Spa Travel
New Zealand update – Coastal Pacific scenic train returns!
New Zealand’s Coastal Pacific scenic rail journey between Picton and Christchurch will relaunch from 1 December 2018.
One of New Zealand’s great rail journeys – KiwiRail’s iconic Coastal Pacific scenic journey – will roll again from December 1 this year, two years after the service was put on hold while the railway line was rebuilt following the devastating Kaikoura earthquake.
The rail journey between Picton, at the northern end of the South Island, and Christchurch on the eastern coast is a spectacular journey beginning (or ending) at Picton, in the Marlborough Sounds, passing through the Marlborough wine region, and following a dramatic coastline south to Christchurch.
The 6-hour train trip includes 98km travelling along the rugged Pacific coastline. It also journeys through 22 tunnels and crosses 175 bridges.
Bookings are expected to fill up quickly, according to KiwiRail GM Sales and Commerical, Alan Piper.
“We are delighted to confirm this well-loved service will be running again this summer, allowing thousands of travellers from around the world to once again enjoy this spectacular coastline by train,” Piper says.
“We expect our services to fill up fast, particularly as many people will be keen to take advantage of the service to see the amazing job done to restore the road and railway line through this area.”
It’s also welcome news for the people of Kaikoura, as the Coastal Pacific plays a critical role in the local economy by bringing thousands of tourists into the popular marine resort. Before the earthquake the Coastal Pacific carried about 43,000 passengers into the Marlborough/Kaikoura regions during the summer season, Piper said.
KiwiRail is one of New Zealand’s largest tourism operators, delivering a million tourists around the country each year on its Great Journeys which include the three scenic train services and ferries between the North and South Islands.
Great news for everyone!
