First the coincidences:
1. We traveled with 3 other couples, one of whom had a book, written by Fiona ______
Now would it not be strange that our conductresses name was Fiona? No? Oh well.
2. We were about to leave, and were waiting in the lounge and got talking to some people on a bus tour.
Of course they were from Pukekohe, where we had recently spent 4 years. Then one of their party mentioned he was from Onewhero. Hmmm.....my wifes father had the general store there years ago.
Yup, just another coincidence.
For us the trip was unusual in that nothing went wrong. We got on the train at Auckland nice and early.
This is a view of Mount Ngarahoe:
It was a diesel train, but very nicely done out, plenty of legroom and a cafe car and a carriage with no windows so you could feel the air and see the scenery.
The Chateau is an old hotel for New Zealand and has a plush 1930's air about it. Getting there took most of the day, so just time for a rest and then down to have drinks in the lounge. They make a top notch Mai Tai. Then off to the dinner, which was in the price of the ticket. It all felt 5 Star, what with Venison and a nice desert. The service was excellent.
The next day we just had time enough to catch a bus up to the "Top of the Bruce", which is the start of the ski fields. There is a beautiful new closed in gondola ride, which we went on. Just an old fogies note: Normal price is $39.00 per person, with your seniors gold card, it was $18.50, which is a massive and welcome discount.
The terminal at the top is beautifully designed, with wide expanses of glass to catch the views. Truly a wonderful place for a restaurant and at the time we were there the prices seemed quite reasonable.
No time for lunch unfortunately.
Then on the bus back to the railway station at National Park, the train trip going back spent with playing cards.
Hotel Lounge:
