One-way bridge...
Travel in New Zealand inevitably crosses through challenging and breathtakingly
beautiful terrain.
One-way bridges are common.
... with railroad option
Especially those that that accommodate an occasional train!
Tranzalpine RR / Southern Alps
So it's tempting to take the train rather than to drive. This train
crosses the Southern Alps from the east coast (Christchurch) to the
west (Greymouth). The change in climate from the east to the
west coast is dramatic.
Waterfall/west coast
The west coast is more tropical than the east coast. It is an area
of boundless beauty, as seen in this waterfall above a
glacial valley.
Giant fern/west coast
Rain forests abound also on the west coast. Many ferns grow to 10-12
feet high.
Kiwi - NZ national bird
The kiwi is one of many flightless bird species in New Zealand. The
kiwi nearly became extinct, but has made a
comeback in recent years.
Kea
The kea is a mountain parrot that has unusual curiosity; this one's unabashedly
tearing away at Meg's jacket sleeve.
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