She has acrophobia — a fear of heights — and The Inlander trip to Hindon contains several viaduct crossings, including the Wingatui viaduct.
At 197m long and standing at 47m high, the Wingatui viaduct is the largest wrought iron structure in the southern hemisphere — not great for someone with a fear of heights.
"It’s very exciting, but I’m just a bit worried about the viaduct."
When told the viaduct has had trains rumbling over it for more than 130 years without incident, that did not help.
"Yes, that’s what’s worrying me.
"It’s just so high and so long and so old. Hopefully, they’ve kept up with the maintenance over the winter.
"I texted my family this morning and said if the viaduct doesn’t hold, just leave us down there because it’s fairly expensive to get buried.
"You couldn’t get any deeper than that, could you."
With some gentle coaxing from husband Doug, she boarded the train and as usual, the trip went without incident.
The trip is one of two being held each weekend over the summer until March next year.
The Inlander runs in the mornings and The Seasider runs in the afternoons.
The Seasider travels along Otago Harbour before traversing the cliff tops overlooking the Pacific Ocean heading up the coastline past Port Chalmers, offering spectacular ocean views.
