On Friday, the ship docked at Chalmers, about half an hour from Dunedin. We took the Holland America excursion Taieri Gorge Railway (Superior Package) ($249.95 US). We left the ship at 8:30, and the train picked us up right outside. If you take the lesser package, you take the bus into the train station into Dundein and the train picks you up there - the same coming back.
The train was old fashioned, and had very comfortable cars - volunteers work on the train, tell you the best place to take your pictures, including opening the windows, and make you feel very welcome. This Superior package tour had an included lunch, and free beer and wine.
Once you climb up the Gorge, there was a little farmers market at Pukerangi, which was the turn-around stop for the train. They also sell souvenirs on the train to help support the Railway.
Dunedin has the most amazing train station - the tiles on the floor are made by Royal Dolton.
The Tour lasted for 8 hours - very interesting and famous train tour.
When the ship leaves the port at 6:30, you will see an Albatross colony right besides the lighthouse. This is the only land colony in the world – be sure and take binoculars with you on this cruise.
For dinner, I had shrimp and Crab Louis, chicken
soup and weiner schneitzel. And for
dessert, chocolate cake.
Photos belong to Phil Bianco
