KiwiRail’s iconic TranzAlpine train journey marked 30 years of operation this week with celebrations in Christchurch and Greymouth.
Guests included those involved in the TranzAlpine’s beginning, as well as on-board staff from the first trip, joined by tourism industry figures, dignitaries, KiwiRail staff, passengers and members of the public.
In Christchurch a birthday cake was served and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra entertained people boarding the train. Former NZ Railways southern regional manager John Bennett, a driving force behind the TranzAlpine, shared some history.
The TranzAlpine celebration trip was greeted by a large crowd in Greymouth.
It’s grown to become one of the country’s most popular attractions, KiwiRail chief executive Peter Reidy says.
“The idea for the TranzAlpine was born more than 30 years ago, after it became clear how much passengers on our Christchurch-to-Greymouth service enjoyed the scenery on their journey.
“In November 1987, the first TranzAlpine Express began running. Carriages were refurbished, a buffet service and alcove-style seating introduced, and the viewing experience was enhanced with panoramic windows.
Today, passengers also enjoy an open-air viewing platform and commentary.
“The service has become a New Zealand icon that has been named among the world’s top train journeys by publications including National Geographic and The Travel Luxury Expert,” Reidy says.
“We carry around 55,000 passengers a year into Greymouth, and West Coast Tourism estimates that the TranzAlpine brings in excess of $15 million per annum to the region.”
Passengers on the TranzAlpine on November 22 receive a special limited edition gift, while a special Monteith’s TranzAlpine beer brewed for this occasion is also being served.
The journey covers 223km one-way, taking just under five hours.
