TranzCoastal Train from Picton to Christchurch

We're on the TranzCoastal train from Picton to Christchurch. We left Martinborough this morning and drove to Wellington, where we caught the InterIsland ferry at Picton. The 3-hour ferry ride between the north and south islands was breathtaking. So far the scenery on the train is dramatic as well. We're surrounded by lush green mountains and have seen alpacas or llamas, sheep, lambs, and copulating cows. We're passing by vineyards now and I just sent Brian to the cafe car to get lunch. I walked back to check it out and it was a bumpy walk. We're in the first row of the train.

After our gorgeous train ride down the coast we arrived in Christchurch. When we arrived, Helen gave us a scenic tour of Christchurch and environs, with a nice drive through the hills at sunset. We went to dinner with Helen and Greg and 3/4 of us had monks fish and chips. Yum! We also had some nice Waipara Hills Pinot Noir, fried Calamari, and bruschetta with avocado, etc.