BradfordLass72; Apologies for this if I've got it wrong, but aren't you in NZ? I thought I'd emailed about a prog. on SBS TV this Sunday,27/1, on the above subject. Follows similar progs in OZ about the Ghan and the Indian Pacific. I could be having a complete brain-fade with this heat! 
Wasn't sure if NZ gets SBS, but if not, then again, apologies!
Thank you for that Rufus2. 
Yes, I'm in New Zealand and it could well be that we get SBS here but I've never had a television and now couldn't see one if I had 
We used to have a magnificent train here called The Silver Star, which went between Auckland & Wellington, North to South.
It was a miracle of compact design and luxury but to my regret they stopped it in 1979.
When my mother came out to NZ in 1989
Bradford Lass; Thanks for that; Awesome! Wish we'd done that years ago. My dear Vera had been to NZ several times to take part in various Floral Art demos. which appeared to be "big" in NZ. She was an Aussie floral art judge and visited with another judge, so I was happy then to stay home and keep our dogs company. (including Rufus1) She was always ready to jump into a helicopter going to the top of a glacier wherever we were, but I was quite happy to stay on terra firma holding her handbag. Fortunately she always came back for it! Happy memories! North-South is on TV in 25 min. Cheers
As far as I recall, the train up the South Island (Invercargill to Picton) was different.
The Cabbage Train left in the early hours and called at every little hamlet, halt and station, collecting produce (hence its name).
Passengers going on to Auckland and beyond then transferred to the ferry - and yes, it is one of the most beautiful crossings Izabella - and you then boarded the Silver Star.
All gone now and the Intercity Northern Explorer coach service is appalling. They charge the earth, show you spacious cabins with smiling passengers and it could not be further from reality.
Their regular Ak-Wtg/Wtg-Ak service is quite good though, especially if you have a great, chatty driver as I often have.
I'd still rather have a train! 
Rufus are you in Tassie perchance?
Izabella; No! Melbourne only, apart holidays o/seas and mainland OZ. My dear Vera was the intrepid traveller due to invitations to judge floral art comps. at garden shows in places such as NZ and Tassie and of course OZ. As with Nuns, two judges always travelled together in pairs, so I was always going to be gooseberry!
They do say that it's very much like England, but I'd been in Blighty for 44years before coming here!
Btw. there have been some dreadful bush fires and right now down there! 
Anyone? 
We'll have to try and find this on youtube - our son lives in Auckland which is where his wife is from. He gigs all over and drives most places (hard to carry a drum kit on a train ) but obviously has to fly to the other island. We didn't get chance for much travel when we were there 3 years ago due to a 6 week old baby!
OK then Rufus. What do we do on a 24 hr stopover in Melbourne
Izabell. Depends on the time of year! Choice of a cricket match; a footy match or Church and pray that the Pilots' Union and the Air Traffic controllers Union don't pull the plug on your forward flight. Or you cold spend a very nice day in that Rufus Bar I've recently discovered OoRoo
Eeerm. Not very helpful Rufus
Izabella; Apologies; I was dealing with a couple of pests at the time and my evening dinner (Shepherd's Pie courtesy Aldi) was waiting. Very nice too! Now it all depends on when you intend being here as to what's available. Two points to consider: traffic; almost deadlocked at times especially at so-called peak hours, although peak "hour" can run all day. As a result travellers with early morning flights, which seems to encompass most international ones stay the night at the airport hotel which is on the doorstep so to speak.
The 2nd point again depends on your timetable. Incoming internationals tend to arrive early i.e. 6.00am which would certainly help towards a full day, unless you have to spend half of it prostrate with jet-lag! knowing more about your itinerary would help.
Btw. can I ask a small favour? I can't send priv messages and I won't know if I can/cannot receive until the system is tested and if I know blocks are in place.
or not. "Hi Rufus" would be fine
Ta very much.
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