Waipara Sleepers

Waipara Sleepers is a unique backpackers consisting of a number of former railway wagons on a large country garden property. The railway station and the scenic TranzCoastal express train between Christchurch and Picton are just five minutes' walk away -- it is also a short walk from bus services on the main highway. It is convenient to the Weka Pass Steam Railway.

The dorm rooms consist of former guard's vans, their exteriors restored to the appearance of their days when they traveled at the back of goods trains in New Zealand before the 1990s. The vans each stand on a short length of railway track. The inside of the vans also remain largely intact, although in a clean, well-maintained condition. The red padded seats are still there, and bunks have been built into the large luggage compartment of the vans.

The kitchen and dining room are inside an old country railway station -- the small TV lounge was once a goods wagon. Hot bread is baked and served free each morning. Outside is a BBQ, dining area, and a large chess board sit in a well-kept garden (a great way to spend an hour or two and maybe meet new friends).

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