Fears are growing among rail travellers that two of New Zealand's iconic long-distance train services have been permanently axed.<\/p>\n
New Zealand has been closed to almost all international tourists since March 2020. <\/p>\n
As a result, the inter-city Northern Explorer and Coastal Pacific trains have been suspended due to lack of visitors.<\/p>\n
The Northern Explorer is the only rail service between the capital, Wellington, and biggest city Auckland. It was formerly known as The Overlander.<\/p>\n
The South Islands Coastal Pacific connects Christchurch, the biggest city, with Picton the port for ferries from Wellington on North Island. It allowed a rail-sea-rail journey between Auckland and Christchurch.<\/p>\n
Both were suspended in August 2021 due to lack of visitors. But last month the state operator, KiwiRail, announced: We have tried everything in our means to stay on track since Covid-19 rocked the world in 2020.<\/p>\n
With mixed emotions, we have paused our Northern Explorer and Coastal Pacific services while we look towards a new future.<\/p>\n
The operator, which markets the trains under the name Great Journeys of New Zealand, says it is planning a restart in July 2022. But it says: Our new vision is to create multi-day experiences that showcase the best of New Zealand, both on and off the track.<\/p>\n
A multi-day experience will allow passengers to truly unwind and experience our relaxed New Zealand nature at the gentle pace it deserves.<\/p>\n
Staying overnight in rural towns and dazzling cities, visiting world-famous activities and charming local attractions, our dream is to showcase the best of New Zealand beyond the beaten track.<\/p>\n
These are the dreams we are currently researching.<\/p>\n
The statement appears to indicate an end to both trains as standard, inter-city services.<\/p>\n
Mark Smith, the international rail guru known as The Man in Seat Sixty-One, said: It will be the end of normal train service between New Zealands major cities Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.<\/p>\n
He said the rolling stock will be used for rarefied multi-day tourist-only 'land cruises.<\/p>\n
A petition aimed at Michael Wood, the transport minister, has attracted more than 500 signatures.<\/p>\n
It says: We call on the government and KiwiRail to commit to maintaining existing inter-city passenger rail services.<\/p>\n
Furthermore, we ask for a comprehensive national strategy for future passenger rail services built around concern for climate action and economic development.<\/p>\n
KiwiRail says: Our vision is to expand our experiences, so our passengers can see and do more in the regions we travel to and through.<\/p>\n
While both the Coastal Pacific and Northern Explorer train routes are acclaimed scenic spectacles, they are both long journeys deserving of more than a single-day experience.<\/p>\n
Prior to closure, the Northern Explorer covered the 423 miles between Auckland and Wellington in around 10 hours 45 minutes.<\/p>\n
The 215-mile journey from Christchurch to Picton on the Coastal Pacific was scheduled to take five hours.<\/p>\n
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Could two of New Zealands most iconic trains hit the buffers? - The Independent<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Fears are growing among rail travellers that two of New Zealand's iconic long-distance train services have been permanently axed. New Zealand has been closed to almost all international tourists since March 2020. Continue reading