Finally getting one off my bucket list

[dbcunnz]

I'm not getting any younger so I thought it was time to to start on my bucket lists although it is a very small list.
I set off on the 28th Nov fly to New Plymouth via NZAA stop with a cousin for a couple of nights.
Then on the 30th we both fly to NZAA spend the night there
On the 1st Dec we board the Northern Explorer train and head off to Wellington stay the night there/
On the 2nd take the ferry crossing to Picton and train to Blenheim have a couple of days home.
Then on the 4th Dec we board the Coastal Pacific train to Christchurch have a night in Christchurch.
On the 5th its onto the TranzAlpine to Greymouth and bus down to Hokitika stay the night.
Then on the 6th we fly back to Blenheim via NZCH and NZWN arriving back home about 1.30pm.
My cousin will stay for about a week before she goes over to Nelson for a couple of night with my sister then she will fly back to New Plymouth.

[emfrat]

Lucky you! Now the line's open again, I'll have to see about adding those trains to my collection

Mike

[dbcunnz]

Lucky you! Now the line's open again, I'll have to see about adding those trains to my collection

Mike

You will have to incorporate it into your next airshow trip if you are coming to the Omaka Classic Fighters 2019.
Fly Brizzie to NZAA and get the Northern Explorer to Wellington it runs every second day. then you can either ferry to Picton or fly across to Blenheim do the airshow then hop on the Coastal Pacific to Christchurch you will have to check that it is still running as it only runs for the summer months then if you want to do the TranzAlpine you can do the across to Greymouth and back the same day or bus to Hokitika and fly back to Christchurch then back to Brizzie from there.

[deeknow]

Oh wow what a trip Doug. Sounds most excellent. I'll put 1st/Dec in my diary and see if I can head to the Hamilton Station as you stop there. Say gday briefly at least over a NZ Rail cuppa or mince pie :-)

[Splitpin]

"night in Christchurch" I will answer my phone Big Guy

[dbcunnz]

"night in Christchurch" I will answer my phone Big Guy

The time table says arriving 8.30pm Christchurch station Troup drive and you can pick us up at the rail station save getting a taxi

[deeknow]

Hey all. Doug will no doubt update this thread but I thought I'd get in a cheeky couple of shots of the start of the Train leg. He left Auckland this morning and texted me enroute, as I'm only a few mins from the station in Hamilton I rocked down just as the they arrived, more or less on time which is impressive (for both me and the train), we had a quick chat through the open windows of the observation car, and then a whistle and puff of the brakes releasing and he was off on his way south. So cool to catch up cobber, first face to face for us after so many years of forum and teamspeak interaction. Have a great trip mate !!!

[Splitpin]

"The time table says arriving 8.30pm Christchurch station Troup drive and you can pick us up at the rail station save getting a taxi"

I'll be there Big D

[emfrat]

You're looking well. Doug - great to see.
Mike

[Splitpin]

Great to talk tonight Doug .... cancel all taxis ...UberPin will be on duty both days

[dbcunnz]

Great to talk tonight Doug .... cancel all taxis ...UberPin will be on duty both days

A huge thank you to our taxi driver Marty for a job well done.
I got a clip under the ear from Mary after telling her to look out for a short fat bald headed guy who would be picking us up from the rail station
Pity we were running half an hour late so didn't get to have a good old yarn with you Marty but don't forget there is a bed here for you any time you come up this way.
Deeknow was great to finally meet you Dean and get a hand shake a pity we couldn't of had a longer stop there.
Got a good photo of you checking the line ahead was clear for us to head off again from Hamilton

[Splitpin]

Thanks, big guy .... as I said, will get up there before the next big event.
Re the taxi thing ...Doug, it was my pleasure just a shame we didn't have more time.

Regards to Mary

[Lindstrim]

You can't remember your flight# from the NPL-AKL leg on the 30th?

[dbcunnz]

You can't remember your flight# from the NPL-AKL leg on the 30th?

NZ8046 I suppose you are now going to tell me you were sitting up front?????

[Lindstrim]

You can't remember your flight# from the NPL-AKL leg on the 30th?

NZ8046 I suppose you are now going to tell me you were sitting up front?????

Nah I did NZ5050 later that day.