Day 25 Dunedin beach, taieri gorge train, mexican food

Thurs Jan 25
We were only a street away from the beach. The weather was cloudy but warm, we knew rain was forecast later that day so we had booked the gorge train ride for the afternoon. It seemed like a great time to investigate the beach. Our best day weather wise was going to be Saturday. Did we want to come here for the day?

The beach looked fabulous, surf rolling in, miles of sand, and just a couple of people. There was a lifeguard on duty but only one person playing around in the sea. We decided to stroll left up the beach towards the headland.

We came across these little fellows strewn acoss the beach, from googling we think they might be bluebottles, the indo-pacific cousin of the Portuguese  man o war. If anyone knows different, do let us know!

There are some great scrambling rocks at the end of the beach.
It had taken about 45 minutes to walk from the middle of the beach to this end.

360 panorama link

By the time we had walked back it was lunchtime. We knew this because now there were lots of teenagers with their body boards in the water and a steady stream of them heading down the beach to the water. No way was it still morning!

There are two Taieri gorge trains a day, one at 9:30 and one at 14:30. Each trip is about 4 and a half hours long. It's rated as one of the worlds best train journeys to do and Jono was keen.
Dunedin station itself is incredibly beautiful and worth going to see.

ladies in Victorian costume

 360 panorama

 360 panorama spot the error!

 The carriages they use for the trip are 1937 replicas of a 1907  carriage, all wooden with flowery moulded ceilings.

There is a running live commentary on the train, ours was supplied by Dave who was funny and informative. Thanks Dave!
I can only say the pictures can't  capture it and its fab being able to ride a moving train standing outside the cabin with  wonderful views. Try it!

 Partway stop to stretch legs, this used to be a town of 5000 people

Since we were already in Dunedin after the train ride we decided to eat out again. Yesterday we'd spotted a Mexican restaurant, Del Sol, but they seemed to be struggling with the people already in so we'd  moved on. We went back and this time they were quieter. Lots of bright clashing colours that actually worked together on the walls and chairs, Mexican hats strewn around if you wanted to use them (it's dressing up, of course we put them on) and a super quick service.

I could not finish my vegetarian fajitas, (which were also served with refried beans and rice) they were yummy. Jono did manage his chicken chimichanga and of course a Speight beer (with the brewery here in Dunedin, how could he have anything  else?). Del Sol is not part of a chain so to experience it you have to visit Dunedin.