferry us to our hotel, accessible only by water. Our fearless captain awaited us.