Overland to Wellington

A winter weekend away from unpacking boxes in our new home came at just the right time. We took the Overlander train down to Wellington on a crisp winter day - 12 hours of forced relaxation through spectacular scenery.

Early start on a cold Saturday morning catching the bus to the train station.

Funky Auckland train station

View at the back of the train

12 hours to play chess...

Snow-capped peaks in the Tongoriro National Park

Gareth climbed to the top of this volcano just 5 months ago (minus the snow!)

Train stop in National Park

Woke to a beautiful Sunday morning in Wellington without any wind, so explored the coast line.

Boat sheds at Oriental Bay

Oriental Bay

Time for a trip to the Belgian Beer Cafe

Wellington is also known for the number of great cafes with fantastic coffee (more per capita than New York apparently!).

Next stop Te Papa National Museum and the Formula One exhibition.

(Hannah liked this last one as it was named after her sister!)