Media release
World-class upgrade for iconic TranzAlpine train
One of the world’s great scenic train trips has just become even better, following the introduction of KiwiRail’s brand
new scenic carriages to the iconic TranzAlpine journey between Christchurch and Greymouth.
“We’re really excited to introduce a new, international standard train for our most popular Scenic service. The
TranzAlpine is regarded as one of the world’s great train journeys and we are very pleased to introduce world-class
carriages that put us on par with other famous international train trips,” says KiwiRail’s General Manager Passenger
Deborah Hume.
Already running on the Northern Explorer between Auckland and Wellington and the Coastal Pacific between Christchurch
and Picton, the new purpose-built carriages feature an advanced air bag suspension system for quieter and smoother
travel, at-seat GPS triggered journey commentary, information displays and overhead HD video, as well as automatic
sliding glass doors, and panoramic side and roof windows to capture the dramatic coastal and mountain views. A new café
car and brand new menu has also been introduced.
Named by the Lonely Planet as one of New Zealand’s top 20 experiences, the TranzAlpine train is also celebrating 25
years of operation. Ms Hume and KiwiRail Chief Executive Jim Quinn were at Addington Station to mark the anniversary and
farewell passengers travelling on the new carriages for the first time. They were joined by Christchurch Mayor Bob
Parker and Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism Chief Executive Tim Hunter, as well as John Bennett, who was responsible
for the TranzAlpine’s inception.
Yesterday, members of the public had a chance to view the new train at Addington Station before it went into service.
“These new carriages have already proved themselves on the Coastal Pacific and Northern Explorer routes and feedback
from customers, tourism operators and travel writers has been uniformly positive.
“Twenty five years on and the TranzAlpine train is leaps and bounds ahead of where we started. The breathtaking scenery
is still there, but the new train and accompanying tourism packages will bring the experience well and truly onto the
international stage,” Ms Hume says.
ENDS