Overlander

[terbang]

Needed to get the family down to Fielding for the weekend and with the aeroplane broke, too many of us for bikes, a long drive and an arm and a leg with the Air New Zealand monopoly, we took the overlander. Pukekohe-Fielding-Pukekohe, it eight hours each way and was an awesome trip that cost $100 round trip per person. Comfortable, scenic and social and thoroughly enjoyed by all seven of us. Since we (kiwis) own it again, I reckon we should all use it so that we can keep it.

[Lias]

I used to use it a bit, but now the pricepoint seems to be not far short of air NZ.. and its 2-3 times the cost of a bus :-( When I used to use the railways all the time the price was comparable with a bus when you got the supersaver fares.

[merv]

Yeah take it easy take the train.

Price and speed are the issues these days and man try getting cheap fares to the provinces when you need them - Napier is an example, every time I want to go there the cheapest airfares all seem to be gone even weeks in advance so it costs typically around $400 return from Wellington.

The bus fare on the internet is only $25 each way from Porirua but then time of travel is a problem. Can't compare that one to a train, it doesn't run to the Bay any more.

Sounds like you did well and no doubt enjoyed the scenery.

[ynot slow]

Merv typical snailways,they have a rail train with milk going Hawkes Bay to Hawera daily(dairy season),you wonder why they don't throw passenger carriages on it,even from the bay to Palmy.

Could be something to do with lines safety?Afterall if a freight train falls off the rails only a couple on board,passenger train,well remember Tangiwai dissaster.

Was similar for us going from Hawera to Queenstown,we flew from Palmy to QT and drove a rental car back to CHCH then flew Chch to Pamy,flying worked out costing $820 return for two,if we drove down add 2 days travel to and from,accomodation fuel and $400 for ferry return.Wanted to maybe fly one way,bus to Chch,train to Picton,ferry to Wgtn and pick up car in Wgtn,cost was more and took longer.I mean we left Palmy at 9.50am arrived Qt at 11.50am.Can't compete with flying if the cheap seats are available.