From Porurua to Paraparaumu by train....come on a little journey.

You might like to take a trip with me from Porirua   ( said...poh...ree...roo..ah) train station to the Paraparaumu train station. We had been to see Mum and came back to Paraparaumu by train.

 I took these pictures through the train window, so there are a few reflections. But this will give you an idea of the New Zealand countryside.

Just left Porirua...and looking at a street called Gloaming Hill.
I always liked that name.

Swans and other birds live on this part of the estuary. This is tidal, but doesn't empty completely.

Coming into Mana station. A large marina is here.

Some of the houses in Plimmerton. Many are old beach houses that
have been renovated. Land around here is pretty expensive, being right on the beach.

This is where the estuary opens into the open ocean. There is a lovely swimming beach here.

You can see Mana Island, very flat on top.

There is a large area of swamp along here. This is the bottom of the gully, and water collects here.
This area is called Taupo swamp. It goes right from Plimmerton to the top of the hills, quite a big area.
The flax industry used to provide all the linen New Zealand wanted, and was  exported too. It was top quality linen
made from all the flax around the Levin, Shannon and Manawatu areas.

The flax is just coming into flower here. You can see the motor way on the other side of the flax.

The hills in this area are quite high. The train slowly winds its way to the top of the ranges.

 

This is still farmland here, steep, usually sheep country.

We've reached the top of the hills. Looking west is Kapiti Island.

Starting our descent. There are 3 or 4 short tunnels on this stretch of the line.

Getting close to road level. You can see some of the rocky areas.

 

Almost at sea level.

Back at sea level. You can see the barrier in the middle of the road. The number of people killed on
this stretch of road has decreased. There were constant accidents along here.

Paekakariri shops. (Said..... pie.kok a reek ee)

Paekakariki Hill. There is a road going over the top of here, from Paekakariki to Lower Hutt.

Coming into Paraparaumu.

We had a coffee at the mall. The eyes looking at you from the bottom of the cup come as a bit of a shock
when you are not expecting them!