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The iconic Coastal Pacific scenic train has returned to its seven days a week schedule, and is now offering an enhanced premium experience for visitors.
“The strong demand of this journey has also allowed us to introduce a daily service from December 14, which is earlier than anticipated,” says Great Journeys New Zealand general manager Great Journeys New Zealand Tracey Goodall.
On December 14, 2023, Great Journeys New Zealand launched the Coastal Pacific Scenic Plus dining experience. With a brand-new kitchen carriage, there’s now the option to upgrade to a ‘restaurant on rails’. The Scenic Plus service has been designed to bring the flavors of the regions outside the window straight to passengers through a paired food and beverage dining experience. The service has been available on the TranzAlpine since earlier this year, with great success.
“The Coastal Pacific already offers a range of short break packages which encourages visitors to explore beyond the train into the Marlborough and Kaikoura regions. The new Scenic Plus dining experience is an exciting new offering that builds on this, with a menu built upon ingredients sourced from these very regions.
“Our brand-new kitchen carriage provides our culinary experts with more onboard culinary freedom than ever before. Customers will be treated to the experience of not only seeing and hearing the scenery but tasting it too.”
The Coastal Pacific is a key part of both the Kaikoura and Marlborough regional economies, giving visitors an insight into these stunning regions on the South Island’s east coast.
Destination Kaikoura’s destination manager Lisa Bond welcomed the Coastal Pacific back to running seven days a week.
“There is something special about watching the train pull in to the Whaleway Station and witnessing the passenger’s reactions. They are swept away by the contrasting, yet beautiful, sight of an ocean you can hear, taste, and smell, along with the awesome snowcapped mountains looming in the background.”
Acting Destination Marlborough general manager Tracey Green also welcomed the daily return of the train and the passengers it brings.
“The Coastal Pacific service from Christchurch via Kaikoura is one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world and is a great way for people to come into and explore Marlborough. It’s exciting to see it running every day of the week and the new Scenic Plus product offers another level in passenger service.”
The Coastal Pacific runs from September to April each year.
