Steam Train outing.

Last weekend we went on a steam train excursion down the middle of the North Island, from Hamilton to National Park.

At National Park we went off to the Chateau for lunch then back to the train for the return journey.

These are some photos of the countryside.

 




Our engine.

Mount Tongariro and Mt Ngauruhoe, both active volcanoes. In fact Tongariro has been raised to Alert Level 1 recently which means signs of volcanic activity, the mountain is stirring.

This is taken from the verandah at the Chateau. The Chateau is a wonderful grand old building - it's a very large hotel at the base of Mount Ruapehu.

 The Chateau, National Park











Mount Ruapehu - I climbed this mountain way back when I was younger and fitter! It is a popular ski resort.

Ruapehu has a steaming hot crater lake at its summit.

More countryside. Very typical farmland of the interior of the North Island. Mostly sheep country.